All Entries in the "Real Estate" Category

Rooms with a View: 9756 E Lookout Court

In 1917, when Riverview Drive was nothing but a dirt road hugging the banks of the Mississippi, St. Louis real estate developers R.W. Sikking & Robert Beckwith hatched an ambitious plan. Eyeing the vast stretch of wooded hillside overlooking the river, they purchased 255 acres of prime bluff property and proceeded to sell off individual lots at a brisk pace.

Many of the buyers were well-heeled city dwellers like lumber magnate Ben Fry, who built a lavish 10-room residence with formal gardens and a grand pergola. But most of the homes constructed in the Riverview Gardens subdivision were actually summer cottages, chicken ranches and what the developers called “little city farms,” where men of modest means could work in the city, live in the country and grow their own food.

“The interest in Riverview Gardens,” said Sikking in a 1917 Post-Dispatch article, “is due to the fact that the home sites overlook the river and have the most attractive surroundings, including the magnificent Chain of Rocks Park and the long stretch of drive along the top of the towering bluff. The sites are in the country, in the sense that the homeowners can own their automobiles and raise enough [food] to pay the equivalent of rent; and they are in the city in the sense that they are right at the city limits, with street car service and other city conveniences.”

By 1919, Sikking & Beckwith were selling a “little city farm” every single day, at prices ranging from $250 to $500. But around the same time, others were flocking to the bluff for entirely different reasons, including the owners of Peabody Coal, who decided to build a tiny rustic cottage at 9756 E. Lookout Court. It was here, at this secluded half-acre hideaway with sweeping river views, that company higher-ups would escape to play cards, entertain women and sneak a drink during Prohibition.

A few years later, in 1926, legend has it that CEO Francis Peabody’s mother (or perhaps grandmother) wanted to use the cottage as a summer residence. But finding it a bit too small and rustic for her needs, she oversaw the construction of an addition, bringing the house to its current size of 1,000 square feet. She added two bedrooms, an indoor bathroom and a small basement, and reportedly lived there with a maid. She was also responsible for the Spanish Revival details on the exterior facade.

In 1951, after 30 years of ownership, the Peabody family sold the property to a couple who lived on Riverview Drive below. Unfortunately, the husband died soon after, leaving his widow to live alone in the cottage for another 40 years. She finally sold the home in 1991 to its third owner, Gena Scott, who has lovingly cared for it ever since.

Scott is an artist, a former antique store owner and an all-around free spirit, just like many of her neighbors on the bluff. And now that her health is declining, she is committed to finding the next owner and caretaker for this fantastic little rustic cottage.

During her time in the house, she often rose before dawn to paint, capturing the river’s changing colors in the sunlight. Her goal now is to share this one-of-a-kind haven with another creative soul, someone who will cherish the unique energy of the property and use the magnificent landscape for inspiration. Perhaps that person is you…

 

9756 E. Lookout Court is currently on the market for $98,000, including a half-acre of land. More photos and info available here.

If you’d like a buyer’s agent to show you this delightful vintage home on the most spectacular lot, I would be more than happy. Contact me at (314) 359-5927 or shannon@STLhomeswithsoul.com.

 

1480 Alicia: your own private NoCo wonderland

If you’re a regular NOCO reader, you know that I love to highlight North County’s many hidden gems. Well, this one is certainly very well hidden, and there’s absolutely no doubt that it’s a diamond in the rough. In fact, this sprawling house at 1480 Alicia Avenue may be one of the coolest places I’ve ever come across in NoCo.

For one, it sits on ten acres! And that’s ten lush, wooded acres with a natural creek and a horse pasture, all tucked away on a private road in the heart of Ferguson. As if that’s not awesome enough, the property also has a horse stable, a huge workshop building and a massive, one-of-a-kind house……a 4,700-square-foot executive home that offers all kinds of great possibilities.

Back in 2006, when the city of Ferguson considered developing this land into a new subdivision, the asking price was a whopping $695,000. But now, thanks to our lackluster economy, you can snag this incredible suburban wonderland for just $199,900!

So what’s the catch? I have to be honest, it’s a pretty big one.

Cosmetically, this place is a mess. Seriously. There isn’t a single room that doesn’t need work, and there are many, many rooms to deal with. But, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and spend a decent chunk of change on renovations, you just might wind up with one of the sweetest private retreats in all of St. Louis.

And did I mention that 1480 Alicia is historical as well? Click on pic #1 for the full story….

 

OK, so now that you’ve seen the property, you’re probably thinking, “Holy cow, that place is huge!” And I agree. It is a little too much for most families. But here are some out-of-the-box ideas to consider…

Given the size and nature of the lot and the duplex-like layout of the house, 1480 Alicia could be uniquely suited for a number of uses. In my mind, I totally see it as a bed & breakfast, a mini farm, a corporate retreat center, even a spiritual/wellness/yoga destination. It could also make an ideal site for a work-at-home artist, a homeschooling family, or even two families seeking self-sufficiency and a co-housing arrangement, though a zoning variance might be necessary.

Whichever way you look at it, this property is bursting with potential. And I really want to find someone who will appreciate and love this place and make it the very best it can be. So if you’re interested in taking a closer look, give me a call at (314) 359-5927. My broker, Pearce Neikirk, has the official listing on this property, and I would be happy to show it to you…

That’s right. In case you missed my big announcement, I recently became a licensed real estate agent, specializing in vintage, historical and unique homes just like this!

Bikes, houses, farmers & stars – Another fun NoCo weekend!

