listing price | $1,295,000
listing agent | helen costello and ellen martin of laura mccarthy
For some time, Weller and Mary Myer had wanted to return to the Central West End, where Mary grew up. Seeing the historic home and renovated carriage house at 38 Kingsbury Place sealed the deal four years ago.
Built by the father of Sara Teasdale, winner of the first Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 1918, the home was the perfect blend of historical details, modern amenities, private grounds and an attractive neighborhood. “It was built in 1908, but has all the upgrades, including electric and plumbing,” Weller Myer says. “It’s like a newer house, but with materials people don’t build with anymore. It has marble and limestone fireplace mantels, and the woodwork, including the original mahogany paneling in the living room, is outstanding.”
The 5,747-square-foot, English-style home, which features seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, had a major face-lift before the Myers moved in. Four bedrooms were redone, the main and carriage houses got new slate roofs, and the bathrooms were outfitted in granite and marble.
The third-floor family room provided the perfect space for family time with 4-year-old Elizabeth and 2-year-old Weller. “It has windows on the north, south and east, and has custom bookshelves. It’s perfect for playing games and watching movies,” Myer says.
The two-and-a-half-story carriage house, rumored to be the last one in the area used for horses, has been transformed to a unique spot for accommodating overnight guests, says Myer. Retaining many of its original features, the building includes a working fireplace, a full kitchen, a bath-and-a-half, and a large bedroom. “I’m not originally from St. Louis, so when my parents would come in town, it was a great place to house them,” Myer says.
The space also is ideal for stress-free entertaining, and the Myers outfitted it with a pool table and shuffle board. “We use it like a party house,” Myer says. “We entertained multiple New Year’s Eves, and friends were able to spend the night with their children. One of the benefits of the carriage house is it keeps where you live private, and you’re not worried about the mess.”
Although the Myers are excited about some upcoming changes, they are sad to leave this historic gem in the Central West End. “We absolutely loved it,” Myer says. “You unfortunately just don’t find homes using these great materials, like stone and brick and marble, anymore.”
By Stephanie Zeilenga
Photos by Steven B. Smith Photography
