Ted Wight's St. Louis Style

HGTV Has A New Magazine & One of My Listings is In It!

I had one of my Louisiana, MO listings featured in the inaugural issue of HGTV Magazine. It is a fun magazine....check it out at the new-stands!

Have You Ever Dreamt About Owning a Historic Country Home?

On the East and West Coasts there is a culture of buying cute, historic homes in small country towns as a weekend retreat. This idea is not as prevalent in the Mid-West. Though take a moment and imagine owning a historic home in a charming river town. Decorating it with your antiques! Having an art studio in the home! Walking to the Mississippi River to take a walk! Dining at a local restaurant that specializes in local produce and meats! Attending a local festival! Going to services in a country church! Having house guests up for the weekend! Antiquing! Water sports on the river!

You can do it....all up in Pike County. Clarksville and Louisiana, Missouri have inexpensive historic homes that are for sale from $50,000- $400,000. All only within 1.5 hours of St. Louis.

Check out Pike County Living Blog to see what you are missing!

Any PR is Good PR

I am excited that one of my listings up in Louisiana, MO in Pike County got picked up by a popular, national blog- Lovelylistings.  This blog features unique properties throughout the world. Often they are just poorly decorated properties...though mine was chosen since it is so different. It is an old city water processing plant located right on the Mississippi.

http://lovelylisting.icanhascheezburger.com/2011/12/27/funny-real-estate-my-what-a-lovely-pit-you-have/

http://waterstreet.canbyours.com/

Mesker Brothers

The Mesker Brothers were based in St. Louis and manufactured iron storefronts for buildings across the nation.  They did most of the iron storefronts that you see on Laclede's Landing.  Today I was driving through Eolia, MO in Pike County and stopped by a store.  I noticed that this storefront was also built by Mesker Brothers.

Below is from the Illinois Historic Preservation Committee:

Many Main Street commercial buildings of the late 1800s and early 1900s reflect the widespread availability of mass-produced building parts, which ranged from individual components to entire building facades. While prefabricated architectural elements were available from a number of manufacturers, no other companies better exemplify this niche than the Mesker Brothers Iron Works of St. Louis, Missouri, and George L. Mesker Company of Evansville, Indiana. They specialized in ornamental sheet-metal facades and cast iron storefront components, which were ordered through catalogs and easily shipped by rail to any interested building owner. Their extensive product lines not only featured embossed sheet-metal panels and cast iron but also entire storefront assemblies, as well as tin ceilings, fences, skylights, and freight elevators.

“Meskers”, as they are called, are found across America. However, because the companies were based in the Midwest, they are particularly plentiful in Illinois and are part of the state’s rich architectural history. Made of galvanized steel and cast iron, these durable facades often survive, despite the occasional neglect and lack of maintenance. While not all buildings may feature elaborate sheet metal facades, individual building components, such as cornices and window hoods, are quite common throughout the state, especially in smaller communities. If your town has a Mesker facade, we would like to know about it. The goal of our ever-expanding Illinois database (PDF file) and this website is to recognize the historic significance of the Mesker companies in the shaping of our downtowns’ architectural fabric.

I really do have a church & an old water treatment plant for sale!

The other agents in my Clayton office have been getting a chuckle from all of my unique listings. First it was my Tree House Home in Glendale....then some buildings that were once an old water treatment plant....now a former Methodist Episcopal Church. The reason for all of my Pike County listings is we have a farm up in Pike County and I love promoting the area....plus the challenge of selling something unique. Click on the links next to the pictures for more information on these fun properties!

http://thischurch.canbyours.com/

 

http://waterstreet.canbyours.com/

Lots Going on in Pike County, Missouri

If you have not looked at my other blog, www.pikecountyliving.com in a while, you must take a glance.  I have some fun properties for sale up there. Plus many lovely pictures of the county!  Just take a peek!

Louisiana Missouri Home

I was up in Louisiana Missouri this morning. I stumbled across this home which was built by Andrew Jackson's cousin. Lovely!

