Historic Homes of Vero Beach

Vero Beach, often celebrated for its pristine coastline and luxurious waterfront living, also holds a quieter, distinguished treasure: its historic homes. These properties, many dating back to the early-to-mid 20th century, offer a glimpse into the rich architectural and cultural lineage that shaped this elegant coastal city into what it is today.

Unlike the planned developments and new-build estates that now characterize much of Florida’s high-end housing market, Vero Beach’s historic homes convey a rarer, more intimate charm — where craftsmanship, character, and location have remained timeless.

Founded officially in 1919, citrus farming, tourism, and the railroad boom fueled Vero Beach’s early growth. It quickly evolved from a sleepy coastal outpost into a flourishing winter destination for wealthy Northeasterners seeking sun and serenity.

The 1920s brought the Florida Land Boom, during which Mediterranean Revival architecture — with its stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and ornate wrought-iron detailing — found fertile ground. After the boom faded, the area maintained steady, understated growth, preserving much of its natural landscape and historic architecture. Today, Vero Beach stands apart from other Florida coastal cities for its thoughtful balance between heritage and modern luxury.

Historic homes in Vero Beach are not confined to a single district but are mostly clustered along the barrier island and near the downtown core. Some of the key areas include:

Riomar is arguably the crown jewel of Vero Beach’s historic neighborhoods. Established in the 1910s and 1920s, it was the city’s first luxury enclave, created for affluent winter visitors, and included the oceanfront Riomar Country Club. Here, you’ll find exquisite examples of Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and early Florida Vernacular styles, often tucked behind manicured hedges or shaded by sprawling oaks.

Homes in Old Riomar typically feature original Dade County pine floors, pecky cypress ceilings, arched doorways, and deep, shaded porches — authentic architectural elements lovingly preserved or carefully restored. Some estates even retain historic guest cottages and carriage houses, offering a sense of grandeur rarely found today.

Central Beach, located between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, showcases a charming collection of historic homes built between the 1930s and 1950s. This neighborhood embodies the classic Florida beach town aesthetic — think pastel-colored cottages, artful bungalows, and relaxed ranch-style homes — many of which are updated to modern standards while preserving their period charm.

Here, buyers often encounter coquina stone accents, vintage terrazzo flooring, and quintessential Old Florida screened porches designed to capture the ocean breeze.

West of the barrier island, the downtown and McAnsh Park neighborhoods reflect another facet of Vero Beach’s rich architectural story. Many homes here date back to the 1920s and 1930s, originally built for railroad executives, civic leaders, and prominent business families during the Florida Land Boom.

You’ll find a picturesque mix of Mediterranean and Mission Revival homes alongside Florida Bungalows and Minimal Traditional designs, all nestled on generous, oak-shaded lots. This part of town has undergone a renaissance in recent years, with many historic properties receiving careful restorations that celebrate their original character.

Vero Beach’s historic homes offer a vibrant tapestry of early 20th-century architectural styles, including:

• Mediterranean Revival: Heavy stucco walls, barrel tile roofs, and wrought-iron balconies perfectly suited Florida’s climate.
• Spanish Colonial Revival: Similar to Mediterranean Revival but often featuring simpler, whitewashed walls, courtyard gardens, and rounded arches.
• Florida Vernacular: Practical and charming, designed for subtropical living with wide eaves, raised floors, and expansive porches.
• Craftsman Bungalows: Recognizable by their low-pitched gabled roofs, exposed beams, and generous front porches, especially prevalent downtown.

Vero Beach is home to a distinguished collection of landmark properties that continue to shape the city’s architectural identity. Here are several of the most noteworthy:

3150 Ocean Drive | Built: 1937 | Style: Coastal Vernacular / Eclectic

No discussion of Vero Beach’s historic architecture is complete without mention of the Driftwood Inn. Originally the private home of Waldo Sexton — an eccentric entrepreneur and visionary — this rambling oceanfront estate was crafted almost entirely from salvaged materials such as cypress wood, ironwork, and artifacts gathered throughout Florida. While the property operates as a boutique inn, its heart remains that of a historic home. Its whimsical design — complete with intricate wood carvings, pecky cypress walls, and an eclectic collection of relics — captures the free-spirited charm of early Vero Beach.

1723 Old Dixie Hwy SW | Built: 1909 | Style: Florida Masonry Vernacular

One of the oldest surviving homes in Indian River County, the Hallstrom House was originally a private homestead and pineapple plantation house built by Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom. Elevated on piers with wide, breezy porches, it’s a classic example of early Florida vernacular architecture, perfectly adapted for the coastal climate. Today, the property is preserved as a museum, offering visitors a window into the agricultural and residential life of Vero Beach’s earliest settlers.

Riomar Drive to E Causeway Boulevard | Built: from 1919 to 1940 | Styles: Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Florida Vernacular

Rather than a single home, Old Riomar is best understood as a curated collection of historic estates. Set beneath towering oaks and amidst lush tropical landscaping, in between the Indian River and Atlantic Ocean, these homes showcase the finest Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial details: white stucco façades, red tile roofs, arched arcades, and hand-forged ironwork. Walking or driving through Riomar offers a glimpse into the luxurious, understated glamour of Vero Beach’s early days as a winter haven.

2179 10th Avenue | Built: 1937 | Style: Monterey Colonial

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Judge Henry F. Gregory House is a pristine example of Monterey Colonial architecture — a style uncommon in Florida. This elegant two-story residence features a symmetrical façade, a cross-gabled roof, stucco exterior, and classical detailing. The home reflects a sophisticated blend of Spanish influence and American colonial tradition, marking it as one of Vero Beach’s most architecturally significant properties.

For those seeking more than just a home — and a connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless coastal lifestyle — contact Ben Bryk today and allow his experience and expertise to help you navigate Vero Beach’s luxury real estate market, including both historic and modern homes for sale.