The Sappington House combine fun and history

It was a birthday trip.  My friend Janna took me to a brunch at the Barn, the lovely restaurant and gift shop located outside the historic Sappington House in Crestwood, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb.  After a wonderful and filling meal, in the tea room setting, we toured the beautifully restored home that is thought to be the oldest in St. Louis County.  Janna, who is from the area, knew of the site, but had never been before either, so this trip was a win/win for both of us.

Thomas Sappington built this beautiful Federal Style home in 1808 for his bride Mary Ann Kinkead.  Set on 2.5 acres, the home and garden are located next to the Grant Trail.  Construction was completed on the home that was restored in 1966 by the Sappington House Foundation.

At the time Thomas Sappington built his home, it was built with the help of slave labor something I admit I don’t thinking of happening so close to central Illinois.  The house is comprised of bricks made on site with wooden pegs used to secure the homes frame.

During the tour we learned the story of the Sappington family which was a very large one.  Our guide said that family members still stop by today.  I looked on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Sappington-House-Museum/295270207309170) and enjoyed reading posts about the house, many from family members!

While the furnishings don’t all belong to the Sappington family, the home is furnished with lovely authentic early nineteenth century pieces and the guides are able to tell how items in the house were used making this not only a beautiful home to tour, but an educational one as well.

While we had time to dine at the Barn and tour the house we missed the Library of Americana and the Decorative Arts that is also on site at the grounds.

I think this is a site that is often missed in the St. Louis area by visitors.  Janna and I really enjoyed our visit and I would like to go back and see the yard and garden if full spring flower.  Admission to the Sappington House is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Perfect for tours, school field trips, and special events.

Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (except in January) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Located at 1015 S. Sappington Road,  St. Louis, Missouri 63126 call 314-822-8171 for details of this lovely home!  Log onto www.sappingtonhouse.org for more information.