The Farmhouse

Our farmhouse has been an obsession with me since I was very young.  The black and white photo was taken back in 1975 when I was 10 years old. My brother had a photo lab in the basement like most 70's families. I remember the smell of the chemicals and seeing images appear as you dunked them in solutions under the red light. Our farmhouse was sort of abandoned at this point. We bought the farm in the 50's and some of the farm workers lived in it off and on. My grandparents put a small house up on the top of a hill on the property and that is where we used to stay. With 4 boys and a dog....I think my grandfather encouraged our family to relocate to the old farmhouse. Before we started to renovate it, I remember having snowball fights on the inside. I also remember a large hole in the floor near the toilet. Once when my mother was using the toilet, I went into the basement and grabbed her foot through the hole...you can imagine her shock! There was a clawed-foot tub also in the bathroom. My brothers would catch fish in the lake and then fill the tub up to put them in to keep them fresh. The place was a bit of a wreck and I sort of dreaded going there. The memories are still rich....frog legs frying in the kitchen...raccoons poking their head our of a stove pipe hole...and no AC. Something clicked in me in my early teens and I decided that I needed to fix the house up. With the help of my family, I scraped paint, painted, sanded, planted trees and tried to turn the house around. In the 90's, I invested some money to renovate the back, frame section which was still falling down. With the help of a young architect who studied at The Prince Charles School of architecture....the back section became a showplace! The house still needs work....though slowly but surely it has become lovely. As I get older, I start to think if the next generation will step up to maintain the house.

Click HERE for some recent pics....I just pulled the bushes out of the front....they were big and beautiful, though hid the lower basement windows.

 

Lofty Spaces in Louisiana, Missouri, Pike County

Check out my www.pikecountyliving.com post from yesterday about my afternoon in Louisiana, MO. You will love seeing the pictures of a church turned into a lofty space and an old water processing plant turned into a living space. Very cool!

A Country Homecoming!

Yesterday I went up to Pike County for St. John's Episcopal Church's Annual Homecoming. What a perfect day!  Read about it and see all of the pics HERE.

Historic Home- 402 N 3rd Street, Louisiana, MO FOR SALE

Built in 1871, this important home has been admired for years in the historic river town of Louisiana. Most of the heavy lifting has been done in restoring this showplace- new roof, tuck-pointing, copper gutter/downspouts, zoned HVAC, electric, restored windows, restored cornices/soffits & much more. Finishing costs for this fine home's interiors meet requirements of the MO State Historic Preservation Office & can qualify for 25% MO Preservation tax credit program. Architects drawings are available for exterior porches and other work required to complete the careful restoration that has already been started. This is a labor of love and a once in a lifetime opportunity to own & restore a Missouri treasure!

$155,000

Listed by Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty, 314-607-5555, tedwight@aol.com

 

The Pet Deer

The year was 1978, my grandfather bought a yellow Jeep for the farm and used it to drive around the acreage. There was a fawn hiding in the tall grass and he hit it.  My cousins put it in a chicken coop and raised it back to health. It became a pet. This is one of my favorite pictures. I think I took it with my new disk camera. They brought the deer into the house for Thanksgiving or Christmas. At one point it jumped across a rather large cocktail table. Eventually the deer was let loose. It lingered around the lawn for a few days and then we did not see him/her again. I hope he/she did not think a hunter was as friendly as us.

Eagle's Nest Winery, Inn and Bistro, Louisiana, MO FOR SALE

This is a rare opportunity to take over ownership of a highly successful Bistro, Winery, Inn and retail store located in the historic town of Louisiana right on the Mississippi River. The Eagle’s Nest is the meeting place of Louisiana for locals, visitors & business people. The formal dining room can seat 55 people for nightly dinners, special events and functions. There is also a casual bistro dining area that can handle 40 people. An on-site bakery is the place to pick up pies, cakes, breads & more.  An outdoor courtyard is a popular space for dining, dancing and sampling the award-winning wines of the Eagle’s Nest Winery. An adjoining, large retail store is popular with shoppers to find gifts, food items & a nice selection of wine. The Inn offers 7 comfortable rooms with luxurious bathrooms- some with jet tubs. Guest have access to a hot tub! The purchase includes plenty of additional unfinished space ideal to add more guestrooms, retail space & more. $899,000

 http://theeaglesnest.canbyours.com/

 Listed by Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty, 314-607-5555  tedwight@aol.com

Butterflies, Zinnias and.....a little Paintball

Yesterday one of my sons had a group of friends out to our farm to do a little paintballing. While they were out in the woods and fields, I had an opportunity to clean the house, do some gardening and read some of my book (East of Eden.....I love it!) We don't have AC in our house, so it was back to basics to stay cool....sitting on the porch, fans, water and loose clothing.

