I’m excited to share the recent off-market sale of The Messing House, a remarkable William Bernoudy-designed Mid-Century Modern home located within the grounds of Westwood Country Club in St. Louis.
Built in 1961, the residence encompasses approximately 4,462 square feet on nearly 1.5 acres. Bernoudy’s signature relationship between architecture and landscape is evident throughout, with expansive windows, skylights, high ceilings, covered outdoor spaces and rooms oriented toward the surrounding gardens and pool.
The home retains an extraordinary number of its original architectural features and design details, which made finding the right buyers especially important. One particularly memorable element is the kitchen’s massive custom copper hood, measuring approximately six feet across. The property also includes five bedrooms, a three-car garage, mature landscaping and an in-ground pool.
The Messing House also has a fascinating piece of Cold War-era history. Mr. Messing designed the substantial basement using steel and concrete so that it could function as a fallout shelter not only for his family, but also for the congregation of the temple to which he belonged.
My buyers immediately recognized what made this house important. Rather than removing the details that give it its identity, they plan to thoughtfully restore the home and bring its original Bernoudy design back to life. I am excited to see them transform The Messing House into the showplace it deserves to be.
Experience with Bernoudy and Mid-Century Modern Homes in St. Louis
I have had the opportunity to represent more than 10 William Bernoudy-designed homes in St. Louis, including a few that I have sold more than once. I also live in a Bernoudy-designed home, which has given me an added appreciation for the details, materials and design principles that make his work so distinctive.
Over the years, I have built a strong track record of working with Mid-Century Modern, architect-designed and other distinctive homes throughout St. Louis. That experience has given me a deep familiarity with the architecture, provenance and original details that often make these properties so special.
The Messing House is a perfect example. Its original features, history and thoughtful design are a significant part of what gives the home its character, and my buyers immediately recognized the opportunity to preserve and restore those elements.
My experience with Bernoudy homes and other architecturally significant properties, along with a network of buyers who appreciate important St. Louis architecture, has made these homes a meaningful part of my real estate business.
If you’re a buyer or seller interested in Bernoudy, Mid-Century Modern, or other architect-designed homes in St. Louis, I’m always happy to be a resource.
