The Home's Evolution: Early Phases

A series of expansions added an entirely new section to the home — built on its own crawl-space foundation — creating what would become one of the most inviting parts of the property.

At the center of this addition was a living room anchored by a fireplace… the kind of room where conversations naturally lasted longer, holidays felt more meaningful, and quiet evenings carried a sense of peace you can’t manufacture in newer homes.

This expanded section thereafter was the flagstone patio that eventually became the bedroom of today's master suite.

And unlike today’s oversized, cookie-cutter designs, this master space was created with intention — featuring an in-room closet and a classic galley-style master bathroom that reflected the craftsmanship and elegance of the era.

What makes this home so special is that it didn’t spring up all at once from a developer’s blueprint.

It evolved.

The First Expansion Continues...

Each addition tells part of the story… each room represents a different chapter in the home’s life… creating layers of character and history that modern construction simply cannot duplicate.

As the home continued to evolve through the decades, each generation of ownership left its own fingerprint on the property while preserving the soul that made it special in the first place.

Around the same time as the earlier living room addition, the concrete floor for what is now the master bedroom was poured and added to the home. Interestingly, for many years, this space wasn’t a bedroom at all…

It served as a family room — a gathering place filled with everyday life, laughter, conversations, and memories made over generations.

Phase 2: The Major Steps

Then came one of the most transformative chapters in the property’s history. In 1997, the previous owners undertook an ambitious expansion project that nearly doubled the size of the home. But this wasn’t some quick builder-grade addition slapped onto the back of the property. It was a vision.

An enormous structural expansion was created with both upper and lower levels — laying the groundwork for what would eventually become today’s office, half bath, kitchen, family room, lower-level gathering area, two additional bedrooms, and full bath.

At the time, however, the project was only partially complete. The 1997 addition consisted primarily of the structure itself — foundation, raw floors, framed walls, unfinished ceilings, windows, and doors. It was essentially a blank canvas waiting for someone with imagination and commitment to bring it fully to life.

That next chapter began in September of 2013 when the current owners purchased the property with a mission far bigger than simply “updating a house.” They set out to complete and transform a one-of-a-kind estate. A sanctuary, restoring the notion of Petticoat Hill.

Modern Living

What followed over the next several years was a labor of vision, craftsmanship, and design.

First came the exterior lower-level patio in 2015 and 2016 — complete with a newly added exterior door and properly sized windows as part of the permitted improvements.

Soon after, the outdoor BBQ area was added, extending the home’s entertaining space outdoors and creating the perfect setting for family gatherings, summer evenings, and celebrations.

Then, beginning around 2016 and 2017, the unfinished 1997 addition was finally completed into the finished living space seen today.

During this process, major infrastructure improvements were also completed, including the installation of a new septic tank in the rear of the property and a new drain field system in the front yard with pumping mechanisms designed for long-term functionality.

The Exterior Grounds

But the owners didn’t stop there.

As the home itself came together, the exterior grounds were transformed into something truly special. A park-like environment.

The pool, spa, pond, and cabana were all added during and after completion of the addition — turning the property into what feels less like a typical residence and more like a private retreat hidden inside Sunset Hills.

And once the major expansion was complete, attention turned back to the original heart of the home.

The older sections were reworked to create a master suite while still preserving the smaller upstairs bedroom, the original bathroom, and the classic front living and dining rooms that carry the home’s earliest history and character.

The Garage and In-Law Suite

Finally came the garage complex — completed as an entire coordinated project with extensive concrete work, lighting, sprinkler systems, and carefully planned finishing touches throughout.

Even the garage door openers were intentionally chosen as side-wall mounted systems, creating a quieter, cleaner, and more functional environment while maximizing overhead space and improving the overall appearance of the garage interior.

The upper level of the garage was then gradually completed cosmetically over several months, adding another layer of versatility to the estate.

Featuring a private 2-bedroom, 1-bath layout, this space creates opportunities that are becoming increasingly rare and valuable in today’s market. And unlike many guest quarters that feel temporary or secondary, this residence offers a warm, usable living space that feels integrated into the overall property. It’s another example of what makes this estate so difficult to duplicate.

And the Final Touch...

The fencing that now surrounds the property — including the front gate — was installed to complete the vision of a private estate retreat tucked away from the outside world.

It’s rare to find a property that combines this level of privacy, entertaining capability, usable land, and flexibility while still being located in one of St. Louis’ most desirable areas. Most homes offer features. This property offers a lifestyle. One that feels private. Relaxed. Connected. And increasingly difficult to find.

What makes this property impossible to duplicate is not simply its size, features, or amenities.

It’s the fact that over more than a century, it has been carefully shaped, expanded, restored, and refined by people who genuinely cared about what this property could become.

And today, that legacy is ready to be passed to someone new.