The butterflies were in an abundance in my garden. There are so many reasons why I like zinnias....they attract butterflies is one of them.

A Fun July 4th

I spent July 4th up at our farm in Pike County...weeding...cleaning the house and checking out the freshly baled hay. Last night I went up to the Rockcliffe Mansion in Hannibal to see the fireworks from the roof-top deck. Spring of 2010 I sold the 14,500 sq ft mansion to a nice couple from Miami. They were in town and invited me up to see their progress. The mansion is lucky to have them as stewards. They have restored some of the Tiffany sconces and windows....including tracking down some of the sconces that were sold off. 

Rockcliffe Mansion

Hay Bales @ Rockford Farms

My Farm Garden

 

 

Faces of the Elgin Cottrell House in Clarksville, MO

You must take a closer look at this exceptional offering located just a little North of St. Louis in Clarksville. Check out the website: 

http://elgincottrellhouse.canbyours.com/

Today I am featuring some of the enchanting faces that grace the home.  There is an option to purchase this home with all contents.

Sunny Slope Farm- FOR SALE, Pike County, Bank-owned

Check out this fabulous Pike County, Missouri farm that is For Sale and Bank-owned:

CLICK HERE

 

McIlroy Farm, Pike County, MO

Click HERE to see more pics and information on this amazing, historic farm that is for sale in Pike County, Missouri.

Historic Elgin- Cottrell House, Clarksville, MO FOR SALE

The Historic Elgin Cottrell home was built in 1845 by Hezekiah Elgin, a river-boat captain.  This is Clarksville’s grandest home that has been restored impeccably by its current owner.   Mississippi River views can be enjoyed from your double front porch.  Your own perch for bald eagle watching. 3 Fireplaces grace the two parlors and the kitchen.  Every room has been decorated with period wallpaper and window treatments. The home is a dream space for any antique enthusiast. You will appreciate that this home has new plumbing, hot water heaters, HVAC systems and electric service. The home and basement have had extensively tuck-pointing. The front and side porches have been completely rebuilt. Transforming this house into the showplace that it is now has been a true “labor of love” by the current owner.  This is a rare buy and a treasure that you will adore. Recently featured in Victorian Homes, this home is being offered with the option of all contents being included.

http://elgincottrellhouse.canbyours.com/

$325,000 for the house; $500,000 for the house and all contents.

Listed by Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty, 314-607-5555, tedwight@aol.com

Rockford School House, Eolia, MO

This is my cousins' and Aunt's house at Rockford Farms. The irises and peonies were in top form this year.

 

Our Family Farmhouse, Pike County, MO

You may be tired of hearing about the Landmark's Association tour, though here is more! Nothing gets you more motivated to spruce up your house than a party or putting it on a tour.  Well I had good intentions of taking a few days off and doing some painting and cleaning of my own. Well my real estate business has been busy and clients come first... I ran out of time. Finding someone to clean an old farmhouse is difficult...after three calls to potential maids that got unreturned....I turned to Craigslist. I found a nice girl from Troy, MO that was willing to take the cleaning project on. Farmhouse cleaning is different than the light-dusting in-town...there is serious dirt and bugs to clean up.  She did a great job!  I thought of driving my St. Louis maid..Martha out, though she does not speak much English and I was not coming home on the same day to bring her home. The country may have scared her. Larry and his crew took on replastering and painting an upper bedroom that needed attention. I realized that I "redid" that room over 25 years ago....I was so proud of the Waverly floral boarder....now it is Wedgewood Blue. Don't look at the decorating too closely...the farm house gets everything that people do not want anymore in the city.

