Take A Peek Inside This Stunning 1885 Brick Estate In Saint Joseph
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Hidden in Saint Joseph stands a magnificent brick estate from 1885 that tells stories of a bygone era. Every corner whispers history, wrapped in timeless charm.
Walking through its grand doorway feels like stepping back in time to when craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount in home construction. I can’t wait to take you on a virtual tour of this architectural gem.
This home has stood the test of time while keeping its historic charm and character fully intact.
1. Grand Entrance Hall Makes Powerful First Impression
My jaw dropped when I first stepped into the entrance hall with its soaring 12-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors that gleam with a century’s worth of polish. The craftsmanship here immediately tells you this isn’t just any home.
Ornate crown moldings frame the space while the curved staircase draws your eye upward. Natural light streams through stained glass transoms, casting colorful patterns across the marble-topped antique console table.
2. Parlor’s Original Fireplace Remains Heart Of The Home
Nothing captures the soul of this estate quite like the parlor’s magnificent fireplace. The hand-carved oak mantel features intricate floral motifs and mythological figures that took craftsmen months to complete in 1885.
I was fascinated to learn the original tile surround was imported directly from England, with each cobalt blue and cream tile hand-painted. When lit, the fireplace transforms the formal parlor into a cozy retreat.
The current owners found the original brass tools hidden in the basement during renovation. They’re now proudly displayed beside the hearth.
3. Victorian Drama Meets Rustic Lodge Charm
Step into a layered parlor that feels like a time capsule of opulence and eccentricity. With ornate drapes in crimson and gold, floral wallpaper, and tufted vintage armchairs, this room oozes Victorian grandeur.
Yet, the mounted antelope heads and cowhide rug add a twist of rustic lodge flair, creating a unique blend of elegance and rugged nostalgia. A chandelier with pink shades provides soft illumination, while heavy wood trim and period furnishings complete the immersive old-world atmosphere.
This room doesn’t just reflect a style, it tells an eclectic story.
4. Timeless Dining Hall Marries Classic Elegance With Contemporary Comfort
This dining room blends old-world sophistication with an unexpected underground twist. Exposed brick walls and open rafters reveal the building’s original structure, while fine fabrics, chandeliers, and classic furnishings give the space a grander feel.
Velvet high-back chairs surround a polished round table set with fine china and crystal glassware, ready for an intimate dinner steeped in history.
Stained-glass windows, antique candelabras, and mounted horns add layers of eclectic charm. This cellar feels more like a private club from a bygone era than a basement.
5. Breathtaking Stained Glass Windows Tell Visual Stories
Sunlight transforms this home throughout the day as it filters through dozens of original stained glass windows. The most spectacular example crowns the main staircase… The massive arched masterpiece depicting a pastoral scene with subtle gold leaf accents that shimmer in afternoon light.
Each bedroom features unique stained glass transoms with motifs reflecting their original occupants’ interests. The music room appropriately showcases delicate glass panels with instrument designs.
The current owner says these windows were commissioned from a well-known Chicago studio. The same studio also created pieces for several major churches in the Midwest.
6. Upstairs Hallway Floor Creates Musical Notes When Walked Upon
The upstairs hallway holds perhaps the most delightful secret in this historic home, a musical floor that plays notes when stepped on in certain spots! The ingenious system uses specially cut floorboards that press against metal reeds beneath, similar to a giant music box mechanism.
Legend says the original lady of the house, a frustrated composer, designed this feature to teach her children scales while they played. With careful steps, you can actually play the first eight notes of “Camptown Races,” a popular tune of the 1880s.
During full moons, the wood expands just enough to play slightly sharper notes. This created an eerie effect that housekeepers once attributed to friendly ghosts tuning their instruments.
7. Master Suite Occupies Entire East Wing
Luxury takes on a historic glow in this grand bedroom suite, where craftsmanship and comfort meet in perfect harmony. Anchored by a regal four-poster bed with an elaborate canopy, the room blends 19th-century elegance with cozy touches like layered bedding and a tufted settee.
Intricate woodwork frames every doorway and mirror, while the original hardwood floors and ornate fireplace speak to the home’s 1885 origins.
Just steps from the sleeping area, a soaking tub sits beneath its own architectural canopy, offering a spa-like retreat without leaving the room. With generous space, rich finishes, and details, this suite is a masterclass in timeless design.
8. Quirky Guest Bedroom Once Housed A Famous Outlaw
Romantic charm and rich craftsmanship define this inviting bedroom retreat. The focal point is a carved wooden bed that echoes a bygone era, styled with bold damask patterns and rich, colorful accents.
Deep, moody wall tones create a cozy cocoon, while polished wood trim and period-appropriate doors reinforce the vintage aesthetic. A fresh bouquet and bottle of wine on the nightstand hint at quiet evenings and thoughtful hospitality.
Just beyond, an en-suite bath and softly lit hallway add comfort and ease, giving the space a personal feel with a touch of history.
9. Copper Bathtub Imported From Paris Remains Fully Functional
Stepping into this lavish bathroom feels like crossing into the refined world of a 19th-century manor. Ornate woodwork frames every surface, from the paneled doorways to the custom vanity crowned with a gilded mirror.
Soft, gathered drapery filters natural light, casting a glow over the marble countertops and vintage-inspired fixtures. Just beyond the threshold, a deep soaking tub nestles beneath a canopy of carved trim, inviting luxurious baths.
Though it radiates historical charm, this bathroom is fully functional, blending Victorian elegance with modern comfort. A true proof that good design never goes out of style.
10. Underground Wine Cellar Maintains Perfect Temperature Naturally
Descending the narrow stone steps into the estate’s underground wine cellar feels like entering another world entirely. Built directly into the limestone foundation, this remarkable space maintains a constant 55-degree temperature without any modern climate control.
Original brick arches support the ceiling while hand-carved niches hold bottles in the traditional method. The current owners discovered the cellar had been used for champagne storage in the early 1900s, evidenced by vintage labels still affixed to the walls.
My favorite feature is the tasting nook with its small table carved from a single piece of limestone. It’s the ideal spot to sample wines in atmospheric surroundings.
11. A Grand Entrance In Waiting
This once-stately foyer whispers stories of a more opulent past, now waiting patiently for revival. With its high ceiling, stained-glass windows, and wood-paneled staircase, the craftsmanship is unmistakable.
Ornate columns and detailed balustrades hint at the elegance that once greeted guests at the door. A dormant fireplace and exposed brick suggest decades of character layered into the walls.
Though currently in a state of disrepair, this entryway holds immense potential! It’s ready to be restored into the dramatic, welcoming heart of the home it was always meant to be.
12. Chiseled Stone Walls Whisper Echoes Of A Grand Past
Bathed in the soft glow of twilight and framed by freshly fallen snow, this magnificent Victorian estate stands as a timeless sentinel of architectural beauty. Its steeply pitched slate roofs, intricate chimneys, and ornate stonework harken back to an era of grandeur and craftsmanship rarely seen today.
The wide wraparound porch invites warm conversation even on the coldest nights, while glowing windows hint at the warmth and history held within.
Set against a backdrop of bare winter trees and a cotton-candy sky, this home feels like a page torn from a fairytale. It’s regal, romantic, and ready to enchant.