With a third baby on the way, Jennifer Hackmann and husband Jason decided in 2008 that a little more room might be nice. Practically down the road from where they already lived, the couple found the perfect house for their burgeoning family. Located on a 1.52-acre lot at 20 Fordyce Lane in Ladue, it hit that sweet spot of being in a desirable neighborhood while also offering plenty of privacy.
Built in 1937, the traditional Maritz & Young home features five bedrooms and an addition completed before the family purchased the property. The large family room with adjoining open gallery and stone fireplace was the perfect space for family time, says Hackmann. “It’s warm and homey,” she says. “And the kitchen is open to the living room, so even if the kids are doing their homework at the table, or I’m cooking and someone is working on a project, we’re all still connected.”
During the Hackmanns’ six years in the home, they renovated the second level by updating two of the bathrooms, creating a hallway and adding a kitchenette to the master bedroom complete with sink, granite countertops and mini refrigerator. The renovation also included converting a dressing room into a jumbo closet with granite-topped storage island. “It includes two pull-out laundry drawers, a hidden ironing board and three jewelry drawers,” Hackmann says.
The backyard pool and landscaping also got a face-lift. “When we moved in, the pool needed a lot of work, so we had it resurfaced, redid the bricks along the outside of it, and converted it to a saltwater pool,” Hackmann says. “We also added a patio and a nice area with a fireplace.” Surrounded by plenty of flora, the family spent hours in the pool or on the patio and especially loved gathering around the outdoor fireplace in late fall and early winter for s’mores.
The flowing layout on the main floor, and its wide French doors flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows, facilitated entertaining, even for larger crowds. One particular favorite was the annual fall party the Hackmanns threw for their friends. “We love entertaining, and the house is perfect for that,” Hackmann says. “We open all the French doors in the gallery and main living room, and people flow easily through the house between the indoor and outdoor fireplace.”
The family has enjoyed living at 20 Fordyce Lane but is now ready for a change, Hackmann says.
listing price | $2,350,000
listing agent | julie lane of janet mcafee
Photos by Steven B. Smith
