Archeology at the Lake House!

Part of the fun of purchasing a new home? 

The seasonal landscape mysteries. What is going to pop up and when? It takes a full 12 months to decipher. 

Our latest adventure at our weekend lake cottage? From beneath 7” of ground cover, I unearthed a woodland staircase going up to our back acres. We didn’t even know it existed. 

When I climbed it? A wooded trail revealed itself as it was lined with spring bulbs. New houses are always such a mystery. Embrace the fun, Buyers!

Under Contract: 5014 Parker Ave in South City

Craving gingerbread?

This lovely 1930’s brick bungalow popped up on the market yesterday to dozens of frenzied showings. Last night, my Buyers duked it out with competition and we got it! YES. This historic beauty, packed with original architectural goodies, closes escrow at the end of the month. 

A warm congratulations to the S clan for contracting this beauty and a sincere thank you to wonderful B and T for their kind referral. You guys are the best!❤️

If you are contemplating a 2021 move, the time to start strategizing is NOW, friends.  Need advice or someone to bounce ideas off of?  Curious about what your house is worth?  Need more space or a home office or more room for at-home-learning?  Seeking a quiet weekend retreat outside of the city?  I can help, let's connect!

Hubba hubba, hello gorgeous stained glass!

Nothing says “Wakey, wakey rise and shine” like...  

...morning light filtered through a breathtaking 1925 stained glass window in pristine condition. 

 Now that is my type of headboard!

Historic Eye Candy in South City...

 

Whether it is your personal preference or not, one must appreciate a perfectly maintained 1911 powder room with all of the original architectural goodies in pristine condition. 110 years old never looked so good.✨❤️

Under Contract: 515 Newport Avenue in Webster Groves

1932 never looked so good... 

The exciting news just rolled in that my fabulous buyers contracted this Webster Groves beauty with historic curb appeal for DAYS!  If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught a little peek of the stunning original woodwork over the weekend.

Excuse my muffled "mask voice"- Covid safety first.  Regardless, PRISTINE.

Lovely new (to them) home for a wonderful couple... this gem closes escrow in 4 short weeks. Congrats, Team Newport! I am so very excited for you.

Hello, gorgeous!

The day that I stop sharing historic architectural eye candy with you guys is likely the day that I die. A peek at my weekend, just because... 

 1899. Compton Heights. No filter. Stunning.

Old House Love!

 In historic homes, the true beauty is always in the details...

Hello, Tuesday!

150 years old never looked so good!

When business takes you to Lafayette Square...

...you take your time to explore and soak in the beauty of the stunning 19th century architecture. It never gets old, friends... my heart pitter-patters every time I am here.❤️

Peek at my day...

Pristine 1921 untouched original woodwork in Richmond Heights?

 Spectacular! 100 years old never looked so good?! *swoon*

Always an adventure!

A teeny peek at my Sunday afternoon of showings...
... an architectural relic mystery in the basement of a vacant house. Always an adventure!

Let there be LIGHT!

Wow!  Rethink your space, Homeowners. Small changes can result in HUGE visual impact, particularly when you incorporate continuing lines and more natural light. Ceiling for days!

Sycamore, Illinois architecture never disappoints!

I have admired this 1886 Queen Anne style mansion for more than 20 years in my husband’s hometown...

I was surprised to find it on the market during our recent visit. 8000sqft and ready for it? Only 450k. 3 finished stories, original silk wallpaper, untouched woodwork in pristine condition, pocket doors galore, 9 functional fireplaces, a carriage house, and gorgeous grounds. So many lovely original architectural goodies that I had to share!

Iowa College tours, historic estates!

College Tour Summer 2019 continues in Casa de Nenonen as our youngest nears closer to his Senior year.  Back to school in 2 weeks!

I have mentioned numerous times here on the blog over the years that I earned my real estate license while my youngest was in utero.  The older he gets?  There is no doubt that the love for historic architecture is in his blood! Hence, the perfect finale to his Iowa college tours? A tour of the lovely Salisbury Estate in Des Moines...

Built in 1923 by Carl Weeks, the inventor of foundation makeup, the estate was modeled after this beauty...

The handsome 14th century King's House in Salisbury, England. 

