Pineapples are a universal symbol of hospitality and have a long history in Vero Beach. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, pineapple plantations were plentiful here.
A few of the historic buildings that were part of the industry are still standing, including the Hallstrom House on Old Dixie Highway, and this week’s property, a unique estate on nearly 3 acres of land, located in Indian River Farms subdivision, one of the first housing developments in Vero.
What used to the be the weigh station for the plantation is now a house that has been lovingly refurbished with every luxurious detail a discerning owner could desire in a refuge such as this.
Henri Blaine bought and renovated this house as a labor of love. Three separate, distinct living areas make up this compound, the perfect home for a three generations of a family, a celebrity with a need for security, or for those who need live-in help.
Built in 1937, the first floor of the house was where the pineapples were weighed, while the second floor served as employee living quarters.
Blain, a Boston businessman and designer, first spotted the house when he was supposed to be meeting someone for an appointment on 12th Street, but went down 16th Street by accident. Intrigued by the auction signs at the estate, he decided to have a look at the property, which was, in his own words, “abandoned, horrible, and really distressed.”
Recognizing the innate beauty of the Florida Vernacular building, Blain purchased the house and painstakingly restored it in 2007, staying true to its structural and historical integrity.
“People said to me, ‘Why did you buy this old house?’ But I loved it,” said Blain. “When I stopped working, I said I was going to take a structure, design it with my parents’ tastes in mind, and see if it could enhance their lives. It was the perfect size and five minutes from the beach.”
Blain adored his parents, who worked hard their entire lives. He designed the house with private, dignified assisted living in mind, so that his parents could be with members of different generations their family.
“As people get older they like to be with their families, but not with with them,” said Blain. “They like, and need, some [personal] space. But the warmth of living with people you love nearby is so important.”
“The house really draws you in,” said Beverlee Pulling, a broker associate with Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty, who listed the property for $1,875,000. “It is enchanting, like in a fairy tale.”
The hospitable warmth draws visitors into the first-floor family common area, consisting of a media room, a living area, and an open kitchen with a cork floor and a sunny tiled back splash. An island seating four divides the kitchen and the living areas. The kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, granite countertops, gas cook top with pot filler, dual wall ovens, and a wine cooler.
“My mom and dad created the warmth of that house,” said Blain. “It is the feeling that when you come into the house, you want to put your feet up and have a beer
A spacious den with dining area opens to the screen-enclosed pool and patio.
In the front of the house is the sunlit master suite with an enclosed office area, built-in book cases, walk-in closet, private bath and shower, with a floor tiled with beach stones, and views of the lush grounds.
There is another bedroom with a private bath on the first floor.
Located on the second floor is the caregiver’s suite, which has a full kitchen, dining area, living room, full bath, bedroom with walk-in closet, along with a small balcony overlooking the pool.
The striking attention to detail in this area was intentional.
“You need to respect everyone who is going to take care of your mom and dad.” Blain explained.
A cabana overlooking the screen-enclosed private pool offers a welcoming entertainment area with a kitchen, bath, and comfortable bedroom.
The palatial three-car garage has a gorgeous, blue terrazzo floor that is clean enough and spacious enough to sleep ten kids, Blain said.
Other features include a high tech security system and fortified fence, along with ample parking for entertaining.
Blain says that although he loves the house and what it represents, the time has come to downsize. He has other creative endeavors in mind, but will maintain ties with Vero Beach.