The House is on the National Registry as the Griffith- McCune Farmstead.  Circa 1850.

 

Three Barn Farm, Paynesville MO

One of our stops on the Landmark Association's Tour of Pike County Missouri was Georgia Nafziger's Three Barn Farm near Paynesville. It really is the perfect country place for someone who has horses.  She has a brand new home with a clean contemporary interior, a new horse stable and a charming, historic dairy barn.  All for just $599,900.  16 acres.

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"One of a kind lovingly built and restored country property. Located on designated scenic Highway W just an 80 minute drive from Chesterfield and 7 miles from historic Clarksville situated amongst old working family farms on asphalt state road. Eye catching New England style home features massive old timbers salvaged from Missouri barns as structural supports. Built by Amish craftsmen and designed for high efficiency. Included on acreage is a new all wood horse barn, 60'x 48' with 5 stalls and 12'x 24' tackroom with rough-in full bath. Restored 1914 60'x40' dairy barn is the crowning touch. Perfect weekend retreat with lots of space and serenity. Bring the kids and animals to this country refuge."

Listed by Georgia Nafziger, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty, 314-725-0009

Grace Episcopal Church- For Sale, Clarksville, MO 63334

A special treat that the Landmarks Association had during our tour of Pike County last Saturday was a visit to the charming Grace Episcopal Church that is for sale. The original church was built in 1869 and burnt to the ground. Frederick Dunn and Charles Nagel were recruited from St. Louis to design the new church that was built in 1940. I remember going to see Christine Brewer sing in the church sometime during the 80's. This church is now For Sale for just $115,000.  At this point the Episcopalian Diocese just wants someone to take care of this treasure....so make an offer! Think wedding business venue...unique home...or start your own religion!

Listed by Paul Nagel (no relation to the architect) 314-719-2062 and Rudy Stinnett. 314-719-2017, CBG Commercial. You can also call me to represent you as a Buyer- Ted Wight, Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty, 314-607-5555

 

 

 

Landmarks Association Pike County Tour

I have not posted in a few days since I was running ragged and getting ready for the Landmarks Association tour out in Pike County. Our farmhouse was on the tour and it needed some painting, cleaning and gardening. I am back!  It was a huge success....and we had perfect weather! This week I will feature some of the highlights. Today we have pictures from a stunning estate near Paynesville, Missouri. This property has an extensive wildflower garden. The Indian Paintbrush and irises were in bloom.

Georgia N below with her dusty BWM from shuttling people down the 2+ mile gravel drive

Landmark's Association- Tour of Pike County...Coming Sat., May 21st

There is still room left on the Landmark Association's Pike County Ramble. Click HERE to find out more.

"Pike County, this lovely land of large farms with gracious homes dating to the early 1800's, has long  been known as the Little Dixie of Missouri.  This tour will focus on the areas around Eolia, Clarksville and Paynesville.  You will visit historic St. John's Church - the first Episcopalian Church West of the Mississippi; the Griffith McCune Farmstead wit its spacious brick house, original smoke house and octagonal barn; historic Elgin Cottrell Home; Three Barn Farm and more!  Lunch will be enjoyed in Clarksville at the popular Station Restaurant at Overlook Farm with extra time for visiting the charming antique shops and putting your toes in the Mississippi!"

Here is just a sample of some of the important structures that the tour will see.....

Three Barn Farm, Clarksville, MO FOR SALE

Check out this LINK to find out more about this charming 16 acre farm for sale in Pike County

Easter @ Rockford Farms Pike County, MO

Read all about Easter at Rockford Farms HERE.

Malinmor Hunt Club- Bernoudy in Pike County, MO

Located up in the rolling hills of Pike County, Missouri is a fabulous Bernoudy that was built by a St. Louis family as a country retreat. It is now a private hunt club called Malinmor. I have not been through the house in a while, though I remember it as large with amazing views. Today I can just show you the front gates and long drive.

Muddy March at Rockford Farms

The Spring real estate market has been busy, though I found my Friday this week free. I decided to sneak away to our farm in Pike County to do some fruit tree pruning and Spring cleaning. I am still sore and tired. Farms are not all BBQs and picking flower...and you thought I just went to Neiman Marcus fashion shows.

