Mature trees on a leafy lane are just as much old friends as the people who live in surrounding homes, says Meredith Tabscott, owner of this elegant Central West End house. She and husband Dave have lived in it with their children for a decade, so they’ve had plenty of time to create and cherish fond memories.

Tabscott says her ‘attached home’ and its counterpart were built in 1899 for a local man who wanted to live next door to his mother. Privacy and quiet never have been an issue, however. “We’ve had noise testing done, and you can’t hear a thing between the two houses,” she says. When she and her family moved in, the home already had been fully renovated, but the Tabscotts have made a few other improvements, such as tuckpointing, landscaping and painting. “Decorating is a big hobby of mine, and I’ve really enjoyed having so many wonderful spaces to work with here,” Tabscott notes.

She says she can relax and be productive on the home’s pleasant sun porch, where she keeps a desk and enjoys the peaceful view while working. “Many of our windows overlook the New Cathedral and its grounds,” she notes. “The area is beautiful year-round with its large trees, especially in the winter. We love going for quiet walks after a fresh snow.” Her kids enjoy the third-floor playroom where they can relax and watch TV, and the whole family relishes being able to walk or bike to Forest Park whenever they like. The home backs up to green space instead of a city alleyway, which adds to its privacy and comfort. And there are plenty of restaurants nearby when they don’t feel like cooking, Tabscott says.

Favorite moments include her 40th birthday party, held at the home with guests from the neighborhood and out of town. “I’ll always remember toasting with friends on the back deck, and all the barbecues and parties we’ve held here. We even had a potluck on our driveway once, and invited people from our street.”

The Tabscotts have enjoyed being part of a CWE ‘friends and family’ group that plans social events like Easter egg hunts, July 4th parades and Halloween parties. “Our friendships with the neighbors are wonderful,” she says. “We always laugh about how comfortable we all are. I really do go next door to borrow a cup of sugar!”

listing price | $449,900
listing agents | warner hall thornhill of dielmann sotheby’s international realty

Photos courtesy of Warner Hall Thornhill