History of The Nordic Pineapple

A Home with Heart and a Century of Stories

Some homes carry history quietly. This one wears it proudly.

The Spalding Family

The house at 506 S Oakland St. first rose in 1861, built by Oliver and Mary Spalding at a time when St. Johns was little more than a growing settlement. What began as a stately family residence quickly became a local landmark, evolving through decades of change, expansion and renovation. By 1911, a major renovation had reshaped the structure into the colonial style beauty guests recognized today, complete with a soaring third-floor ballroom that once echoed with music and laughter.

The Balentine Family

In 1927, the property welcomed the Ballantine family. Ralph and Beulah raised their four children here, affectionately calling it the big house, it lived up to that name, not just in size but in spirit. Neighborhood kids remember roller skating across the ballroom floor. Family gathering spilled across grounds that once boasted formal gardens, fountains, and a tennis court.

It was a home filled with motion, noise, and the delightful chaos of daily life. Even today, when guests climb the grand staircase or step onto the wide, gracious porch, it's easy to imagine the lively energy still lingering in the air.

The Kuntz Family

After the Balentine's moved on, the home eventually came into the care of the Kuntz family, marking another meaningful chapter in its long life. Tony and Agnes Kuntz cherished the property deeply, raising their children here and even converting the second floor into a small apartment community loved by many St. Johns residents. Their stewardship kept the home vibrant and lived in for decades.

Surviving The Fire

Everything changed in 1992, during a restoration project on the upper floor, a fire broke out and smoldered unnoticed. By the time firefighters gained control, flames, smoke, and thousands of gallons of water had devastated much of the interior. Agnes, then 80 years old, stood in the aftermath, overwhelmed. Five feet of water filled the basement; entire sections of the home were compromised. Unsure whether the house could ever recover, the Kuntz family considered tearing it down, a decision Agnes could hardly bear. She didn't want to be the one responsible for ending the story of such an iconic St. Johns home.

It was at this crossroads that the house found an unexpected champion in Mark Barber, a neighbor and local historian who stepped in with a determination to save it. His restoration work began the long process of repairing the structure, renewing its character, and preserving the architectural details that make it special today.

Mark's vision is one that Greg and I share today. He believed this historic home should be lived in, loved, and open to others. In 1994, he and his partner, Terri, brought that dream to life by opening the Oakland Place Bed and Breakfast, welcoming guests for nearly 12 years. When Mark unexpectedly passed away in 2006, the stately home and its thriving B&B slipped into disrepair. For almost a decade, it sat mostly empty, waiting for someone to see what Mark had seen.

Eventually, a new family stepped in with a determination to revive it, transforming the neglected property back into a well-loved home. Mark’s spirit still lingers here, and we are proud to carry forward the legacy he envisioned.

A New Beginning: The Nordic Pineapple

When we purchased the home in 2018, it didn't take long for us to fall in love with its personality: the sweeping staircase, the generous rooms, the sense of comfort that settles over you the moment you walk in.

We opened The Nordic Pineapple not just as a bed and breakfast, but as a way to share this remarkable building with others. Each suite was thoughtfully designed to balance modern comfort with historic charm, from jetted tubs and private porches to original woodwork and airy, sunlit spaces. We poured ourselves into every detail and enjoyed welcoming guests and watching the house come alive again with laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of a good stay.

As the inn grows, so does our vision of its next chapter. In 2025, we welcomed Darci Bartlett, our full-time innkeeper. Darci now oversees the day-to-day operations, greeting guests, preparing breakfast, and caring for the home with the same heart and hospitality that guided us from the start.

This transition has allowed us to focus on the broader guest experience and on creating new offerings for the Nordic pineapple, from immersive weekends and culinary experiences to expanded event programming and new guest packages.

Darci's presence marks an exciting evolution in the inn; she brings the warmth, creativity, and an eye for detail that elevate the guest experience while ensuring the history of this incredible home remains respected and celebrated.

More than 160 years after its foundation, this home continues to welcome travelers, families, friends, and storytellers. Every guest becomes part of its living history. Whether you're relaxing in one of our seven uniquely same suites, sipping coffee on the porch or exploring the charm of downtown St. Johns, you're experiencing a space shaped by generations.

From the Spauldings to the Balentines, from the fire that nearly claimed it to the loving restoration that saved it, from our early days running the inn ourselves to Darci's leadership today, this home has always been a place of comfort, resilience, and genuine hospitality.

And it's a story far from finished. In many ways, it's still just getting started.