In our ever-expanding city, the option for new homeowners to discover friendly neighborhoods and build the homes of their dreams has never been more exciting! You will certainly be inspired by the award-winning homes presented in this special section of our magazine. Whether you are looking to move to St. Louis or relocate within the metro area, the amazing homes available to purchase or build are truly outstanding – making St. Louis one of the most progressive places to live.

Our sister publication, St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles, held their 2008 Homes of the Year Contest resulting in an outstanding group of winning homes in 15 categories. All homes were judged by an impressive panel of judges, consisting of an interior designer, architect and homeowner on each of seven teams. Scoring criterion included interior and exterior aesthetics, well-designed spaces, kitchen and bath functionality, and landscaping/curb appeal. Judges also considered state-of-the-art technology, maintenance-free features, architectural design and environmentally sound materials.

Winning homes integrated superior features with a range of styles and prices for potential homebuyers. Award winners in the Platinum and Gold categories included: Best Custom Homes, Best Model/Display Homes, Best Maintenance-Free Homes, Best Historical Restorations, Best Lofts/Condos and Best Green Home. These spectacular homes can be found in fabulous, expanding neighborhoods throughout the metro area – described in detail in Where the Rivers Meet on the preceding pages. Turn the pages and discover these magnificent homes and welcoming communities. We invite you to visit our award-winning homes and communities.

Platinum Award Winners

RJ Mayer Development Corporation - The Williamsburg
Category: custom home
Price Division: $2 million & above

The exquisite iron doors of this majestic European home open into the coffered entry with a view of a covered loggia beyond. The grand hall leads from one lavish room to the next: a magnificent great room with exposed beams and baronial fireplace, a dining room with round coffered ceiling and wine gallery, and a two-story iron-and-wood staircase. The private master suite features a glorious study, hidden morning kitchen, coffered ceilings, a columned fireplace, and luxurious appointments including a chromotherapy tub, step-down shower, heated floors, custom vanities, inlaid marble floors, and etched windows. The opulent kitchen boasts high-end appliances, two islands, and a hearth room with a soaring stone fireplace, timber trusses and Peruvian brick floor.

other interesting info:
7,337 square feet
School district: Parkway
Municipality: creve coeur

Jeffrey Homes - 24 Spoede Lane
Category: custom home
Price Division: $1 million - $1,999,999

This award-winning plan, with painted exterior masonry, has a master bedroom on the first floor with three bedrooms and a vaulted ceiling loft on the second floor. The five-inch hand-scraped flooring complements the millwork of seven-inch baseboards, seven-inch crown, coffered ceilings, maple staircase with wrought iron balusters, bead board and board-and-batten trim. The stained box beams, bookshelves and stone fireplace add charm to the great room. The hearth room stone fireplace extends to the peak of the vaulted ceiling. The kitchen features custom glazed cabinetry, granite countertops, and Wolf appliances with a microwave drawer.

other interesting info:
4,900 square feet
School district: Ladue
Municipality: creve coeur

Janssen Building & Development Corporation Inc. - 2117 Redwood Drive
Category: custom home
Price division: $750,000 - $999,999

Modernizing the warmth and character of an early-1900s hunting lodge, the home’s natural fieldstone veneer and eight-foot-wide cut stone front entry steps are teamed with maintenance-free simulated cedar shake vinyl siding and aluminum-clad triple-glazed windows. Entering through the massive solid wood front door, you are greeted by the natural-stone Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello version of the Rumford design fireplace, solid maple flooring, eight-inch round custom solid maple stair newel posts with wrought-iron balustrades, glaze-finished custom Knotty Alder doors, cabinets and woodwork. Juxtaposed with geothermal heating and cooling, acid-stained lower level radiant heated concrete floors and computer-driven audiovisual, surveillance and security systems, this home is both comfortable and desirable.

other interesting info:
6,400 square feet
school district: northwest R-1
municipality: high ridge, jefferson county