NOCO fans, I sure hope you’re crossing your fingers for more of this beautiful fall weather, because there’s lots to do in North County this weekend! Which of these fun events are calling your name?

Live Well Ferguson Twilight Ramble – November 6, 3-7pm
In case you haven’t noticed, Ferguson is developing quite a vibrant bicycling community. The Ferguson Cycling Club just hosted a bike-in movie and a ghost tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery. Ferguson’s city employees are now using bikes to get around town. And thanks in large part to the efforts of Live Well Ferguson, the city’s healthy living initiative, we just became the first Missouri town to win national honors as a Playful City USA.

To help celebrate these milestones, Live Well is sponsoring another great two-wheel event: the second annual Twilight Ramble. Scheduled for Sunday, November 6, this casual bike ride through the streets and trails of Ferguson offers three options – 1 mile, 5 miles or 15 miles – all with gorgeous scenery. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required and you must wear a helmet. The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt. There’s also free food and live music. Plaza @ 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135

EarthDance Farmers Formal – November 5, 6-11pm
As most of you know, I’m a big fan of EarthDance, the progressive nonprofit that works the land at Missouri’s oldest organic farm, just two blocks away here in Ferguson. EarthDance is a regular at the Ferguson Farmers Market, and has also hosted numerous events in NoCo, including the annual Pesto Festo. But this year, founder Molly Rockamann decided to take a different route.

Pesto Festo, EarthDance’s biggest fundraiser, has now morphed into the Farmers Formal…..a slightly more upscale event that will be held at Washington University’s College Hall (as opposed to the Savoy in Ferguson). Tickets are $75 per person and that includes a full dinner courtesy of Bon Appetit, an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, and live music by the One Take Band and the Bottoms Up Blues Gang. Wear your best farmer duds and get ready to feast on local vegetables, meats and cheeses! You can get your tickets and more info right here.

UMSL Observatory Open House – November 5, 7:30pm
If you haven’t been to UMSL’s observatory yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the coolest attractions in North County. It’s just a simple metal shed sitting just beyond a softball field, but its high-powered telescope offers a brilliant view of the magnificent universe that surrounds us. This month, the observatory will offer viewings of Jupiter, Uranus, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well as the first-quarter moon. And the best part is, it’s all free! Just walk up and get in line, and if you have any questions about the stars, there will be an expert nearby. For directions and more info, look here. Kids welcome!

Discover Your Dream Home in Ferguson – November 6, 1:30 – 4pm
The real estate market may be down right now, but for many people in a decent financial position, the time has never been better to buy! Deals abound all across the metro area, but here in Ferguson you can really stretch your dollar. So why not learn more about the city’s housing stock at this free one-day event, where you can also hear about financing options and local schools and get a tour of various open houses. My own broker, Pearce Neikirk, will be participating. (Can’t wait to tell you about one of his newest listings tomorrow….)

Carmen Dence & Grupo Atlantico – November 5, 7:30pm
Finally, one last event to talk about….and this one is exotic! As part of UMSL’s upcoming Women in the Arts international conference, the university is hosting a very special performance by Carmen Sofia Dence, a Colombian-American folkloric dancer and choreographer who founded the St. Louis-based dance troupe Grupo Atlantico. Free and open to the public, “Bullerengue” is the name of the program, which celebrates the music and dance of Colombia and Panama and of course features beautiful costumes! Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, 63121

Hope to see you at one or more of these unique local events!

405 Tiffin: one of Old Ferguson West’s oldest homes

Of all the houses that I’ve featured here on NOCO, I’m proud to say that nearly every single one has been purchased by a NOCO reader. As it turns out, I’m certainly not the only person in North County who appreciates charming old homes at bargain prices. Far from it. But there is one question that keeps coming up: When are you going to show a house that doesn’t need a ton of work?

And I totally get it. Not everybody wants to be a rehabber. Some folks just want to move right in. That’s why I’m excited to share this brand new listing at 405 Tiffin.

Located in Old Ferguson West, on my very own block, this attractive farmhouse is notable for two reasons. One, it has been completely renovated from top to bottom. And two, it just happens to be one of the oldest houses in the neighborhood…..a neighborhood that will likely be named a National Register historic district in the next few weeks.

St. Louis County records say that 405 Tiffin was built in 1882, but oral tradition indicates that the house was already standing when Dr. George Case purchased the 68 surrounding acres that same year. Local legend also suggests another intriguing mystery – that a glass coffin was once unearthed in the side yard!

Of course, that’s long gone by now, but what remains is a lovely 19th-century home that has been beautifully updated for modern living. Sprawling over 1,952 square feet on 1/3 of an acre, the property offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a three-car garage. There’s also a main floor laundry room, an open-plan custom kitchen and a cozy fireplace…..all for $198,000.

Gorgeous, huh? If you’re interested in seeing more of 405 Tiffin, for the first time ever you can contact ME. I’ve been waiting to break this news for a while, and I guess the big moment has finally come. As of September 30, I am officially a licensed real estate agent!

I’m working with Pearce Neikirk and Partners at 27 S. Florissant Road, just two doors down from Cork Wine Bar in Ferguson. And along with Pearce, I’m a co-agent on 405 Tiffin.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be launching a second blog that showcases unique and historical real estate throughout the St. Louis area. Hopefully I’ll also be welcoming additional clients who need my help buying or selling a home. If that’s you, why not give me a call! You can reach me at (314) 359-5927 or shannon@NOCOstl.com.

Thanks so much!