In the world of winemaking, the word “terroir” is used as a concept to describe the essence of a particular vineyard. To harness the full power of the terroir, winemakers consider aspects that can affect the grapes and ultimately the wine, such as climate, people, smells, sounds, or animals found on the vineyard. Terroir is not simply exclusive to winemaking or even products in general; it can also refer to intangibles like a particular area’s culture. For example, there is normally a vast difference between the terroir of an ocean and the terroir of a mountain because the sights, sounds, smells, and temperatures vary drastically. But for Vero Beach native Christine Walker, the essence of both boil down to one word: truth.
Walker, the owner of Ocean Drive’s Studio Gabriel, vacationed in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family as a child. She continued her visits as an adult, and on vacation with her fellow Vero native, partner Tom Hope, she met the owner of a farm-to-table bed-and-breakfast. This owner raised animals, harvested food, ran the bed-and-breakfast, and, coincidentally, had a beauty parlor in her basement. Inspired by this kindred cosmetology spirit, Walker adopted her as a mentor and decided to follow in her footsteps.
These footsteps took her to the rural area of Mars Hill, North Carolina, where she and Hope followed gravel roads to find their own piece of land. The search was not initially smooth, but as Walker believes, “If you put your dream out into the universe, it happens.” Her dream came true with a 158-acre enchanted forest complete with underground electrical wires and the basic infrastructure of gravel roads. At a 4,200-foot elevation, she not only saw a spectacular view, but she also saw a vision for the land that was now hers.
Surrounded by a lush canopy of viridian, emerald, and kelly green leaves, Walker says she immediately knew her goal was to “share this paradise with other people so they, too, can get in touch with nature.” She wanted to create a place where people could come to rest, re-center, and find their truth. Hope readily admits this vision was more hers than his, but, as he says, “She is the hardest-working person I know, and I am happy to help her build her dream.”
Knowing they needed a destination worthy of the mountain, they decided to create Vero Mountain, a glamorous camping destination where guests enjoy nature in a 5-star setting. Regular tent or cabin walls were unacceptable, because glamping guests need quarters that provide a seamless transition between man and nature. To fill this tall order, they chose “geodomes” (geodesic domes) and glass suites.
Three maiden geodomes, named Truth, Tranquility, and Timeless, grace the land atop the mountain. The entire front of each dome is clear glass to allow a completely unobstructed view of the mountains in the distance. Seated over a covered second level, which houses a hot tub and grill, these domes boast exquisite decor that truly captures the feel of each theme. Walker and Hope decided to make the decor of each dome unique, thus allowing guests to truly enjoy a glamping experience tailored to their specific style.
Unique designs carry to the glass suites tiered farther down the mountain. Each of the four suites has its own personality, ranging from emerald elegance to boho chic. While the designs may vary, there is one non-negotiable: two sides of each suite are mirrored glass, thereby fully immersing guests in the thick forest outside their windows. Those willing to sleep with their curtains wide open can become part of the morning sunlight show that plays on the leaves.
Walker and Hope didn’t stop at simply making the mountain feel like home for guests; they also wanted to make the mountain home for a menagerie of farm animals. Walker swears that cows are in her blood because her grandfather was a cattle farmer in Vero, but she didn’t stop at cows. She fell in love with goats, and then donkeys, pigs, chickens, and horses. An integral part of Vero Mountain, the farm animals provide guests with a sense of whimsy as they are greeted by all the animals desiring to be part of the conversation.
In fact, the animals were invited guests at Vero Mountain’s first wedding. Vero Beach resident Jessie Schlitt Collins, daughter of James Schlitt, was the first bride on the property. At the time, Vero Mountain wasn’t particularly wedding-ready, but that didn’t matter to Jessie. As frequent visitors to the neighboring town of Wolf Laurel, she and her family are very familiar with the area. She always wanted a mountain wedding, and Walker and Hope invited her to have her ceremony at Vero Mountain.
Collins says, “Tom and Christine could not have been more helpful or welcoming.” She reminisces fondly about her wedding pictures featuring some of the animals, and the pictures they took in the tack barn when it started raining. For her, all that mattered was getting married in the mountains, where, she says, “I always go when I need peace, quiet, and tranquility. Sometimes, I just need to feel part of the mountain.”
Buoyed by the success of the Schlitt-Collins wedding, Vero Mountain opened another building to become officially wedding-ready. In April 2025, renovations were completed on the property’s tobacco barn, which is now able to welcome parties of up to 80 people. The barn’s 19th-century construction lends a charm that is amplified by two enormous chandeliers that help set the stage for rustic glamour.
By opening the tobacco barn to events, Walker also envisions yoga retreats, mother-daughter retreats, or even summer camps.
Expansion is definitely in the cards, but it is important to Walker that it be done properly with respect to the mountain. This belief attracts local residents to offer help as she learns her way. Everyone from her “cow guy,” who lives down the road, to Scott Carsner, the property’s previous owner, has lent a hand and words of advice. As Carsner says, “I knew it was going to work when I met Christine. The synergy of the place is all coming together with her here. The mountain needs people, but it has to be done the right way. You have to live on the mountain to understand the mountain.”
From their project’s inception approximately five years ago, Walker and Hope have constantly been open to understanding the mountain. They have learned many lessons, such as how to unfreeze pipes with a hair dryer, help animals give birth, and navigate seasons. They have also built a community and realized their dreams. Perhaps most important, Walker has found what she considers her truth. This is why the name they chose, Vero Mountain, is more than just a tribute to their hometown of Vero Beach. The word “vero” translates to truth, and her “vero” is to make people happy on her mountain, where magic whispers in the wind.
True Tails is a series written by Amy Robinson for Vero Beach’s dog lovers. Ask Amy about your dog’s behavior by clicking below.
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