There is something inherently engaging about a fixer-upper. There are countless TV shows that feed this fascination, and we’ve probably all imagined how we would tackle a large-scale remodel. It’s not difficult to see the appeal. It means a lower price tag, but a home in need of some work also provides the opportunity to express yourself creatively or even preserve a piece of local history while leaving your own mark. Fixer-uppers mean revitalization and rejuvenation. After months of hard work, you’re left with a wonderful, tangible reward: a beautiful home.
Like many first-time homeowners, Janet Glarner and her husband found themselves tackling a fixer-upper more than two decades ago. Their Webster Groves house was in terrible disrepair, lacking basic necessities that make buildings habitable, like electricity and fully intact walls. The Glarners, however, saw through the dilapidation and decided to make a home. Now, the house is more than a century old, and the Glarners can’t imagine living anywhere else.
T&S | Why did you pick Webster Groves?
Janet Glarner | Originally, the area didn’t really interest me because I wanted to live in University City. I came to St. Louis for college and am not originally from here. My husband grew up in U. City, so that’s where we initially wanted to live. But this house was so cheap—it was almost free!
Q | What attracted you to the house?
A | The price and the size. It was definitely a fixer-upper. Everything was a huge mess, and the yard was horrible. Initially, we couldn’t even move in because the electricity didn’t function properly, and there were holes in the ceiling and floor. The woman who owned it before us had moved to Chicago and left the house to her son and some student tenants.
Q | How old is it?
A | It’s 100 years old. In the living room, there is a fire mark that dates back to 1919. It was used to let firefighters know the house was insured.
Q | Have you done any renovations?
A | We’ve done lots! We had to put walls up when we first moved in, and we added a big family room and expanded the kitchen. We also put in a small conservatory for my plants and a mudroom. A lot of work has been done on the bathrooms. We added two on the third floor and have redone the one on second floor twice. The garage was terrible when we moved in, so we added a new one. Now, everything is nice and new. All our friends are downsizing, but we are never leaving!
Q | What do you like to do in your outdoor space?
A | I love to garden. I used to have my own landscaping company; it’s my passion. I just love to be outside. My daughter got married in our backyard, and my sons had their rehearsal dinners there.
Q | Did you have a vision for the interior?
A | I just wanted it to be comfortable. Some of the really nice antiques are from my parents. They lived in Paris and bought a lot of things there. Also, my husband and I have been shopping for antiques since we were in our 20s. There are also things in the house that reflect my love of the ocean. I’ve been going to Cape Cod since I was 9— that’s a long time! My husband and I always pick up nautical things when we’re there.
Q | What’s your favorite part of the house?
A | The conservatory for my plants. I’m always changing things in there, bringing in new plants or taking out old ones. The plant room is my play room.
Photos | Suzy Gorman