Dveris/Maynes, LLC - 15 Ladue Court
Category: model/display home
Price division: $1 million & above
Category: maintenance-free home
Price division: $850,000 & above

A stone-paved driveway and front walk lead into this three-bedroom villa. Inside, a custom oak circular staircase leads upstairs to two guest suites, both with private baths and walk-in closets. The lower level features a master suite with tray ceilings and crown moldings, along with a master bath containing a spa-like shower with body sprays and a shower seat. The lower level also showcases a study with decorative stained paneling, a custom wall of bookcases and custom colors to reflect the English manor style. In the kitchen, tile floors, custom cabinets, granite tops and decorative tile backsplashes are designed to meet anyone’s culinary expectations.

other interesting info:
4,153 square feet
school district: Ladue
municipality: creve coeur

Rolwes Homes - 3457 New Town Lake Drive
Category: model/display home
Price Division: $750,000 - $999,999

The charm of this home begins with three separate outdoor porches, inspiring nostalgia. This feeling continues into the interior through the use of extensive moldings, hardwood floors, and French doors. The multi-functional floor plan – including four full baths, one half bath and three bedrooms with two loft areas – lends itself to ease of living thanks to two separate second floor areas. Another unique feature of this home is the outdoor atrium space complete with firepit.

other interesting info:
3,695 square feet
school district: orchard farm
municipality: st. charles

McKelvey Homes - Turnberry at Charbonier
Category: model/display home
Price division: $500,000 - $749,999

This four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath, one-and-a-half-story home features a luxurious master suite on the main level with a sitting room, his-and-her walk-in closets and spa-like bath. The kitchen features hardwood flooring, an oversized island with Cambria quartz countertops and Kitchen Aid appliances including a range hood and wine cooler. The family room has an 11-foot soaring window wall and custom built-in bookcases surrounding a fireplace that adjoins the breakfast room. Upstairs are a step-up bonus room, three large secondary bedrooms, a hall bath and a Jack-and-Jill bath. The finished lower level includes a rec room and full bath. A “doggy spa” located in the laundry room features custom mosaic tile, a hand-held shower and a built-in hairdryer.

other interesting info:
4,615 square feet
school district: hazelwood west
municipality: hazelwood

TMC Homes - Estates at Timberwolf Valley
Category: model/display home
Price division: $300,000 - $499,999

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home features interior design that combines dark, casual wood with sea blues and natural browns. From the foyer there are grand views of the great room and dining area as well as an expansive wall of windows showcasing the beautiful wooded landscape. The kitchen is an open floor plan with access to an outdoor living area. The master bedroom features two large walk-in closets that are accessible from the master bath.

other interesting info:
2,633 square feet
school district: R-7
municipality: festus

McKelvey Homes - Cortina at Westmeade
Category: maintenance-free home
Price division: $849,000 & under

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, one-and-a-half-story, maintenance-free villa home features a European-inspired brick and stone façade and an open floor plan. The gourmet kitchen includes a breakfast area, a formal dining area, and a temperature-controlled walk-in wine closet. Also on the first floor are a great room with a precast stone gas fireplace, built-in bookcases, expansive windows and a French patio door leading to an outdoor living area with a stone fireplace. Cherry hardwood flooring and Freize carpeting are throughout the home’s first floor. Upstairs features a loft area, two bedrooms and a hall bath. The finished lower level has another fireplace and a walk-behind wet bar, a rec room, a bedroom, and a full bath.

other interesting info:
3,739 square feet
school district: rockwood
municipality: chesterfield

Landmark Builders - 318 South Woodlawn Avenue
Category: historical restoration

This circa-1860s Victorian home and former Civil War hospital underwent a total renovation, as the original two-and-a-half-story home was lifted and turned 90 degrees. The original wrap-around porch was extended and the original winding staircase was mirrored in a new staircase in the front addition. Antique light fixtures adorn the walls and ceilings. A cherry-paneled library with a wood-burning masonry fireplace is featured in the front addition, along with three other masonry fireplaces with period chimneys in the kitchen, living room and master bedroom. Occupants can board an elevator in the basement to travel to the upper level to find a children’s playroom loft.

