La-N3rd

Service wing was designed by well known St. Louis architect and preservationist, Jeffrey Brambila. Conservatory was constructed by Asquith Renovation of Louisiana.

The restored observation deck or "widow's walk" received the same attention to quality and detail as the rest of this fine home. It is milled from knotless redwood, cypress, and teak; woods that resist decay and the ravages of the elements. This 14' X 20' structure was built to accommodate a number of guests enjoying the view. The roof is decked in a rubber membrane and flashed in copper. The support timbers reach all the way to the brick support walls on the second floor. The staircase to the attic leads to another staircase that ascends to the observation deck. The view is breathtaking. On a clear night, you and your guests can view 4th of July fireworks in four counties from this lofty perch.

Exterior:

The roof was replaced a new wood deck went under the shingles.

The wide bracketed eaves were restored and vents added for attic ventilation.

The brick walls and limestone foundation were painstakingly repaired and tuck pointed by one of the St. Louis’s finest masonry restoration contractors.

Paint was removed from all of the homes windows; original glass was saved, missing glass replaced and the windows completely restored.

The conservatory, portico, roof top gallery and much of the restoration work was completed by Asquith Renovations of Louisiana, MO.

Mechanicals:

All of the old electrical wiring was completely removed and the home is now wired for 21^st century living.

A quality high efficiency heating (gas) and cooling (electric) system was installed by Peters Heating and Air of Quincy, IL and Hannibal, MO .

The plumbing was updated with a convenient first floor half bath and a large lavish second floor tiled bath with whirlpool tub, separate shower.

Interior finishes:

The walls and ceilings were restored; in some instances the bricks behind failing plaster were tuck pointed by the masons.

The multiple layers of paint were stripped from the interior woodwork.

The original wide plank floors

were restored on the first floor

and in the second floor hall.

The walls and wood work were painted in period colors based on paint fragments found in the home.

An incredible collection of museum quality light fixtures glitter in the formal rooms.

Service Wing:

A Jeffrey Brambila, a well known preservationist St. Louis architect, designed the service wing with plans for a future kitchen and hearth room on the ground floor and a master bath with walk in closet and a guest bedroom and bath on the second floor. An impressive two story conservatory ties the service wing to the main house. The original porch was likely open to the elements; the conservatory is an elegant concession to 21^st century comfort and convenience. .

The Conservatory

The well designed conservatory has custom windows and doors that match the pattern of the original windows in the house. The architect also included Greek revival details in the design by enhancing the exterior of the conservatory with incised columns or pilasters. The architect chose the fine custom insulated windows and zoned heat and air for this marvelous space.

The conservatory ties the main house to the service wing, and it provides an elegant granite floored entrance to the home from the parking area. Guests are greeted by a variety of tropical plants that thrive and bloom throughout the winter. A door leads from the conservatory to the main house and another to the future kitchen. One staircase in the corner descends to the basement while a second staircase ascends to a second floor sunroom providing access to the main wing second floor and the future guest suite.

The Antique Chandeliers:

These antique chandeliers as well as the conservatory chandelier and master bath crystal chandelier convey with the property

The Dining Room:

This massive antique gilt bronze chandelier was also made in France and acquired by the owner for this room.

Central Hall Entry:

1830's English gas hall chandelier converted to electricity.

The Home's History:

The Edward G. McQuie House ( Circa 1858)

Louisiana, Missouri is one of the most beautiful and well preserved antebellum towns on the banks of the Mississippi River. Enterprising early settlers moved from their modest cabins to Greek Revival and Italianate Mansions as their fortunes increased. The Edward G. McQuie House (circa 1858) is considered one of the finest Greek Revival homes in Missouri. McQuie was one of Louisiana’s pioneering settlers; he arrived 1824. By the 1850s he had a successful dry goods business and had vast land holdings in Pike County. McQuie chose to build this fine house one block west of the Mississippi River in a neighborhood already noted for its fine homes. The mansion was completed in time for the wedding of his daughter, Mary Francis to Lt. Col. Pembroke S. Senteny on September 27, 1858. Colonel Senteny became commanding officer of the 2^nd Missouri Infantry (Confederate) during the Civil War. Unhappily, he was killed in battle at Vicksburg on July 1, 1863. His widow remained in the home; eventually she remarried and her descendents lived in the home nearly 100 years. After the last of McQuie’s descendents left the mansion it began its decline. By 1980s the once proud mansion was in a state of decay. For years the home lingered on as a sad reminder of what it once was. Its elegant columned portico with its Ionic capitals disappeared. The windows vacant windows stared as the paint pealed from their frames. The house appeared doomed. The fine quality materials that McQuie’s craftsman used to build the house probably accounts for its survival from neglect that would have destroyed lesser houses. A superior restoration of this fine historic home began with the current owner in 2003. Because of of his efforts and the work by the best craftsmen using the best materials available, this home's future is assured.

The Greek Revival Style / Elegant in its Simplicity

From 1830 through the 1850’s the popular Greek Revival Style of architecture spread across the United States. It became a symbol of our new Democracy. After all, the first Democracy was rooted in ancient Greece.

Typically Greek Revival style is represented by houses with classical temple style columns supporting a triangular pediment. However, many were built with hipped roofs and single story classically designed porticos welcoming guest to the front door. Many more homes were built without columns, and the pediment was suggested in the triangular shape of the gabled ends of the roof. All Greek Revival homes have some common characteristics such as a basic rectangular footprint, and a symmetrical placement of window and door openings in the facade. Usually the window glass is divided by narrow mullions in a six over six rectangular pattern set in two double hung frames. The front doors are surrounded by narrow windows called sidelights and topped by a window called a transom. The roof’s edge slopes to a wide cornice that suggests an entablature similar to ancient Greek temples. The elegance of these homes comes from their simplicity and attention to symmetry, balance and proportion to create a harmonious whole. This simple elegance adapts well to modern taste.

For more information on the Greek Revival Style and its history go to the links we have provided.

Old House Web

Architectural Styles of America

Archive of American Architecture

Wikipedia--Greek Revival

No warrantees or representation, either implied or expressed, are made as to the accuracy of the information herein.