Vero Beach native Dr. Allyson Blandford, D.V.M., was thrilled when her husband, Dr. Alexander Blandford, an ophthalmologist who specializes in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, joined the Center for Advanced Eye Care. It meant she would be close to her family again.
“My whole family lives in Vero. My grandmother was born here,” says Allyson, adding that she wanted to be close to her mother when she and her husband started having children.
Their move to Vero Beach was simply meant to be, says Allyson. “I can work anywhere, but with my husband’s specialty, I couldn’t believe it when he had this opportunity.”
She was over the moon when they purchased the home at 635 Honeysuckle Lane in River Oaks Estates on the barrier island. “I’ve always wanted to live in Central Beach,” she shares.
Now, though, they need more space for their growing family, Allyson explains. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be going anywhere. The house is located where you want to be in Central Beach. We have Riverside Park in one direction and Cardinal Drive in the other.”
Allyson added that she likes the “flower streets” because homes are between the bridges and you don’t have to cross over Beachland Boulevard as often in the daily round. As an aside, the streets on the barrier island are named for trees north of Beachland Boulevard and flowers south of the boulevard.
They had everything they needed within walking distance of the 1960s bungalow, she adds. “We could walk to the Farmers Market every Saturday and grab an orange slushie from El Sid. I’m going to miss that.”
The canopy of mature oaks that casts a continuous shadow across the circular drive and the face of the house really cools things down, according to Allyson. Arriving home from errands, you can pull into the single-car garage or onto the cement pad on the side of the house, which is also perfect for parking your boat or RV.
A portico runs across the front of the house, providing a covered spot to sit and watch people pass by. The front door opens into the living and dining room where Allyson says they spent most of their time.
Core Tech Lux vinyl acacia wood plank flooring creates a sense of continuity and windows across the front allow for plenty of natural light to permeate throughout the generous space.
With the kitchen just off the dining room, it’s easy to entertain. Windows across the back allow you to keep an eye on the children playing on the screened back porch or in the backyard beyond. Granite countertops, subway tile, soft-close drawers, wood-plank tiles and KitchenAid appliances brighten the elegantly updated kitchen.
The laundry room and garage are on the west side of the home with access to the backyard so the kids don’t have to traipse through the whole house coming in for a glass of water in the kitchen.
Two guest bedrooms sharing a bathroom and the owner’s suite are located on the eastern side of the house. Terrazzo floors lend a hint of nostalgia to the bedrooms in the beachy cottage, says Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty listing agent Michelle Clarke, also noting the surprisingly generous closet space.
The bathroom in the owner’s suite has been updated. Honeycomb tile adds a level of sophistication created with clean lines and shades of gray.
Elegant appointments, including recessed lighting, crown molding, deep baseboards and plantation shutters blend with the beachy vibe of the house.
Outside the screened porch, a pergola provides additional shade over a cement pad, perfect for grilling out. The large, fenced backyard is spacious enough to add a pool if the new owner decides they want one – even though they are only a few blocks from the ocean.
“It has a nice backyard so the kids always have an outlet to go just run in the grass,” says Allyson.
The shed is plumbed for electricity, which provides additional space for hobbies and storage.
River Oaks Estates is located between the bridges, making it convenient to mainland shopping and a short walk to the beach and the Ocean Drive shopping and dining district. Cultural offerings are nearby at Riverside Theatre or the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Riverside Park offers an exercise trail, municipal tennis facility and boat launch. The City Marina and an off-leash dog park are a short bike ride away.
Photos provided
