A pastoral slice of land in Ladue held far too much nostalgia for the homeowners ever to consider moving. Having lived here for more than 20 years while raising their family, it seemed unimaginable to leave behind all those memories. So, they decided to reimagine the property by tearing down their original house and building a new, forever home on the same lot. Custom-designed by builder Harry Freeman Jr., owner of the premier St. Louis company Freeman Homes, the sprawling residence spans over 10,000 square feet of finished living space, including a lavish covered patio and pool area, enabling a fluent indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

"Our goal was to design and build a home that felt both new and familiar," says Freeman, "one that honored the history of the site while embracing modern livability and craftsmanship. Though it is a completely new build, it feels deeply rooted in its surroundings, blending seamlessly with the classic character of the neighborhood."

After the architectural plans were complete, the owners also brought in interior designer Carrie McLean to take the reins in creating an aesthetic befitting the home's bucolic surroundings as well as their tastes and lifestyle. "The couple's love of blue drove the interior color scheme," notes McLean. "But it was also important for the exterior to reflect a classic style with traditional charm. The concept of a whitewashed look with lots of texture lent a historic feel to this brand-new home, and paired with green-hued shutters, the whole house offers striking visual appeal against the lush landscaping beyond."

Freeman's design focuses on the connection between rooms and between indoor/ outdoor living. A great room of grand proportions includes 14-foot box-beam ceilings, a stone-mantel fireplace and arched built-in bookcases that create balance and symmetry. Expansive 10-foot sliding pocket doors open to the covered patio, creating an effortless transition between the main living area and the outdoors. "The covered patio is one of the defining features of this home," the builder notes. "Retractable screens and optional clear panels allow it to transform into a multi-season space, while a fireplace and ceiling-mounted heaters make it just as comfortable in winter as in summer."

The spectacular outdoor room has become the heart of all the homeowners' celebrations. Part of a large, close-knit family, the couple regularly hosts aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews for Christmas Mass, holidays and spontaneous gatherings throughout the year. A showcase for entertaining, their home also features custom millwork in nearly every room and most notably, the dining room's octagonal ceiling design. "Harry and I collaborated on some of the moldings and stair designs to incorporate a feeling of openness and comfort for entertaining," says McLean. "There was also an emphasis on making the home feel cozy and elegant— nothing too serious but still emanating a sophisticated vibe amidst a lot of color."

The designer created luxe polished surfaces by incorporating high-gloss finishes in the dining room, butler's pantry and sleek bar area. To generate satisfying contrast, she integrated a few antiques into the mix of new furniture, introducing a sense of timelessness through well-worn patinas. Standout pieces include a lovingly restored buffet in the dining room, a pair of Italian coral velvet loveseats in the foyer, several vintage prints throughout the house and antique wooden tea caddies combined with other meaningful accessories.

"We outfitted several spaces with blue ceilings and implemented custom lighting with the help of Mike Craft from Metro Lighting. We also used lots of wallpaper to create impact and make large areas feel cozier and more cohesive," notes McLean. The generously proportioned home showcases custom millwork and finishes throughout, "many of which were inspired by photos the homeowners shared early on in the process," Freeman adds. "Every element from cabinetry detailing to ceiling treatments-was hand-built to create a unified, elevated feel."

Especially designed for connection and entertaining, the kitchen flows naturally and fluently into the great room. Marble counters and backsplashes exude a clean, timeless vibe, complemented by a custom hood that adds a touch of refinement. Effortless connections to a hidden scullery and butler's pantry behind the scenes emphasize the kitchen's efficiency and high functionality, making it suitable for large events and gatherings. On the lower level, a golf simulator room flows organically into the bar and lounge spaces, creating a cohesive entertainment hub.

Outdoors, a lavish pool area sits level with the main floor, supported by a custom retaining-wall system that preserves sightlines and maximizes usable space. A coastal-inspired bluestone pool deck features an integrated hot tub that doubles as a water feature, offering both function and beauty. A turf lawn surrounds the pool, providing year-round greenery and visual continuity that connects the outdoor spaces.

Equivalently planned and meticulously designed, the private spaces feature a spacious bunk room wrapped in blue-and-green striped wallpaper and housing four queen-size beds. A custom canopy valance offers a fun escape during sleepovers with the nieces and nephews. In the primary bedroom, tranquility reigns, with a light-blue ceiling that creates a sense of serenity and coziness. Amidst a thoughtful layering of refined prints and textures, the space is crowned with a stunning gold chandelier. An adjacent sitting area, cloaked in glossy apple green, offers a quaint reading hub surrounded by antique prints, bone-inlaid demilune tables and a clever custom ottoman with pull-out drink trays at each end.

"I love how much there is to talk about when you first see this home," says McLean. "Each room generates excitement with its special charms— and the homeowners were dream clients. We were all on the same page in creating the fun, functional and elegant home they wanted."

Architect Paul Fendler expresses his agreement saying, "It was a great collaborative effort between architect, designer and contractor that resulted in a beautiful home for the owners and their family. Everyone was so easy and pleasant to work with throughout the whole process."

"What I love most about this home is how inviting and livable it feels despite its scale," adds Freeman. "Every room has intention, and nothing feels overdone or purely for show. It is a family home designed to be enjoyed whether hosting a big holiday gathering or relaxing on a quiet night by the fire. Seeing this family fill the spaces with people they love makes it even more rewarding to know we helped create it." 

Resources:

Artwork: Get the Gusto, John Ohara

Cabinetry: Wright's Cabinet Shop

Carpet/Wood Flooring/Rugs: L and M custom carpets, Design and Detail and KDR,

Fireplace: Masonmade Design and Supply, Foreshaw, Two Rivers Stone Boutique

Furniture: antique, the Collective Dallas, custom pieces, Ferrell Mittman, CR Laine, World's Away, Wesley Hall

Granite: Two Rivers Stone Boutique

Stairs: Kirkwood Stairs and Millwork 

Lighting: Visual Comfort, Urban Electric, Colleen and Company, Currey and Company (all purchased from Metro lighting)

Hardware/Plumbing Fixtures: Locks and Pulls, Maltida and Goad

Sunroom/Screens: Broadview Screen

Tile: Boardwalk Tile, Mirthstudio

Windows & Treatments: all custom drapery done with Designer's First

Doors: custom

Wallpaper: Schumacher, Stroheim, Katie Ridder, Thibaut, Leah O'connell, Sanderson, Bassett McNab

Fabrics: Schumacher, Scalamandre, Bassett McNab, Sanderson, Thibaut, Manuel Canovas, Brunschwig and Fils, Leah O'connell, Cowtan andTout, Quadrille

Brass Shelving in Bar: done by Tom Theiss

Landscape Design: Baxter Gardens of Chesterfield 

Pool: the Pool Specialists

Outdoor Lighting: Metro Lighting

Outdoor Audio/Visual: DST Security