For Meg and Aaron Browne, home isn't just a place. It's a feeling deeply rooted in the walkable streets and neighborly spirit of Webster Groves. After falling in love with this historic community, they found a century-old house with a sprawling, one-acre lot: a rare find.
The Brownes knew from the outset that their 1920s limestone home would require significant work, but they were strategic about their approach. Rather than rushing into renovations, they lived in the house for seven years, learning its rhythms and understanding exactly what their growing family of five needed.
"We wanted to live in it first to see how to adjust it for our family," Meg said. During those years, with three active boys now ages 3, 5, and 8, their priorities became clear: storage, a functional kitchen, and, for Aaron, a much bigger garage.
"This project started because I wanted a bigger garage," Aaron said, laughing. "I'm a builder and toy guy. I have projects, and I couldn't do them before. Our cars couldn't even fit in the old garage; the roof deck was falling in."
The couple’s wish list grew. A large, modern kitchen with a massive island for gathering. A master suite that offered a true retreat. Dedicated play areas for the kids. Seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces. Most importantly, they were committed to preserving the historic character of their Webster Groves home while updating it for 21st-century living.
"My big thing was I didn't want it to look like an addition," Aaron said. "I wanted it to look like it was always meant to be this way."
This commitment to a seamless transition guided architect Tim Hollerbach, builder Anzac Developments in Kirkwood, and interior designer Katy Ebert. The project married a 100-year-old limestone foundation with modern construction techniques: a complex and challenging task.
"You have old and new houses to unite. It's one of the hardest residential projects you can tackle," said Ryan Schulz, founder of Anzac Development. "Unforeseen circumstances demanded constant collaboration and adaptability. There have been ups and downs, but it’s been fluid. We move, change, and solve as we go."
The beloved wraparound porch was carefully preserved and extended. It wraps three sides now, linking the front to a new patio and ensuring a smooth flow. The facade remains almost unchanged, blending perfectly with the neighborhood.
Inside, the transformation is striking. The cramped kitchen is now an entertainer's dream, with two islands and a wine fridge. Interior designer Katy worked with Meg to select durable and beautiful finishes. "Meg had a clear vision for a beautiful, elegant, coastal aesthetic," Katy said. The result is a bright space with oak flooring and elegant porcelain tile, honoring the home’s history while maintaining a modern feel.
For the Brownes, renovation is more than just an investment in a building; it's an investment in their future. It is an investment in their family's future and the community they cherish. They’ve poured their hearts into creating a home where their boys can grow, where friends and neighbors are always welcome, and where the rich history of Webster Groves continues to thrive.
The Browne home shows what’s possible when vision meets preservation, needs align with history, and a community supports thoughtful development. While historic homes are often razed for new builds, the Brownes prove that patience, planning, and the right team allow you to have it all.
This home will be featured as part of the 2025 Kirkwood Lifestyle Home Tour.
Join us on Saturday, December 6th, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm for our third annual Kirkwood Lifestyle Home Tour. Purchase $25 tickets today at 2025KirkwoodLifestyleHomeTourEventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Historic Society and the Webster Groves Historic Society, helping to preserve the heritage of our communities.
Pick up wristbands and self-guided tour books at the Kirkwood Historical Society, located at 302 W. Argonne Drive, on the day of the event. Tickets are also for sale at this location from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Visit 2025Kirkwoodlifestylehometour.eventbrite.com.