8535 S Tropical Trail, Merritt Island

Modern Riverfront Magic on South Tropical Trail

Where modern architecture meets Florida’s natural beauty, this direct Indian River estate captures the art of light, balance, and effortless connection. Renovated in 2017, the 3-bedroom plus office residence merges clean-lined design with the warmth of organic textures, creating a space that feels both contemporary and timeless. A canopy of mature oaks leads down a paver drive to the home’s striking façade—geometric in form, softened by lush landscaping and the glimmer of water just beyond. Every architectural line feels intentional, framing a living experience centered on serenity, flow, and the quiet drama of riverfront living.

The Great Flow

Step through the double doors into a sweeping open plan where sunlight filters through walls of glass, stretching across the living, dining, and Florida Room. The ceiling angles upward toward clerestory windows, emphasizing airiness and volume while natural wood accents add grounded warmth. Durable LVP flooring unites the main spaces with smooth continuity, while expansive sliders blur the lines between interior and the surrounding gardens. The Florida Room, positioned perfectly for relaxation or entertaining, offers versatility and direct visual connection to the water—inviting both stillness and conversation in equal measure.

A Kitchen Designed for Living

Anchoring the heart of the home, the kitchen reflects the property’s modern ethos with clean geometry and purposeful function. The open layout keeps it connected to the dining zone and breakfast nook, which together create an easy rhythm for gatherings or quiet mornings. Framed by oversized windows, this entire space feels drenched in light, with the views taking center stage. Every surface and fixture aligns to balance modern practicality with calm, coastal sophistication—uncomplicated, functional, and beautifully proportioned.

Private Riverfront Escape

The first-floor primary suite is a secluded retreat positioned for maximum privacy and river exposure. Large picture windows fill the room with reflected light off the water, giving it a gentle, shifting glow throughout the day. Just steps away, the ensuite bath features dual vanities, a glass-enclosed shower, and a walk-in closet that feels both spacious and thoughtfully integrated. From the bedroom, a private door opens to the screened patio, creating a direct link between rest and the river breeze—a true sanctuary that mirrors the home’s focus on peaceful connection.

Smart Work, Calm Mind

Also on the main level, a dedicated office captures the surrounding greenery through oversized corner windows. This space—separated just enough from the main living areas—balances focus with inspiration, offering the perfect vantage point for creative work or quiet reflection. Its flexible design also allows for alternate use, whether as a studio, hobby space, or reading retreat.

Everyday Practicality, Elevated

A hallway just off the kitchen leads to the home’s everyday essentials: the laundry room, full bath, and convenient access to the detached garage. These spaces are designed with efficiency in mind, yet maintain the same modern finishes and clean lines found throughout the home. Even the transitions here are intentional, keeping sightlines open and movement intuitive.

The Upstairs Perspective

At the top of the staircase, the second-floor loft offers a remarkable vantage—where cedar-planked ceilings meet river views framed by glass. It’s a scene that feels like a treehouse, where light plays through the branches just beyond the windows. The loft functions beautifully as an upstairs sitting area or additional media space, with soft carpet underfoot and open railing that maintains a visual connection to the main level below. Two guest bedrooms extend from this space, each featuring generous closets and large windows overlooking the tropical landscape. Between them, the shared Jack-and-Jill bath is sleek and inviting, featuring dual vanities and a walk-in shower with river pebble tile accents—adding organic texture to the home’s clean architectural language.

Outdoor Living, Refined

Stepping through the Florida Room, the screened patio becomes a front-row seat to the river’s daily performance. The space is covered with a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling that mirrors the home’s warm interior palette, while stamped concrete flooring provides a grounded foundation. Beyond the screen, the backyard unfolds with manicured greenery, mature trees draped in moss, and an uninterrupted stretch of waterfront serenity. The private dock—crafted with state-of-the-art Sure Step decking—extends gracefully into the Indian River. Perfect for boating, kayaking, or quiet evening reflection, it transforms the water into a seamless extension of the home’s living space. As the sun sets, light spills across the property, creating golden reflections that dance along the dock and frame the home in soft color.

Architectural Harmony

Every element of this residence speaks to cohesion—the interplay of vertical glass, the low horizontal roofline, the balance of tone and texture. From its double-height living spaces to the gentle approach beneath a canopy of mature trees, the property feels anchored in both design and place. The detached two-car garage complements the home’s modern form and provides practical function without disrupting the landscape’s rhythm.

Property Highlights

• Spectacular direct Indian River frontage with private dock & Sure Step decking

• 3 bedrooms plus an office and spacious loft

• Fully renovated in 2017 with open-concept design and vaulted ceilings

• LVP and tile flooring throughout main living areas

• First-floor primary suite with private screened patio access and river views

• Detached 2-car garage with covered breezeway connection

• Screened and covered patio with tongue-and-groove ceiling

• Newer paver driveway, professional landscaping, and hurricane-rated windows

• Dual air conditioners and beautifully balanced modern-coastal aesthetic

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