from the homeowners | Looking at 306 Wardenburg Farms Drive, it would be easy to assume the property was an estate in France instead of Wildwood. The home was designed and built for Sharon and Jeffery Lay, who were inspired by their personal travels abroad. “We hope the new owners build as many beautiful memories in the home as we have,” Sharon notes. “Living here is akin to being on a permanent vacation!”
Tell me about the location.
We have absolutely loved raising our children in Wildwood. It offers the perfect balance of rural and urban influences. Our home’s location is just minutes from the highway, but it’s still immersed in nature as it backs to woods and wildlife.
What are some standout features?
Four years of planning, designing and building with attention to every inch of space was carefully considered to achieve the end result. The interior of the home is a true masterpiece, and we are proud to say we had the very best vendors and craftsmen executing the design. Intricate moldings, Venetian plaster walls, imported furnishings—there are too many details to list. Each room was designed as a standout feature of the home while also seamlessly blending with the other rooms to achieve a cohesive feel.
How is the home for entertaining?
Our primary goal with the home was to provide the most comprehensive living experience for our family, including all of the things that Jeff and I loved to do as children like swimming, bowling, and more. The secondary goal was to provide an unparalleled space for entertaining. We have hosted charity events, large holiday gatherings, Kentucky Derby parties and Air Show parties. The flow of this home with its multi-level kitchens, bars, seating areas and gathering spaces allow for intimate and large gatherings alike.
Do you have a favorite room?
The outdoor spaces have yielded so many special memories, such as movie night on our veranda, graduation parties in the courtyard, grilling and making smoothies by the swim-up bar while the kids enjoy the pool, topped off by nights at the firepit making smores. The kitchen and hearth rooms were designed to be quite large, but these spaces are among the most warm and intimate in our entire home.
What would you tell the next owners?
This home has been an absolute joy to imagine, build and live in. The quality of life it yields cannot be put into words. It’s given so much to our family.
from the agents
“One of the most special estates in St. Louis, Luxury is redefined at this meticulously crafted European estate on six acres.”
–Mark and Neil Gellman
Price | $10,890,000
Listing Agents | Mark and Neil Gellman | The Gellman team
Agency | EXP Realty
Phone | 314.336.1991
Photos: Square One Media
