from the homeowners » Named the Meyer House for its original owners, the historic brick home was designed by Charles Eames and Robert Walsh in the late 1930s and includes a number of decorative features by St. Louis artisans and craftspeople. (Eames and his wife, Ray, later became famous for designing furniture emblematic of the midcentury modern era.)
The 7,000-square-foot home sits on nearly 5 acres of land, and current owner Peggy Barnhart says it’s an idyllic place to raise children. “My parents bought the home in 1963, and our family loved living here,” she says. “It’s an important landmark, but we never thought of it as a museum or a fragile piece of art. It was a wonderful place to grow up.”
What are some interesting details about the house?
We were told that it was the first home in the St. Louis area to have central air conditioning. It also contained furniture designed by Eames. The house is like a fortress; its exterior walls are more than a foot thick. Some of the bricks are etched with musical notes from the original owner’s favorite symphony, and there is wonderful stained glass in the home.
What kinds of memories does it hold for you?
My parents had an open-door policy. Friends were always welcome, and there was always something going on. My uncle brought us horses and peacocks after selling his Texas ranch, and my dad raised bees and German shepherds on the property. We even had a Plexiglas observation beehive in the breakfast room so we could watch the colony develop.
How do you view the house as an adult?
Somehow, it seems even bigger to me. As kids, we took the home’s artistry and personal touches for granted and hardly noticed them, but they really stand out now. For example, the metalwork keyholes are shaped like tassels. The carved wooden doors are magnificent; each one is a work of art, with scenes like deer jumping out of the grass or women under a tree. It’s much easier to appreciate all of these beautiful elements as an adult.
Is the home set up well for entertaining? 
My parents loved having people over. We easily welcomed 45 guests for sit-down Christmas meals in the dining room. There is space to host almost any occasion—my sister and I both held our wedding receptions at the house.
What would you want its next owner to know?
It’s a wonderful family home. Because it’s so large and well designed, you always have privacy, no matter where you are in the house. It’s built to withstand a lot of use and love, and I hope its next family appreciates it as much as we have.
from the agent »
“Rarely does an estate with this architectural and historical importance became available. Its sale will receive international attention.”
—Ted Wight
listing price | Available upon request
listing agent | Ted Wight
agency | Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty
Photos: Reed Radcliffe
