Town & Country has changed quite a bit since the homeowners of 23 Country Life Acres first moved there nearly 50 years ago. But the area’s convenience and expansive lots have remained attractive qualities throughout the years. “When we moved here, Highway 270 had just been built, and West County Center was only a few years old,” says the homeowner. “It’s really grown a lot since then, and it combines the best of both worlds. We have lots of land, but we’re close to everything St. Louis has to offer.” The property sits on more than 5 acres, which includes a pond, barn, horse stables and pool.The couple’s six children took full advantage of the park-like setting, and now their 17 grandchildren enjoy fishing in the pond and playing outside.
The lush grounds were a huge selling point. “I just love being outside,” the homeowner says. “We always had a vegetable garden, and the kids played outdoors all the time. We didn’t have horses, but the previous owners did, and the stables can still be used today.”
The couple was attracted to the home’s architectural style, and for the most part, kept the house as it was built about 75 years ago. “We turned the former garage into a family room with a year-round porch and added a new four-car garage, pool and bath house,” the owner says. “A few years ago, we redid all the bathrooms, and we renovated the kitchen about 10 years ago. We’ve taken really good care of it.”
The couple often entertained family and friends in the four-bedroom, five-bath estate and admit the move brings with it a mix of emotions. “We used every bit of space when our kids were living here,” the homeowner says. “But now we’re ready for something smaller with less maintenance. It will be hard leaving, though. There’s lots of love in this house.”
listing price | $2,195,000
listing agent | stephanie oliver, dielmann sotheby’s international realty
Photos: Tom Chlebowski