The Kennon House - St. Louis

Watercolor Painting by Hazel Lee, ca. 1970

St. LOuis' HISTORIC KENNON HOUSE

The Kennon House is one of St. Louis' most historic private residences. Sometimes referred to as the 'French Gothic Mansion', ‘Larry Simon House’, or the ‘Board and Batten’ House, the Kennon House was built in 1858 in the city of Carondelet, MO - a historic area incorporated into the City of Saint Louis in 1870.

Today, the Kennon House is the best-preserved carpenter gothic structure in the city of St. Louis. It's distinctive features, including its “lancet style” windows and board and batten siding, have made it the subject of several articles and other media🔗.

HISTORY of THE House

The Kennon House has a storied history, which includes ownership by notable figures like original owner Harriet Kennon - the wife of an auctioneer and commission merchant, Elias Loomis - a world-reknown scholar, and John Uthoff - a St. Louis real-estate mogul.

For a full account of the property's history, click here.🔗

For historical images of the property, click here.🔗

The Kennon House as owned by George Stackl in 1890, just 32 years after it was built.

ARCHITECTURE & RESTORATION

The house has sometimes been cited as an example of Carpenter Gothic, Gothic Revival, and Steamboat Gothic architecture. It's distinctive board and batten siding, lancet-style windows, and gingerbread trim make it an instantly-recognizable structure from a bygone era.

While the house's condition declined from the 1930s to the 1960s, Restoration efforts have been undertaken by various groups over the last 60 years. The current owners plan to finalize restorations and utilize the property as a private residence. Click here for more.🔗

HAVE HISTORY OR MEMORIES TO SHARE?

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at contact@kennonhouse.org.

Tours & Visits

We do not (generally) offer property viewings at this time.

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