Suburban Sanctuary

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2017 Edition of Homes & Estates Magazine.

Luxury on a grand scale in St. Louis’ premier location.

By Jaymi Naciri

While driving on this heavily treed road, you may be surprised to learn there’s a residence behind that thicket of lush greenery and hardwoods. Barely perceptible from the outside, this historic Ladue, Missouri, manse, called “The Woodlands” for its verdant setting, commands a grand presence once approached, with a sprawling expanse of brick gorgeousness surrounded by acres of parklike grounds.

It’s the acreage that is one of the most illuminating features of this five-bedroom, six-bath estate. In this exclusive St. Louis suburb, luxury properties abound, but not at this scale.

“The Woodlands is set in our absolute premiere community of Ladue, offering a 100-percent location,” says listing agent John Ryan of Coldwell Banker Gundaker Residential Brokerage Ladue/Clayton. “It is an eight-acre property, which is really unique in this area. The largest properties are usually around three acres. This is a true estate.”

Beyond an elegantly welcoming front terrace that was added in 2006 during one of the home’s renovations, etched glass doors open into a grand foyer with marble floors and detailed Italian ceilings. Built in 1926…