8801 Julia Dent Dr, St Louis, MO 63123

Property Description

The first thing you’ll notice about 8801 Julia Dent Drive is it’s seclusion among the old growth oak trees that define the desirable Town of Grantwood Village. Nestled among custom landscaping in the Forest Haven section, this unique keystone home on more than three quarters of an acre is on a choice lot that is all but invisible from the busy intersection of Laclede Station Road and Rock Hill Road in South County. Trees that were alive when President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent lived here still thrive due to protective ordinances that ensure the tranquil surroundings. The house is most often described as “unique” with its glass walls and generous overhangs. It was designed by a well-known commercial artist, Alexander Loelkes, who built this contemporary house for his family in 1951. It has been occupied and well maintained by the family since then. The 2,657 square foot house was built with classic Roman brick, Tennessee Limestone, and real redwood, and has been lovingly maintained by the Loelkes family for 75 years. It offers a step back to a dynamic post war period when solid plaster walls, expansive windows, hardwood floors, copper gutters, and marble window sills were in fashion. Recently updated Anderson windows offer convenience, safety, and lower utility bills as well as great views. From any room the new owner will enjoy expansive views of green and growing landscapes carefully cultivated to feature a perennial showcase of colorful trees and plants. Seven large rooms, 3 ¾ baths, three fireplaces, a partially finished basement and a two-car garage with a utility alcove offer plenty of working space. The original baseboard heating system is well supported and offers warm floors in the winter plus heated bathroom floors and one heated wall in the primary bath. This system is backed by two modern HVAC systems for year-round comfort. The electrical system has been updated to 200 amps and multiple GFI receptables have been installed. An efficient Generac generator ensures no inconvenience during unexpected power outages. The primary bath features unique glass countertops, perfect tile, a luxurious square tub and glass partition that separates the tub/shower from the classic low-profile toilet. This room offers a heated floor and shower wall, as well as approximately 54 cubic feet of storage in handcrafted wooden cabinets with sliding doors. Laundry chutes on the first and second floor lead to the well-designed basement laundry room equipped with a mini fridge and television. A built-in spa is a unique lower-level feature, as are the Jacuzzi tub, bidet and hand-painted garden motif surrounding the tub. Together they offer a quiet respite from the daily grind with adequate surrounding room for relaxation or recreation. A built-in barbecue grill/fireplace allows for a unique party experience. The lower level is protected by a complete water proofing system with two sump pumps. The large dining room features two glass walls and two imported African mahogany walls, all with cove molding. A corner fireplace is surrounded by a deep hearth and surrounding Tennessee limestone that matches the two extra wide capped chimneys that support the well-functioning dining room and living room fireplaces. There are 75 linear feet of custom- made, lined silk drapes in the living room and primary bedroom. Custom-made shears in the living room allow for convenient management of the ample sunlight that pours through the expansive windows. The living area features four pocket doors that allow for temporary room divisions to accommodate an active lifestyle. The metal kitchen cabinets with glass fronts in the Mid-Century modern kitchen are in excellent condition. A stone herb planter doubles as a window seat. Through the window wall you can enjoy a wide patio that provides space for entertaining or just watching the indigenous wildlife that plays in the yard around four small ponds with moving water. A Dutch door pr