other interesting info:
8,000 square feet
school district: kirkwood
municipality: kirkwood

Sage Homebuilders - 29 Beacon Hill Lane
Category: green home
Price division: $500,000 & above

This home is clad in cultured stone and situated on a one-acre, partially wooded lot that is landscaped with native Missouri plants. In addition to solar technology, the home features several state-of-the-art green building technologies including geothermal heating and a PEX plumbing system that includes a tankless water heater. The home is insulated by a concrete form foundation, as well as blown-in fiberglass insulation, all of which provide unmatched energy savings. Floors in the home are FSC-certified maple, and the carpets are wool and recycled content. Other features of the home include motion-sensitive bath fans, sun tunnels, skylights and Energy Star lighting and appliances.

other interesting info:
3,750 square feet
school district: parkway
municipality: creve coeur

Sage Homebuilders - 1303 Childress
This three-bedroom, three-bath home, which was the first green-certified home in the City of St. Louis, features a master suite upstairs in addition to a lower-level bedroom/study suite. The home also includes large, built-in bookcases and window seats, upstairs laundry facilities, and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom on the second floor. Green features include stainless steel Energy Star appliances, CRI Green Label carpeting for improved indoor air quality, and FSC-certified wood floors. The home is hyper-insulated and outfitted with recycled content, dry-brown cellulose and has a PEX plumbing system with a tankless water heater that makes the delivery of hot water more efficient.

other interesting info:
2,400 square feet
school district: st. louis city
municipality: st. louis city

Brooksberry Kitchen & Bath Thadco Construction - 801 Skinker
Category: loft/condo
Price division: $750,000 & above

This home, positioned on half of the 11th floor of a 1950s condo building overlooking Forest Park, features a gracious master suite and a guest bedroom and bath. The master bedroom and study were created by combing two bedrooms, resulting an open, loft-style space. The kitchen opens to the living/entertainment room, dining area and entry foyer. Extensive use of large-scale built-ins throughout the condo maximizes storage while maintaining a clean, urban feel. Wide plank ebonized hardwood flooring and bronze track monorail lighting, used due to the structural constraints of concrete ceilings, is showcased throughout the home.

other interesting info:
2,830 square feet
school district: st. louis city
municipality: st. louis city

The Pyramid Companies - The Bankers Lofts
Category: loft/condo
Price division: $500,000 - $749,999

The fully restored historic façade of the Bankers Lofts Building is a magnificent disguise for the thoroughly modern conveniences of gracious loft living found within. The main level features 11-foot ceilings, exposed heavy timber construction, brick and plaster accent walls, spiral ductwork, and treated concrete floors. The spacious master bedroom includes generous walk-in closets, and the bath has a soaking tub and separate shower. The kitchen boasts large islands with an extended breakfast bar and natural finish maple slab cabinetry. A second bedroom, guest bath and laundry area are also on the main level. A full second-floor penthouse includes a living area, luxury bath and private rooftop deck.

other interesting info:
3,463 square feet
school district: st. louis city
municipality: st. louis city

The Pyramid Companies - The Laurel Condominiums
Category: loft/condo
Price division: $300,000 - $499,999

The Laurel Condominiums display is built on the first floor of the former Dillard’s/Stix, Baer & Fuller Department Store building at 7th and Washington. The views depicted in many oversized windows were taken from the ninth floor of the building, and replicate what a buyer will see from a completed condominium on a higher floor.

other interesting info:
1,713 square feet
school district: st. louis city
municipality: st. louis city

Gold Award Winners

Deshetler Homes inc. - 12836 Horton Lane
Category: custom home
Price division: $2 million & above

