The 10 Most Beautiful Homes IN ST.LOUIS 2020

How do you define a beautiful home? Is it in the architecture or the setting? In the mix of building materials or the assemblage of stylistic influences? It wasn’t until our search for beautiful homes ended this past summer that writer Amy Burger and I recognized how our instincts drew us to properties with incredible landscaping and gardens, to places where homeowners place a premium on outdoor spaces and details: window boxes in bloom, statement-making walkways, a passion for the front porch, which, this year above all others, proved its hero status as the place to connect with neighbors and nature alike. –VERONICA THEODORO

- AMY BURGER AND MEGAN MERTZ

NEIGHBORHOOD: University City

ARCHITECT: Howard Godwin

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER: Owner; hardscaping by Delgado Brothers

SIGNIFICANT STATS: About 2,700 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

WHY WE CHOSE IT: Sitting regally on a lush corner in the beautiful University Hills neighborhood, this home, in the style of Italian Renaissance Revival, catches the eye with its impeccable landscaping, overflowing window boxes, and unique architectural details. Its painted façade highlights the intricate brickwork, and the rounded inlaid stained glass door and small rounded stained glass window above are examples of craftsmanship that can only be found in an older home. “I just fell in love with it,” says owner Cindy Cramer. “I love old architecture, but we’d never lived in an old home. This was our first move without kids, and we wanted to do something different.” When she and husband Jeff bought the house, 11 years ago, the side porch was open. Screening it in was one of their first projects, and they spend a great deal of time there. The Cramers also painted the carved sunbursts above the windows a lighter shade than the brick to make them pop. The garage is tucked under in the back of the house, and a lovely shade garden winds around behind the driveway, surrounded by mature trees. “It has all of the old charm,” Cindy says.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Glendale

ARCHITECT: Unknown

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER: Owner

SIGNIFICANT STATS: 1,900 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms