This classic Queen Anne home, built in 1910 for Carrie and Havlock Simmons, stands as one of Webster Groves' most intriguing architectural treasures. It was rumored to have been rolled on logs from its original Jefferson Road lot to its present location tucked at the northwest corner of Rock Hill Road and Halfenstein Avenue. Whether legend or fact, the home carries a story as layered as its millwork.
When the current homeowners wanted to incorporate modern conveniences with the historic charm, they turned to Simon Pataky, owner of Simon Ashley Design Studio, who is known throughout St. Louis for his thoughtful balance of artistry and function. Simon approached the renovation with reverence, studying the home’s architectural language and reimagining the interior in a way that feels both historically faithful and beautifully livable. The kitchen and upstairs renovation feels less like an update and more like a respectful conversation with the past. Speaking of having a conversation with the past, Simon opened a wall and found an envelope containing a nickel and a Cracker Jack joke book from a 12-year-old boy named Erik Erbe.
The new second-floor primary suite features custom cabinetry with built‑in modern conveniences, a serene en‑suite bath, and—perhaps the most beloved upgrade—a discreet second‑story washer and dryer that blends seamlessly into the design. Simon partnered with Just Around The Corner Flooring, a local hardwood specialist serving historic communities like Kirkwood and Webster Groves, to replace and refinish the original floors and staircase. They carefully replicated the intricate railing details and matched the species and tone of the existing wood so that old and new flow together seamlessly.
It is this kind of painstaking craftsmanship—work you might not notice at first glance, but feel in every room—that makes the home feel both revived and revered, ready for its next chapter while honoring every chapter that came before.
For more renovation information, visit simonashleydesignstudio.com