Set in the heart of Ladue, this home is built for grand entertaining
By Carol Shepley
Ladue meant country when 11 Ladue Lane was built as a summer place, during the depths of the Depression in 1932. Although it still feels as secluded as a country estate, it’s not. It’s actually right in the heart of Ladue between Warson Road and the verdant greens of the Saint Louis Country Club. Set on two acres replete with rose gardens, a pond and a pool, the 10-room house is more mansion than getaway, perfect for grand entertaining and snazzy soirées. Think Noel Coward.
The front door opens into an entryway with a sweeping staircase and windows on three sides of the landing. The floors are herringbone; the arched doorways are crowned with elegant millwork. The late 19th-century chandeliers in the dining room and above the stairs are original, likely converted from gas lamps. The brass pendants sport winged creatures, and the glass globes are etched with scenes from classical antiquity.
The master bedroom, which boasts one of the home’s three working fireplaces, has views of the surrounding woods from windows on three sides of the room. The leaded windows prevalent throughout the home constitute one of its most charming features. Though updated with a large eat-in kitchen, plus an attached family room and galley kitchen, this home is made for old-fashioned formal entertaining. Not only is there a formal dining room and library with wet bar, but also the living room has a window and two sets of French doors leading to terraces, a lily pond and a pool.
The first owner was Louisa Leete, one of two daughters of Dr. James and Cordelia Harrison Leete. James was a surgeon in the Civil War; Cordelia came from a family that owned mines. Testimony at a trial in which Dr. Leete was involved reveals a curmudgeon: He “chased children away from his sidewalk and scolded the coachman next door for whistling.” No wonder Louisa needed a summer place to get away from it all.
address
11 Ladue Lane, Ladue
asking price
$1,975,000
agents
Marcy Byrne and Nancy Pool, Janet McAfee Realtors
314-997-4800, www.janetmcafee.com
