How does it sound to cuddle up in a double hammock atop a hill view that stretches 25 miles across the beautiful Missouri River Valley while being smack in the middle of wine country? Stoneridge Farms Bed & Breakfast offers just that, and more, from a 20-acre slice of Show-Me heaven in Augusta.
Words such as "retreat, romance and relaxation" sum up experiences at Stoneridge Farms.
Interior designer and Stoneridge co-owner Jeannine Manning says the B&B has a five-star, No. 1 rating from TripAdvisor. She and her husband, Jeffrey, pursued the dream of hospitality when they purchased Stoneridge Farms in 2016.
"We love being part of people's lives and providing a place where people can let their guards down. When you're in the middle of our privacy, surrounded by peace and goodness, it's hard not to relax!" she says.
She says brides and grooms often select the location for their wedding nights.
"We've also had quite a few engagements occur here, then the couples return for their anniversaries. Sometimes, people arrive with the thought of proposing at one of the nearby wineries, but then when they get here and relax within our intimate vibe, proposals spontaneously happen here. It's very enjoyable when someone runs down the stairs, shouting they just got engaged."
Additionally, bridal parties sometimes rent the entire B&B for their special weekend.
Through the B&B's gift shop, guest, relatives or friends can purchase flowers, wine, chocolates or a sausage and cheese tray.
Located along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, this B&B amasses 7,000 square feet, which includes limestone excavated from the building site. Jeannine calls its decor "a modern, rustic lodge" feel. There's plenty of warm wood features, however, she's incorporated metals, glass and some animal print fabrics.
Four main Stoneridge suites are available to guests 18 years and older. Stays include gourmet breakfasts.
Jeannine says the most popular suite is called Lakeview, with its posh, lush decor and overlook of a 14-acre lake and rolling hillsides. It, and the suite entitled Vineyard, have private balconies. She says the Vineyard is decorated in a contemporary, Old World design.
For airy, crispy and light-hearted surroundings, Jeannine recommends the Garden suite.
She says some guests come seeking a room with less light so they can unplug and sleep longer. For them, she suggests the Woodland suite, which she says has warm tones and is nicknamed the treehouse room.
Both the Garden and Woodland suites can accommodate three guests.
Nearby attractions include restaurants, antique shops, specialty stores and a bakery called the Cookie Doe. Wineries include Augusta Winery, Blumenhof Winery, Chandler Hill Vineyards, Louis P. Balducci Vineyards and Montelle Winery. The region's Klondike Park also overlooks the Missouri River. Guests can venture to the August Busch Wildlife area or bike the Katy Trail. Purina Farms, the Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park and Shaw Nature Reserve are just miles away.
"People make great memories here. I really appreciate opportunities to be part of their lives and become friends, where we wouldn't have typically crossed paths," Jeannine says.
Stoneridge Is on the Market
Developments arose that may require the Mannings to travel internationally for business; so while they relish their B&B business, they believe it would be best to find a new owner for this retreat located at 651 Stone Ridge Lane.
Jeannine says the lodge includes an innkeeper area that could serve as a personal residence or rented as another luxury suite. What formerly was an office off the kitchen currently is a bedroom for a family member.
Alternatively, Jeannine says she can envision the lodge becoming a multigenerational home for a family or a second home for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
She adds that the property includes horse trails, pastureland and clover fields.
"The makeup of the lot offers so much creativity and a nearby private vineyard as part of the landscape."
At press time, this St. Charles County property was listed at $995,000. Built in 1997, the Bavarian country estate has 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The custom home design originated from the mountains of Austria, facing due south with precise angles, covered decks and tinted windows to allow the winter sun to warm the house while also offering shade during hot summer days. Its open floor plan has built-in bookcases, cathedral ceilings, special millwork, 10-foot vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and some wood floors. Associated schools are Augusta Elementary, Washington Middle and Washington High.
For more details about the Stoneridge Farms Bed & Breakfast property, visit KathyHelbigGroup.com.