Custom wooden double doors with Gothic arches open onto the grand foyer of DeShetler Homes’ latest “New Old House.” The first view is the stone fireplace that leads to the formal great room. To the right are wood-cased openings barely revealing the coned, arched drywall stairwell leading to the secondary chambers. A guest bath and massive guest closet complete the foyer. Other features include a master bath, gallery, outdoor fireplaces, wine closet, cook’s office, finished lower level and hidden pantry in the gourmet kitchen.

other interesting info:
6,544 sq. ft.
school district: parkway
municipality: town & country

Lawrence Group Inc. - Charlottesville, Enclave Bellerive
Category: custom home
Price division: $1 million - 1,999,999

This home incorporates environmental design elements from Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s first great architects, by using natural light. It features carefully detailed brickwork, round windows, curved walls and special ceiling treatments, which all create balance and symmetry. The home’s abundance of windows offers a bright environment without interior barriers, preserving design intimacy in the living flow.

other interesting info:
5,200 sq. ft.
school district: ladue & parkway
municipality: creve coeur

RJ Barry Custom Homes - 7 Grand Meridien Court
Category: model/display home
Price division: $1 million & above

Located just minutes from Chesterfield Valley, the exquisite luxury homes at Meridien are tucked into a 100-acre idyllic wooded setting with panoramic vistas of gently rolling hills and meandering streets lined with mature trees and serene water features. A truly extraordinary country estate of only 30 custom homes in a perfect location. It is private, secluded and peaceful. Although it is never far from the conveniences and services you need, it seems a lifetime away from your hectic, non-stop world.

other interesting info:
7,220 sq. ft.
school district: rockwood
municipality: wildwood

McKelvey Homes - Turnberry at Chavanel
Category: model/display home
Price division: $750,000 - $999,999

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home features a private study, a master suite, a gourmet kitchen and a hearth room. The master suite includes his-and-her walk-in closets, as well as a master bath with a frameless shower door, ceramic tile and separate vanities. The kitchen boasts a quartz island, built-in stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry and pecan hardwood flooring. The adjacent hearth room showcases a bay window, a gas fireplace and a breakfast room with hardwood flooring. The second level has a step-up bonus room, three bedrooms, a hall bath and a Jack-and-Jill bath.

other interesting info:
4,100 sq. ft.
school district: rockwood
municipality: ballwin

Hayden Homes - 203 Toussaint Landing Drive
Category: model/display home
Price division: $500,000 - $749,999

This four-bedroom ranch home addresses the changing needs and desires of today’s homebuyer. It has a master suite, as well as a guest suite that was created in response to a need for extra flex space on the main floor. The floor plan includes a formal dining room, as well as a convenient kitchen with a wet bar. It also features a family dining room, study and great room, which all surround an outdoor living area. The outdoor living area, which is designed to be an extension of the interior, features a covered seating area, see-through stone fireplace, screened-in porch and covered deck.

other interesting info:
4,282 sq. ft.
school district: francis howell
municipality: dardenne prairie

Cinco Development - The Whitehirst at Hawkins Bend
Category: model/display home
Price division: $500,000 - $749,999

This atrium-style, four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car-garage, single-story home features 10-foot ceilings in the foyer, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, hearth room and master suite. The kitchen features a custom granite island, mixing center, walk-in pantry and ceramic tile floors. Specialty maple cabinetry infuses glass, staggered and crown elements. The master suite features two walk-in closets, a double-sculptured ceiling, indirect illumination, specialty paint and custom-design crown molding techniques. The lower level includes a media room, game room, exercise room, wet bar and wine storage, with a fourth bedroom and full bath in a private wing.

other interesting info:
3,219 sq. ft.
school district: rockwood
municipality: st. louis county

Cinco Development - The Enwood at Hawkins Bend
Category: model/display home
Price division: $300,000 - $499,999