I planted a large stand of ornamental grasses near our sign a few years ago. They are beautiful, though I dread chopping them down each Spring. I used to clip them down with hand pruners, though have found that branch loppers do a better job and give me more leverage. It is still a big job. If anyone has a better method, let me know.  One year someone threw a cigarette in them from the road and they burnt down...it made the job easy that year...unfortunately the sign did not fair that well. The sign is another project for this Spring...it is cool weathered, though you can not read it anymore.

Our historic octagonal barn got a make-over last year due to hail damage last Spring.

And of course our scary cellar of the house was full of water. The sump pump was unplugged. Lucky me waded through the water to plug it back in. I am certain that this is how I am going to meet my demise.

New Blog! Pike County Living

Much like the spin-off of a popular T.V. series Pike County Living (www.pikecountyliving.com) is a spin-off of St. Louis Style.  Over the years I have featured Pike County homes, farms, restaurants and more on this blog.  The other day I thought to myself Pike County deserves it's own blog!  I will still talk about Pike County on St. Louis Style, though even more about this lovely area will be featured on Pike County Living.

Check out this LINK for some of the archives about Pike County on St. Louis Style. Make sure you use the arrows on the very bottom to see all of the posts..there are tons!.

 

Pike County Farm- Near Clarksville....For Sale!

"CLARKSVILLE KNOBS FABULOUS VIEWS!!.......745 +/- acres of rolling meadows, panoramic vista, tillable cropland, pasture, ponds, streams and timber with one Historic Home, one recently remodeled 3BR/2BA traditional home and several barns. Convenient access off State Highway W plus adjacent well maintained County Roads. TRACT 1: 241.33 +/- acres just outside of Historic Clarksville has approximately 197 acres cropland with balance pasture and timber. TRACTS 2&3: 504 +/- acres has approximately 305 acres cropland with balance in pasture & timber. An EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY suitable as income producing crops, horses, livestock, recreational, sportsman paradise with lake sites and/or your future COUNTRY ESTATE!! Acreage could be divisible."  $2,880,000

Listed by Len Scherder, Century 21, The Wells Group 573-747-5001

 

Thanksgiving 2010

Yesterday we enjoyed Thanksgiving with family out at our farm in Pike County. Thanksgiving was at my cousin's house which is an old school house from the 1850's converted into a home back in the 1950's.

That is me with my cousins new Australian Blue Heeler.

Aunt Bunny saying grace....a cowboy prayer

Farm Bonfire

Last night I bowed out of the regular St. Louis Halloween festivities and headed out to a bonfire that my cousins were hosting at Rockford Farms in Pike County. It was a perfect evening, not too cold, though about the time that the bonfire was lit....you were ready for some warmth.  Happy Halloween!

Clarksville, MO Applefest.....This Weekend!

For news, events and promotions This is the perfect weekend to visit Overlook Farm in Clarksville, MO. Enjoy a Saturday morning parade down Main Street, browse the treasures of local artisans in the Appleshed, or enter one of your best dishes in the apple baking contest. Come to the Clarksville Station Restaurant for a special menu celebrating all things apple. Enjoy a crisp evening in our outdoor courtyard to the sounds of Javier Mendoza. This is one fall weekend in the country you won't want to miss!

Homecoming St. John's Church- Pike County, MO

Last Sunday I became an Episcopalian for a day and attending the annual Homecoming at St. John's Church near Eolia, MO.  This church is near our farm and is the first Episcopalian church west of the Mississippi.  The church dates back to the mid-1800s and was built with the donated bricks from the original owner of this HOUSE.  This church only has 4 active members....so the congregation is always thrilled to have guests!

 

My cousin, Heather's, green tomato bread....yummy!

Aunt Nancy was there.  She was Catholic and converted to become an Episcopalian.  It seems that on my father's side of the family, the first two kids were Episcopalian. The second two kids were kidnapped by a vigilant Catholic grandmother and baptized Catholic.

And my mother....needle-pointing on the front porch of our historic farmhouse.