The original projected budget for the Week estate started at $150,000... but ended with the final cost of a whopping 3 million. It is a spectacular blend of architectural styles and interesting salvaged architectural goodies from all over the world.  I highly recommend a visit to the museum if ever in the Des Moines area.❤️

A teeny peek at our tour...

Learn more about the history of the estate here...

As far as my boy goes...

While it has been fun times exploring the country with him this summer in pursuit of his dream college, now the choice is up to him!  We shall see.

NITTY GRITTY:

Salisbury House and Gardens
4025 Tonawanda Drive
Des Moines, IA 50312
Phone:(515) 274-1777

Web: https://salisburyhouse.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salisburyhousedsm 

Historic Eye Candy in Potosi...

The only thing better than a playful 1880’s historic home? 

One with a coordinating playhouse! 😍 In our continued search for secluded Nenonen weekend cabin possibilities, I was pulled 60 miles SW of St. Louis this AM to tour a lakefront cutie. I couldn’t believe all of the architectural eye-candy in town though?! Potosi was founded in the 1760’s as a lead mining town and charming historic homes like this abound!

They say that the devil is in the details...

If loving this late 19th century Frenchtown architectural goodness is wrong... 

...I don’t want to be right. Swoon. 😍

SOLD: The Penthouse in The York House

I don’t do lease work regularly, but occasionally, I assist a client in acquiring a special property.  This one takes the cake! The photographs of this historic 3,300 square-foot penthouse suite, with a private rooftop deck overlooking the Central West End and Forest Park, speak for themselves...

Lovely, isn’t it? My clients are tickled pink and move in next month! A sincere thank you to my client for the opportunity to help implement this exciting move.  In addition, a warm moment of gratitude to my former client turned friend, C, for the generous corporate client referral.💛  See the full listing HERE.

About the building: The York House, adjacent to the historic Chase Park Plaza hotel in the heart of the Central West End, was completed in 1922. It was originally named the Chase Apartments after its creator, Chase Ullman. It’s architectural design combines elements of Neoclassical revival with a muted Beaux Art style, consistent with the history and character of the neighborhood. 

This beauty was built in an era of sophisticated urban living, and this block was the center of it all. “Meet Me in St. Louis” was filmed right along Lindell Boulevard.   The Chase Club next-door was the place to see celebrity performers including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. These events were broadcast locally and nationally, and this block became a mainstay for entertainment. Later in the century, KPLR Channel 11 was headquartered in the building, and filming took place in the adjacent studio. During the flood of 1993, Peter Jennings broadcasted the ABC national news from the fourth floor of the York house.

It is a gorgeous building and a very unique unit in one of the most ideal locations in St. Louis.  A special new home for a special client, indeed!

In St. Louis and considering a move in 2019? The time to start planning is now! Have a friend who is looking for an agent?  I proudly base my business on direct referrals and wear my past client reviews like a badge of honor.  Let’s connect...

Did you know, St. Louis? Soulard Market Edition.

Our youngest son is currently taking a History of St. Louis class at school, and every single day he comes home with an interesting St. Louis tidbit that I didn’t know before. 

Friends, tell the truth: 

Did you know that there is a gymnasium above Soulard Farmers Market? Over 4 decades in this city and countless Soulard visits... I did NOT. Mind blown.

Overcast Scene Downtown

Hello, Tuesday...

...Good morning, St. Louis! ❤️ Storm skies as the Gateway Arch peeks over the shoulder of the Old Cathedral (aka the 1st cathedral west of the Mississippi, circa 1834).

Under Contract: 435 South Elm in Webster Groves

I adore a good love story! My Buyers stumbled in to this historic Webster Groves home yesterday and immediately knew. After an evening of negotiation, I received the accepted contract at 5:30 this AM.  Yippee!  What a terrific start to a new week.  🏡❤️

This home epitomizes classic 1902 charm from the wraparound porch and pristine pocket doors to the pink stained glass transom and the dreamy peaked walk-up attic! 

A quick peek at some of the architectural goodies...

This beauty closes escrow in November.  A warm congratulations to the fabulous F duo for a fresh start in gorgeous historic Webster.

If you are in St. Louis and contemplating a move, the market is still strong and moving with plentiful inventory and falling prices.  It is a GREAT time to be a Buyer. Let's connect...