When it’s time to gather up family and friends and enjoy a gorgeous late summer’s evening, do you have a favorite place to go? Imagine a covered terrace, awash in candlelight and pillows, just steps from an outdoor bar and a sparkling pool—and with a view of the tree line beyond. When this is your own backyard, why would you ever go anywhere else?
This well-designed and stunning outdoor space is the “best part” of the Ladue home at 18 Upper Warson Road built for the Buck family. “A lot of thought went into the design,” the homeowner explains. “It was created to feel cozy, and that’s exactly how our friends have always described it.”
Thoughtful details are everywhere outdoors, including a changing room, bath with shower, and ample storage just steps from the pool. (A dedicated laundry room keeps towels and swimsuits fresh and handy, too.) Asked if she would change anything about the pool and terrace area, the homeowner didn’t hesitate. “No,” she says with a smile. “And I can honestly say that about the entire house.”
Despite the home’s substantial footprint, the indoor spaces also feel warm and intimate, with an expansive but welcoming foyer and carefully planned spaces that invite conversation. Describing the house as a pillows-on-the-floor family home, she says, “When it was built, I wanted to have a home where you could come over in your workout clothes and put your feet up. No part of this house is formal. This is the house where all of the kids hung out. Everything is so lived in and livable.”
The well-located Ladue property, private but close to restaurants, shopping and schools, is currently listed by Laura McCarthy Real Estate, a residential real estate company headquartered in Clayton with recognized expertise in St. Louis’ central corridor. President Kathy Beilein says luxurious outdoor ‘rooms’ are becoming increasingly popular with buyers of all ages. “People in St. Louis love to be outside on a beautiful night, and so often, you can’t get into the restaurants with great patios,” she notes. “As a result, more and more home buyers want their own outdoor spaces. It’s a very popular trend in the luxury market.”
This home’s outdoor experience is not limited to the summer months because the terrace is sheltered at both ends and from above, providing three-season enjoyment. “In the wintertime, I can leave most of this out,” the homeowner explains, gesturing toward the outdoor furniture. And when it does snow, she notes it’s easy to stack the cushions in the nearby storage room until spring. Lots of windows and French doors provide tempting views of the backyard, which offers year-round privacy from a dense backdrop of mature evergreens.
Contemplating the sale of the home where her children grew up and so many happy memories were made, the homeowner hopes the buyers have children (or grandchildren) who will build memories of their own. “This house has a lot of love in it!”
The stunning property at 18 Upper Warson Road is currently listed by Laura McCarthy Real Estate. Founded in 1944 and headquartered in Clayton, Laura McCarthy is consistently ranked among St. Louis’ top real estate companies in sales volume. To learn more about this property, call 314.725.5100 or visit lauramccarthy.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Matt Ponstingl, stlrealtour.com
Pictured above: The private lot includes a covered terrace, lush landscaping and a swimming pool.
