Original limestone excavated from a neighborhood quarry can be seen on the home’s front porch. The second story and two-car garage were added in the 2003 renovation, which won an award from the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Finding a charming and fully renovated historic home surrounded by beautiful gardens in a unique, walkable neighborhood sounds like a dream. It is precisely the one that came true last year for Alison and Anthony Plaster.
After a year of house hunting and bidding on multiple homes in inner-ring suburbs like University City and Clayton, the Plasters finally found their dream home in a tucked-away historic neighborhood within walking distance of Kirkwood Park and the shops and restaurants of downtown Kirkwood.
“I like the history of the street and how peaceful it felt,” says Alison.
Updates to the older portion of the house, built in 1918, included custom millwork and built-ins, a see-through fireplace and preservation of the home’s original stained glass windows.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Originally built in 1918, the home’s previous owners rescued it from teardown and gut renovated it in 2003 with respect to its craftsman history, preserving original stained glass windows and limestone walls and adding loads of millwork and built-ins. Located in Louisa Heights, a small World’s Fair era subdivision, the house is one of only a few remaining with a base of original limestone excavated from a nearby quarry.
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“We looked at a lot of older houses. Because of the remodel, this one didn’t have the baggage other old houses had like iron pipes or knob and tube wiring — everything had been updated, but it had the charming things about old houses we like,” Anthony says.
The Plasters were looking for a house with a pool and couldn’t be happier to have found this one, surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens planted by the previous owners.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
With three grown children living out of town, the Plasters weren’t ready to downsize, but rather, Alison says, “We wanted a place to lure the kids to visit. We bought this house because the kids are coming home, and we anticipate grandkids hopefully in our future at some point.”
The house offers plenty of space for entertaining, including a large dining room with a three-sided bench window seat in addition to the full dining table, a comfy family room in an addition on the back of the house, and a stunning and spacious chef’s kitchen, remodeled just two years ago.
Alison’s favorite part of the home is the outdoor oasis that comprises the back of its double lot. It begins with a cozy screened porch off the family room leading to a deck for outdoor dining, and then down to a tiered patio that features soft seating around a fire pit, a waterfall and a pathway through lush gardens leading to a beautiful swimming pool. The previous owner, an avid gardener, planted perennials throughout the surrounding landscaping for continuous blooms and easy maintenance. Alison has taken over their care, learning and marking the various species.
A circular outdoor sofa surrounds the fire pit as a small waterfall trickles nearby on the first tier of the patio, surrounded by lush landscaping.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
The original entry foyer and small living room in the historic portion of the house was updated in craftsman style with beamed ceilings, wainscoting and a see-through fireplace. A winding wood staircase leads to the second story, which includes two guest bedrooms, a third used as Anthony’s home office and a spacious primary suite added on with more built-in millwork and another window seat overlooking the pool and gardens.
Anthony’s favorite spot and a huge selling point of the home is an enormous bonus room, constructed over the two-car garage and accessed through a door on the second floor between the bedrooms. Outfitted with a large TV and a comfy sectional sofa, as well as a six-seat dining table for games and meals, the Plasters use the room as an additional indoor entertaining and relaxing spot.
This enormous bonus room, built above the garage and accessed from the home’s second floor, was one of the main selling points of the house for the Plasters. They use it for entertaining and relaxing.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Having lived in the home for just over nine months, the Plasters are enjoying their first full summer in the pool and garden, hosting family and friends regularly.
“I feel like the house is really laid back and relaxing. I love all the private spaces,” Alison says.
Anthony and Alison Plaster, photographed in their backyard garden on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Alison and Anthony Plaster
Ages: Both are 56.
Occupations: Alison is a parent educator in the Parkway School District, and Anthony is a business owner.
Home: Kirkwood
Family: The Plasters have three adult children. They share their home with Walter, a basset hound and two cats.
A spacious primary suite added on the second floor includes more custom millwork and a built-in window seat overlooking the pool and garden. The distressed antique dresser was purchased at the White Rabbit in Brentwood.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A pass through to the kitchen was created in an original limestone wall in the family room, added on during the 2003 renovation.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
The kitchen was remodeled just two years ago and includes glass-front cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a unique crackled ceramic subway tile backsplash.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A cozy nook of window seats off the dining room is outfitted with café tables, where the Plasters love to sip morning coffee while looking out at the pool.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Photos: At Home with the Plasters of Kirkwood
Anthony and Alison Plaster, photographed in their backyard garden on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Original limestone excavated from a neighborhood quarry can be seen on the home’s front porch. The second story and two-car garage were added in the 2003 renovation, which won an award from the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor boys room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor guest room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A circular outdoor sofa surrounds the fire pit as a small waterfall trickles nearby on the first tier of the patio, surrounded by lush landscaping.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the master bedroom.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
This enormous bonus room, built above the garage and accessed from the home’s second floor, was one of the main selling points of the house for the Plasters. They use it for entertaining and relaxing.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is Anthony’s office.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor landing area.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the master bedroom.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor guest room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor landing area.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor boys room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A spacious primary suite added on the second floor includes more custom millwork and a built-in window seat overlooking the pool and garden. The distressed antique dresser was purchased at the White Rabbit in Brentwood.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the large activity room over the garage.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the master bedroom.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the second-floor landing area.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
The Plasters were looking for a house with a pool and couldn’t be happier to have found this one, surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens planted by the previous owners.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Updates to the older portion of the house, built in 1918, included custom millwork and built-ins, a see-through fireplace and preservation of the home’s original stained glass windows.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the first-floor family room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A cozy screened porch off the family room leads to the outdoor oasis and is a favorite spot of Alison’s.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the backyard.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
The kitchen was remodeled just two years ago and includes glass-front cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a unique crackled ceramic subway tile backsplash.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the first-floor family room.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A pass through to the kitchen was created in an original limestone wall in the family room, added on during the 2003 renovation.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the backyard.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the backyard.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the kitchen.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
A cozy nook of window seats off the dining room is outfitted with café tables, where the Plasters love to sip morning coffee while looking out at the pool.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the kitchen.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
Anthony and Alison Plaster bought a Kirkwood home built in 1918 with a 2003 renovation, photographed on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Pictured here is the backyard.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
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