There’s something special about a house with history, especially one that is lovingly restored and uniquely beautiful. That’s an apt description of the 10,000-square-foot, century-old Clayton home that St. Louis Blues legend Brett Hull and his wife, Darcie, bought in 2014. They love its marriage of traditional features and modern touches. In fact, according to Brett, the overall beauty of the home makes it difficult to pick a favorite space. Darcie says the couple has thoroughly enjoyed renovating the property and uncovering hints of its past.
What do you know about the home’s history?
Darcie Hull | It was designed by Howard van Doren Shaw and belonged to the May family, founders of the department store company. We found an old safe that was hidden under a stairwell and probably hadn’t been opened in years; it contained family documents that I took to experts at Washington University. There also was hidden storage space that may have been used to stash alcohol around the time of Prohibition.
What else is special about it?
DH | We found original blueprints in the attic and were told that the home was done in the French style. We also learned that a May family member was invited to Buckingham Palace around the time the home was built, and he loved the architecture there. When he returned to St. Louis, he had things like fireplaces and paneling done to mimic the palace.
Who designed the interior?
DH | It was done by Sohaila Danesh. She works with structural design as well, so she helped us build out spaces like the kitchen.
What do you like about the yard?
DH | It’s like living in a park. There is a greenway, and you can look out the back door and see nothing but grass and trees. We love going outside and throwing a ball to our dog.
Is there a space that really speaks to you?
DH | My favorite thing about the house is the butler’s pantry. We didn’t change much other than new cabinets. It has the same feel as the original space, but it’s more functional now.
What is modern about the home?
DH | A lot of the plumbing was replaced to support the new fixtures we wanted. The outcome was great—when you use a second-floor shower, you don’t have to wait for the water to heat up. The home also has an updated forced-air system and radiators so it doesn’t have the drafty feel of an older house.
What are some of your best memories?
DH | When St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman retired, we threw a wonderful party for him. We also hosted a great launch celebration for a tequila company we invested in. Holidays have been a lot of fun here, too. We threw a ‘misfit Christmas party’ for friends who didn’t have anything else to do, and we held a fun New Year’s Eve potluck and game night—about 30 friends came in onesie pajamas.
listing price | $3,195,000
listing agents | Wayne Norwood and Ben Patton of Janet McAfee Real Estate