The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath, two-story home features a main-floor study and a grand, turned staircase. The kitchen has double stacked, illuminated glass, glazed cherry cabinetry, a computer desk, mixing center, butler’s pantry, Silestone-topped island, double ovens, cooktop, walk-in pantry, specialty tile backsplash and ash plank flooring. The master suite includes a master bath with a triple vanity and double bowls, triple drawer cabinet, a separate make-up vanity situated to maximize lighting, and cultured-marble shower and tub, both with seats. A bonus room, two bedrooms sharing a Jack-and-Jill bath, and a third bedroom with bath are located on the second floor.

other interesting info:
3,424 sq. ft.
school district: rockwood
municipality: st. louis county

Dveris/Maynes lc - 11 Ladue Court
Category: maintenance-free home
Price division: $850,000 & above

This two-story, three-bedroom home features a custom staircase with a carpet runner and wrought iron spindles. A two-story gathering room showcases hardwood floors, a custom two-story fireplace and custom built-in cabinets. The master suite features tray ceilings with crown moldings, a spa-like shower with a Kohler DTV controller, body sprays, and oversized whirlpool tub. An elevator takes guests and residents to the second floor, featuring two guest suites and an outdoor balcony. The kitchen features hardwood floors, granite countertops, a tile backsplash and a wide range of appliances.

other interesting info:
4,487 sq. ft.
school district: ladue
municipality: creve coeur

Metropolitan Design & Building Co., Inc. - 374 Champion Way
Category: maintenance-free home
Price division: $849,999 & under

This one-and-a-half-story home features three bedrooms, four baths, a vaulted great room with built-in audiovisual equipment, and a finished lower level. The first level features a master suite with a luxurious master bathroom that includes a granite vanity top, frameless glass shower enclosure, mud-set air tub and under-floor heating. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances along with granite countertop, premium wood cabinetry, and a custom storage closet system. The lower level recreation/media room features a wet bar with granite countertop and an under-cabinet refrigerator and icemaker.

other interesting info:
3,100 sq. ft.
school district: parkway west
municipality: ballwin

Metropolitan Design & Building Co., Inc. - 310 Hill Trail
Category: historical restoration

This three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home contains elements of its original design. The original terrazzo entry floor with elaborate inlay has been preserved in the foyer, and the original vaulted and beamed ceilings have also been preserved. Handcrafted light fixtures decorate the kitchen, living and dining rooms. The kitchen features stainless appliances and a custom island with extra storage. It opens to an expansive loft-style family room, living room and dining room, which leads to a generous deck. The master bathroom includes under-floor heating and a two-person tub with a heated backrest.

other interesting info:
2,860 sq. ft.
school district: parkway west
municipality: ballwin

Belcher Homes - 505 Creekside Place
Category: green home
Price division: $499,999 & under

This 2,650-square-foot home uses design techniques to enhance natural light. Sun tunnels were used in the master bath and laundry room. Energy and resource-saving products, such as low-flow toilets, digital setback thermometers and Energy Star appliances, are also featured. Fiber-cement siding was used to protect and enhance exteriors, and first-floor areas, except wet areas, are covered with certified, pre-finished hardwood. All plumbing needs are centralized to conserve use of materials and enable a single tankless water heater to be installed to serve the entire home.

other interesting info:
2,650 sq. ft.
school district: kirkwood
municipality: kirkwood

Conrad Properties - 4545 Lindell
Category: loft/condo
Price division: $750,000 & above

This two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath condominium is one of 34 limited-edition residences in the hi-rise. The open floor plan has 10-foot ceilings, exposed concrete elements, floor-to-ceiling windows and a 200-square-foot outdoor terrace. Natural slate floors and custom quarter-sawn oak cabinetry with maroon cohiba granite counters are throughout the home. The living and dining area features a red glass Murano chandelier and cozy fireplace. A walk-through closet, bathroom with marble countertops and flooring, a Grohe shower system and separate marble tub deck complete the master suite.

other interesting info:
1,784 sq. ft.
school district: st. louis city
municipality: st. louis city