A St. Louis 'Society Girl' Demanded a Nice House — And Now This Beaut Is for Sale

By on Thu, Dec 28, 2023 at 6:00 am

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COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY

I’m passionate about big old houses, classic cars and the river, so I hit a trifecta when car collector Guy Crouch invited me to Louisisiana, Missouri — about an hour upriver from St. Charles — to see Westwinds, his Moderne-style home perched high above the Mississippi on a pedestal of solid rock.

Crouch’s best friend is luring him to Savannah, Georgia, and he’s looking for a buyer for the stunning home, which sits just a bit south of Hannibal. Westwinds could be yours for $995,000.

Designed by Beverly T. Nelson, who was the chief architect of the U.S. State Department after World War II, the 4,500-square-foot residence was built by Bopp Construction in 1939 for Pike County Memorial Hospital founder Dr. Eric Alton Cunningham. It was featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in June of 1940.

“Dr. Cunningham married a society girl from St. Louis, who didn't want to move to Louisiana, and demanded a nice house if she had to move there,” Crouch says. “The house is built on an old rock quarry, and has views of the Mississippi River from all but two rooms."




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A St. Louis 'Society Girl' Demanded a Nice House — And Now This Beaut Is for Sale
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
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A well-rounded entrance: After the electric gates swing open, a curved front door and porch welcomes visitors to Westwinds.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
A well-rounded entrance: After the electric gates swing open, a curved front door and porch welcomes visitors to Westwinds.
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The generous foyer is the heart of the house, and features refinished hardwood floors and elegant wallpaper.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The generous foyer is the heart of the house, and features refinished hardwood floors and elegant wallpaper.
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The cozy den, with windows on two sides, is where Crouch spends the most time. “The walls are solid walnut planks. This was built when wood paneling was really wood paneling,” Crouch says.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The cozy den, with windows on two sides, is where Crouch spends the most time. “The walls are solid walnut planks. This was built when wood paneling was really wood paneling,” Crouch says.
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Crouch found this original glass chandelier in the basement, and had it restored by St. Louis Antique Lighting. The dining room has French doors that lead to the three season room. “I had screen doors custom made so that the dining room doors can be opened in the spring to let the gentle breeze flow through the house,” Crouch says.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
Crouch found this original glass chandelier in the basement, and had it restored by St. Louis Antique Lighting. The dining room has French doors that lead to the three season room. “I had screen doors custom made so that the dining room doors can be opened in the spring to let the gentle breeze flow through the house,” Crouch says.
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“Sunrise over the Mississippi River is amazing,” Crouch says. “It’s like an ever-changing piece of artwork. The best place to have coffee in the morning!” From the windows you can see the Louisiana Railroad Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1873, Crouch says. “The current bridge was constructed in 1898, and, at the time, was the longest swing span in the nation, at 444 feet. The bridge sees quite a bit of use, and it’s amazing to see it open up for barge traffic. During the spring to fall months, the swing span is open quite a bit.”
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
“Sunrise over the Mississippi River is amazing,” Crouch says. “It’s like an ever-changing piece of artwork. The best place to have coffee in the morning!”

From the windows you can see the Louisiana Railroad Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1873, Crouch says.

“The current bridge was constructed in 1898, and, at the time, was the longest swing span in the nation, at 444 feet. The bridge sees quite a bit of use, and it’s amazing to see it open up for barge traffic. During the spring to fall months, the swing span is open quite a bit.”
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The three season room features 400 square feet of windows with river views, and opens to a sprawling patio.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The three season room features 400 square feet of windows with river views, and opens to a sprawling patio.
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A St. Louis 'Society Girl' Demanded a Nice House — And Now This Beaut Is for Sale
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
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A St. Louis 'Society Girl' Demanded a Nice House — And Now This Beaut Is for Sale
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
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The primary bedroom offers expansive views of the Mississippi.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The primary bedroom offers expansive views of the Mississippi.
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Primary suite features an updated bathroom, and river views.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
Primary suite features an updated bathroom, and river views.
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The curved hallway leads to the shared bathroom between the two kids' bedrooms. It features built-in cabinetry, with copper clothes rods.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The curved hallway leads to the shared bathroom between the two kids' bedrooms. It features built-in cabinetry, with copper clothes rods.
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“This was the daughter’s bedroom,” Crouch says. “All of the trim has carved lace. These drapes are made by Gomez Upholstery in St. Louis, and are lined.”
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
“This was the daughter’s bedroom,” Crouch says. “All of the trim has carved lace. These drapes are made by Gomez Upholstery in St. Louis, and are lined.”
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“This was the boys’ bedroom, and the trim is very angular and masculine.” Crouch says. “All of the closets have a switch where the closet lights illuminate when you open the closet door.”
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
“This was the boys’ bedroom, and the trim is very angular and masculine.” Crouch says. “All of the closets have a switch where the closet lights illuminate when you open the closet door.”
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The walk-out basement also has river views, and features a fireplace.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The walk-out basement also has river views, and features a fireplace.
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“In the winter, you can watch the bald eagles land in the trees around the house,” Crouch says. “The patio of the house is the best place to see the 4th of July fireworks, and the backyard would be a great place to have an outdoor wedding.”
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
“In the winter, you can watch the bald eagles land in the trees around the house,” Crouch says. “The patio of the house is the best place to see the 4th of July fireworks, and the backyard would be a great place to have an outdoor wedding.”
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The gated home sits atop 10 acres. “It's very quiet and peaceful, and the property goes all the way down to the railroad tracks that run along the Mississippi.” Crouch says.
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
The gated home sits atop 10 acres. “It's very quiet and peaceful, and the property goes all the way down to the railroad tracks that run along the Mississippi.” Crouch says.
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A St. Louis 'Society Girl' Demanded a Nice House — And Now This Beaut Is for Sale
COURTESY OF BRIAN SOHN, EXP REALTY
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I’m obsessed with vintage American luxury cars, so I was like a kid at Christmas in Couch’s garages. He let me drive the 1976 Eldorado (bottom left). But while the house is for sale, the cars can’t be had for any price. Westwinds is listed by Brian Sohn of EXP Realty. Contact him at (314) 401-1696.
CHRIS ANDOE
I’m obsessed with vintage American luxury cars, so I was like a kid at Christmas in Couch’s garages. He let me drive the 1976 Eldorado (bottom left).

But while the house is for sale, the cars can’t be had for any price. Westwinds is listed by Brian Sohn of EXP Realty. Contact him at (314) 401-1696.
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