Historic Turner-Pharr House on the Market...Clarksville, MO Circa 1867

Now is your chance to not only buy a charming country retreat....though a project to keep your fidgeting hands busy.  Our farm is near Clarksville and we go into the town often.  It is small and charming with the Mississippi River in your front yard....sometimes literally.  I think this house is up high enough to avoid flooding, though I could be wrong.  Clarksville is a little over an hour north of St. Louis and is filled with charming shops. There is also the delightful Overbrook Farm restaurant complex close by....so when you are redoing your kitchen....you can treat yourself to their fine dining!  At a purchase price of $50,000....think of what you can do to make this a showplace!

Listed by Dan Pieper, Keller Williams Realty West, 636-485-5242

 

 

Zinnas and Sunflowers!

Nothing says the peak of summer better than sunflowers and zinnas!  The sunflowers were photographed in Clarksville, MO near Overlook Farm and the zinnias at our farm. Enjoy!

 

 

   

 

Guest Chef Dinner- Overlook Farm, Clarksville, MO Sat., August 7th, 2010

On Saturday night my son Nicholas and I joined some of our family for special dinner at Overlook Farms in Clarksville, Missouri.  Each course was prepared by a special guest chef.

(Montauk Sea Scallop- Peruvian Fisherman Recipe, Chef Mark Beaupre, Orlando, FL)

 

(Wild Pacific Sockeye Salmon with Tomato, Bacon & Truffle Grits, Chef Joseph Lerner, Hickory, North Carolina)

 

(Organic Hay Braised Pork with Corn & Walla Walla Fritters and Wilted Shard & Pork Butter, Chef Debbie Gold, Kansas City, Missouri)  (Cousin- Heather Bonham- below)

 

(Sayersbrook Bison Short Ribs, Farmstead Cheddar Polenta and Black Raspberry Gastrique, Ray "Dr. BBQ" Lampe, Chicago, Illinois)

 

(Missouri Grass Fed Beef, Sage Buttermilk Onion Rings, Hollandaise Diablo-Style, Chef Grady Spears, Fort Worth, Texas)

 

(Bourbon Brown Sugar Peaches, Toasted Pecan Shortbread, Peach Sorbet, Anne Croy, St. Louis, Missouri)

 

Overlook Farm's Luv Luv Festival- Clarksville, MO

Yesterday my son and I went our to our farm in Pike County to join some family at Overlook Farm's first Dr. Brownstone's Sweet Summer Luv Luv Festival.  There was a BBQ competition, cooking demonstrations, fun cocktails, horseshoes, live music and it all culminated with a six course dinner.  Come back tomorrow for pics from the dinner.

(My Aunt Bunny Herring and cousin, Holly Maffitt)

 

(Holly Maffitt with Nathalie Pettus- owner and vision behind Overlook Farm)

 

 

 

(Xavier Mendoza was playing!)

(My son, Nicholas)

Sweet Summer Luv-Luv Festival...Clarksville...BBQ....Yum!

Spread the Luv! Great barbecue in a beautiful setting along the Mississippi River in historic Clarksville, Mo. What better way to spend a weekend? And that's what we're offering Aug. 6-8 at Overlook Farm's First Annual Dr. Brownstone's Sweet Summer Luv Luv Festival and Barbecue Cook Off.   Come for the delicious competition featuring 10 professionals and 10 amateurs competing for cash and prizes. Stay for the live music all three days, the food demonstrations on Saturday by five of the country's leading chefs, and Overlook Farm's Executive Chef Tim Graninetti's (aka Dr. Brownstone) own award-winning barbecue dishes.   It all starts with a reception at 6:30 Friday Aug. 6, and ends with Overlook Farm's Sunday brunch. Want to learn more? Then follow this link: Click here for a full schedule of events.

Summer Inn Promotions This summer we're offering a collection of specials from discounted relaxing weeknight stays for $125 per night, weekend packages including a 3 Course Farm to Table Dinner for $199, and an exciting Kayaking Package from $199. Summer won't last forever, and either will these deals. Call 573-242-3838 or visit our web site to book a getaway at Overlook Farm.