A special property in the Annesdale neighborhood is now on the market. The stately home at 7900 Annesdale Drive is more than real estate; with its rich heritage tracing back to the early days of Indian Hill, it’s a legacy of four generations of the Rowe family.
“It’s a hard house to leave,” says homeowner Greg Rowe, grandchild of Stanley Rowe and Dorothy Snowden Rowe.
In 1928, Stanley and Dorothy made their home on 170 acres in Indian Hill, named Annesdale after Dorothy’s childhood home in Memphis.
“My grandparents shared a love and passion for nature and land conservancy,” Greg explains. “From 14 to 18 years old, I worked as a member of the summer labor crew. I knew pretty much every square inch of that land.”
Stanley, an avid ornithologist, helped establish the Cincinnati Nature Center. He and Dorothy collected rare plants for their garden which now makeup Rowe Arboretum.
“When my grandfather passed away, they turned Annesdale into the subdivision it is today,” Greg shares.
Greg and his spouse Emily Rowe inherited the lot adjoining the Arboretum and built their 1995 home at the top of the ridge that rises from Walton Creek.
“We definitely got the best lot,” Greg says. “The views are amazing.”
“The lot is three acres, but it’s like having an additional 13 in your backyard to enjoy,” says Emily.
Designed by Emily, the home features personal touches that bring old-world charm: a real slate roof, a striking three-story foyer with 36-foot, beamed ceilings, enchanting built-ins, floors of French limestone and oak parquet, wrought iron details and seven fireplaces. The open floor plan integrates its living spaces and natural surroundings with porches, patios, balconies and brick terraces.
The centerpiece of the living room is a whimsical, hand-carved mantelpiece.
“Emily designed it to include every animal that is indigenous to the Indian Hill forest,” Greg marvels.
“I love France, so we built this very French house, and we raised our four children here,” Emily says. “We will miss taking walks in the Arboretum, going owling at night and Christmas with an eight-foot pine tree.”
“We are thankful. We take great memories from here,” adds Greg.
It’s time to share the warm legacy of this unique home with a new family.
Find the full listing for 7900 Annesdale Drive, Indian Hill, at Homes.com.