The house on Hampton Park Drive is more than a historic gem to Rick and Peggy Barry. It has been a treasured home for them and their five sons for 21 years. “Every house in our neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” Peggy Barry says. “Our entire family has really enjoyed the house, and we’ve made so many good friends in the neighborhood.” The couple previously lived in West County but wanted an older home that was closer to Rick’s office in Clayton.
Much of the house is original from when it was built in 1922, like the Shaker-style walnut paneling that runs throughout the entryway and along the staircase. However, the couple did make some changes to better suit their needs. “We updated the kitchen and all the bathrooms, turned attic space into a third-floor bedroom, and transformed a screened-in porch into an enclosed sunroom,” Barry explains. The house had a small wine cellar when they moved in, but collecting wine is one of Rick’s favorite hobbies. Once their children were older, the basement playroom was transformed into a much larger cellar with a tasting room. “We have an old oak table in there, and it’s one of my husband’s favorite hideaways,” Barry says.
She explains that the poured foundation and two-car attached garage are unique features unusual for a home of this era. “The person who built this house was a commercial builder, so he didn’t use the normal stone or cinder block foundation, and no one did an attached garage back then.”
Two of their sons are married with children, two recently graduated college, and one is a student; they all still get a lot of use out of the home’s nearly 4,500 square feet. “We always have family over,” Barry says. “My brother and his family live in town and come over once a week, and our grandchildren live in town.” She says the great room is one of the primary hangout areas, as well as the backyard with pool. “The home sits on just over an acre, so there is plenty of room to relax outdoors,” Barry says. “It’s very private, and all the trees are gorgeous in the spring and fall.”
In an effort to downsize, the couple has decided to move. “We’ve lived here so long, but it’s time for a smaller house and yard,” Barry says.
listing price | $1,200,000
listing agent | cathy o’neill of redkey realty leaders
Photos: Tom Chlebowski
