from the homeowners | Owner Robin Harris says she and her husband, Bill, felt it was serendipity 25 years ago when this home became available and they were able to purchase it. “The house was under construction for someone else when we first saw it, but that deal fell through,” she says. “My husband’s No. 1 request was a large lot with mature trees, and most of the other properties we’d seen did not have that. We had no trouble envisioning this home as a place our family and guests would enjoy.”

What improvements have you made?
Over the years, we did quite a bit of landscaping and added an outdoor pool. We also made significant updates to the kitchen, hearth room and bathrooms. All of the closets and the pantry have been custom-designed. We also added more than 1,000 square feet of living and recreation space to the lower level, which opens out to the back yard. 

What does the new lower-level space include?
It features a large office where my husband and I have enjoyed running our business. We designed the area so it could become a fifth bedroom suite with a full bath and large closet. And we originally built in a workout room, but that area became a large playroom for our grandkids. The lower level is perfect for remote work—it features built-in fixtures and plenty of conveniences. There is lots of storage, including a cedar closet.

What is your favorite feature of the home?
I love the new front entry we put in. My husband wanted to make the entrance more prominent, and when we met a glass artisan at a fair, we decided to have him create panels for a set of double doors, sidelights and lintel. It’s really beautiful.

Where have you spent the most time in the house?
My husband and I have pretty much lived in the hearth room. We love listening to music, eating and watching TV there.

Describe the outdoor space.
The house is on a large lot that is beautifully landscaped, and there is plenty of room for kids to play. Ours enjoyed playing ball and riding motorized cars around the yard. Our dog loved it too—there was plenty of space for him to run. And we have always employed an arborist to maintain the property’s old oaks, magnolias and other beautiful trees. We’ve taken good care of them.

How does the home make you feel?
I have always enjoyed coming home to this house. The grounds are beautiful, and the neighborhood is very peaceful. I love sitting by the pool and watching the birds on our feeders. It’s quiet and relaxing, and there is plenty of privacy, especially when the foliage is out.

from the agents
“This gorgeous estate offers opulent, refined elegance.”
— Berkley Land and Matthew Litwack

Listing price | $1,595,000
Listing agent | Land | Litwack & Associates
Agency | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Alliance Real Estate
Phone | 314.872.6677 | 314.401.0999

Photos: Triple R Photography and Square One Media