904 Briar Hill Road, Belleville

from the homeowners | Also known as The King House, 904 Briar Hill Road is a one-of-a-kind mid-century modern home tucked away in Belleville, Illinois. Thanks to its location, the property offers stunning views of the St. Louis skyline. Ann Nadler grew up in the home, and she’s excited for the exceptional property to welcome a new family.

The property has an impressive architectural pedigree.
Originally, the land was purchased by a doctor from Wisconsin in the 1940s. He actually worked with Frank Lloyd Wright to create a design for a home. Construction began, but unfortunately, the doctor passed away, and his wife opted not to finish the project. The land was then sold to Charles Erwin King. He was one of the most prolific mid-century architects of the period, and the design of the house is beautiful. King lived in the home with his wife until they divorced in the 1960s. My parents bought the property in
around 1968.

What are some standout features of the home?
The location is the property’s biggest benefit. The views of St. Louis are amazing, especially when the skyline is lit up in the evening. Every time I pull up into the driveway, I am enthralled. The home has many floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the views from almost anywhere. There’s a beautiful gazebo that’s like a bird’s nest. It’s probably my favorite spot. My parents added a kidney-shaped pool in the 1970s—we spent a lot of time out there. From the living room, you can watch the surrounding fields and see wild deer and turkey. It’s just a beautiful place to be.

Do you have any favorite memories of growing up in the home?
So many. There were all of the holidays, birthdays and pool parties. There’s a winding staircase connecting the second floor and lower level. Behind it, there’s a little nook that I would make into my own little fort. We had a barn with horses, so
I spent many years enjoying riding around the property with my siblings. In the winter, ice would form on the driveway, and we’d go out with skates.

What do you want the next homeowners to know about the property?
I hope that they can appreciate everything about the property. There’s the natural beauty that comes in thanks to all of the windows and the amazing architecture. It’s a wonderful place to be, and I hope they can make as many memories as our family did.

from the agents
This hidden gem is a mid-century modern masterpiece with some of the best views of St. Louis in the region.”
—Jon Shirrell and Ted Wight