The Larimore House: NoCo’s very own plantation

History runs deep at the Larimore House in Spanish Lake, an 1850s Italianate mansion and former plantation that's now rented out for special events.

When I was kid growing up near Spanish Lake, I remember seeing the Larimore House peeking out from behind a vast thicket of trees. A weathered old gem that seemed to hold some kind of secret, it always fired up my Nancy Drew fantasies and made me wonder, “What in the world IS that place?” Well, now I know, and so will you. NOCO contributor Jo Batzer takes us on a tour of one of the grandest historic homes in North County, the Larimore House Plantation…

Hollywood has led us to believe that grand plantation homes exist only in the Deep South. But as with most Hollywood stereotypes, that just isn’t true. In fact, North County boasts its own authentic plantation home – the historic Larimore House, which once sat at the heart of a farm called the Midwest’s “premier agricultural showcase.”

In 1850, Wilson Larimore moved from Kentucky to the area north of St. Louis now known as Spanish Lake. He farmed 2,000 acres there using the latest technology of the day – the steam engine tractor – and by 1858, he had also constructed the exquisite home that still stands on his property today. It’s one of the finest examples of early Italianate architecture in the metro area.

Most of Larimore’s original acreage has long since been sold off, but what remains gives a romantic glimpse back to what life was like on a real working farm in the mid-19th century. Back then, Larimore was considered one of the most innovative and productive farmers in the region, using mechanical farming equipment that was then a new concept. In 1866, he even won prestigious awards for “best improved and most highly cultivated farm” from the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association and “Model Farm of Missouri” by the Missouri Agricultural Society. It was a very big deal.

Using just 500 acres, in 1850, Larimore yielded 4,000 bushels of corn, along with large amounts of hay, rye, sweet potatoes, grass seed, beeswax and honey. He also had least 300 sheep and 150 pigs roaming his farm, as well as sixteen slaves working it.

By 1878, Larimore sold his farm and moved to the city of St. Louis with his sons, eventually dying in 1887. Around the turn of the century, his property was purchased by the Penningroth family, who sold off most of the land and used the house as a summer home for nearly 100 years.

By the time Rick and Carole Bovey bought the Larimore plantation in 1989, it was down to just 5.5 acres and in need of serious TLC. They restored the house and revived the landscape to its former glory, ultimately transforming it into a full-service destination for weddings and other events. Today, their son Allen and his wife, Dena, run the business and maintain the historic home, welcoming thousands of visitors every year.

The picturesque gardens surrounding the house are landscaped with photo shoots in mind. The large, mature oak and maple trees give a shady, old-world feel to the grounds. Original out-buildings dot the property, including a smoke house, water well and solid brick outhouse. The tranquil, historic atmosphere bids you to slow down, to relax, even stroll.

But there’s new life too – a large koi pond and stream cut across the east lawn complete with gazebo and bridge. Between the house and Wedding Center is a beautiful multi-tiered fountain that serves as an elegant focal point. A popular photo spot is the old-fashioned tree swing hanging from one of the mature black walnuts.

All four seasons are beautiful at Larimore House Plantation, inside and out. Holiday decorations adorn the chapel and reception site during December, along with a 15-foot Christmas tree gracing the house. Spring and fall are particularly lovely on the grounds, according to Allen. Fall has its palette of golden colors with a carpet of fallen leaves and, in spring, dogwoods in bloom share the spotlight with peonies, hydrangeas and, of course, brides.

A carved, marble gazebo is the focal point of the south lawn area where outdoor ceremonies are held. The home’s second floor balcony provides a stunning view over this area and its formal circular plantings of impatiens, ivy and monkey grass. Two large spiral junipers flank the gazebo, while large potted palms and ferns provide a neutral yet elegant background that complements any wedding color scheme.

All of this beauty and elegance are not without work, however. Allen and Dena put in approximately two full days every week doing maintenance like mowing, leaf pickup and dead-heading. Then throw in the occasional storm damage. After the destructive 2006 storms left much of North County without power for days, the Bovey’s still managed to pull off the scheduled weddings with the aid of generators (and the Spanish Lake Fire Department on call!). It was a true sign of their dedication, considering they had to also clean up the debris from an enormous fallen silver maple that cut across one drive and destroyed the family van!

In 1989, the Larimore Plantation was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1996, the site was named an official Landmark and Preservation Area by Saint Louis County. These days, the house and grounds are more gorgeous than ever, still heavy with a sense of history but thoughtfully updated to accommodate modern conveniences. No doubt Wilson Larimore would be very pleased.

Larimore House Plantation is located at 11475 Lilac, 63138. For more info, call (314) 868-8009.

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Jo Batzer has lived in North County most of her life and is excited to be a part of the NOCO team. She has worked in the horticulture and florist industries for over 25 years and is the garden leader at Twillman House Community Garden. Jo lives and gardens in the Spanish Lake area with her husband, two sons and two dogs.

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