The Bellrose Family Lavender House Abandoned After Market Crash

The Bellrose family established Lavender Crest House in 1909 after Henri Bellrose purchased farmland near the village of Westmere and built the residence for his growing household. Three generations lived there, including Henri, his wife Clara, their children, and later grandchildren who helped manage the lavender fields. The family earned income from dried flower sales, essential oil production, and seasonal agricultural contracts.

Records from the period describe a maintained Victorian home with active gardens, greenhouse work, and regular repairs before economic changes weakened the family business.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when the Bellroses received overdue payment notices from suppliers after several flower contracts were cancelled. By 1929, the market crash reduced demand for luxury agricultural products, forcing Henri to dismiss seasonal workers and close the upper greenhouse walkway. The family stopped repairing the veranda, shutters, and broken greenhouse panels. Heavy debts from farm loans and unpaid equipment costs followed. In 1933, creditors placed the property under legal review, and the remaining Bellrose family members left for rented housing in Westmere while ownership disputes continued.

Lavender Crest House was abandoned in 1934 after foreclosure followed years of agricultural debt, market collapse, and unresolved ownership issues. No restoration occurred, and no Bellrose descendants returned after leaving the region. County records mention unsuccessful attempts to sell the isolated property and continued deterioration of the greenhouse structures. The remaining rooms stayed closed with documents and household belongings left behind. Over decades, weather damage, plant growth, and structural decay affected the residence. The lavender field house remains empty beside the abandoned greenhouse, continuing to deteriorate without restoration or confirmed future ownership.