When the Ladue News Magazine sought an example of the top one-percent of luxury home offerings in the Saint Louis market, they turned to the team of James Manion and Barbara Wulfing of Janet McAfee Real Estate. Their listing at 9847 Litzsinger Road in Ladue unites over 12,800 square feet of beautifully articulated luxury finishes with a commanding presence on a private 3.4 acre setting.

In a Distinctive Home feature article by Staff Writer Katherine Comfort-Mason, the glorious highlights of the residence and its impressive amenities follow:

A 5-bedroom, 10-bath home in Ladue is listed for $7,100,000.

BY KATHERINE COMFORT-MASON

A TREASURE TUCKED AWAY ON 3.4 secluded acres; this châteauesque home is both impressive and inviting. From the sweeping circular drive, step through heavy double-doors into the entrance hall, which features a grand staircase.

The parlor and two-story dining room each boasts a fireplace and chandelier, plus plenty of natural light. The kitchen, which has been photographed for several national publications, opens onto a breakfast banquette and a cozy hearth room. There also is a library lined with built-in bookcases, a wood paneled game room with a wet bar and a soundproof state-of-the-art home theater.

 Completing the first floor is a lavish master suite with his and-her bathrooms, separate closets and a sitting room. There are more bedrooms upstairs, plus comfortable living quarters for a guest or housekeeper. Beautiful terraces, a pavilion and swimming pool extend luxury living to the outdoors.

For more impressive details, simply follow the link below:

http://www.janetmcafee.com/property/9847-Litzsinger-Road-Ladue-MO-63124/MARIS/13037148/luxury

When Ladue News Magazine wanted examples of luxury Clayton homes with distinct architectural elements, they turned to Kathy Bussmann and Jody Fancher of Janet McAfee Real Estate. Kathy and Jody’s listing at 733 Middle Polo Drive in Clayton is an impressive example of an aesthetically appealing Tudor style home with updates and finishes for today’s luxury living. In a full page feature article by Staff Writer Katherine Comfort-Mason, the compelling aspects of the home follow:

A 5-bedroom, 6-bath home in Clayton is listed for $1.27 million.

BY KATHERINE COMFORT-MASON

A LUSH LAWN AND FOUNTAIN give this 5,000-square-foot Tudor-style home impressive curb appeal. Inside, you’ll find carefully crafted details like oak moldings, built-in bookcases, cathedral ceilings, stained glass windows, hardwood and terrazzo floors and multiple fireplaces. The modern kitchen features custom cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops and a large breakfast room that opens onto a private front patio.

On the second floor, the master suite includes a large walk-in closet and updated bath that blends seamlessly with the home’s original style. A bedroom, bath and bonus room make the third floor a perfect guest apartment.

To see sunning color images and more property detail, go to:

http://www.janetmcafee.com/property/733-Middle-Polo-Drive-Clayton-MO-63105/MARIS/13032865/luxury

When Town & Style Magazine went searching for examples of current luxury home opportunities, they turned to Ann Carter and Marcy Byrne of Janet McAfee Real Estate. Ann and Marcy’s listing at 38 Brentmoor Park in Clayton is an impressive example of the romantic charm inherent in a Tudor style home with updates and finishes for today’s luxury living.  In a two page feature article by Staff Writer Stephanie Zeilenga, the compelling highlights of the home follow:|

 by stephanie zeilenga

list price | $2,295,000 

listing agents | ann carter and marcy byrne of janet mcafee real estate

When Ryan Bogan received a work transfer from San Diego to St. Louis, he and his wife Jill already knew they liked the Clayton area, but they probably weren’t expecting to see, fall in love with, and buy their home at 38 Brentmoor Park all in one weekend.

It’s no wonder they did. The 7,744 square-foot, five-bedroom English Tudor-style home was built in 1924 and has maintained its architectural and aesthetic integrity. The family hunted down original photos of the house when it was built and to help them in some restoration work. Besides bringing back the terrazzo flooring, they also restored the wood paneling in the living room to match the original photos. "We really tried to do whatever we could to maintain the integrity of the home and restore the old features," says Bogan.

The home has a stunning entryway with a wood-beamed ceiling, marble flooring and a sweeping staircase. To the right of the entry is a living room with original wood paneling, a white ceiling with decorative relief work, and a massive decorative limestone fireplace flanked by large arched windows looking out onto the lush yard.

The cozy-yet-grand basement lounge is Bogan’s favorite space in the house. "We’ve used the area for special occasions, for dinner or just to talk in front of the fireplace," he says. "The room has a community aura and it makes you feel like it’s circa 200 years ago." Decorated with a Tudor aesthetic, this room has high ceilings accented with dark wood beams and a second fireplace.

A house this grand needs the right setting, which is provided by its 1.38-acre grounds. "It has almost every type of flora and fauna, such as azaleas and dogwoods," says Bogan. The grounds feature a koi pond and a pool surrounded by a brick deck. There is also a brick patio and a pagoda nestled in the foliage.

With downtown Clayton less than a mile away, Bogan and his wife enjoyed walking to their favorite area restaurants. But as much as they love the home and surrounding area, Bogan says the family-oriented community is what they will really miss when they return to San Diego. "The community has almost this Leave It to Beaver feel, where the kids can go out to play and it’s very safe, that’s what we’ll miss the most," he says.

For more property details, go to

http://www.janetmcafee.com/property/38-Brentmoor-Park-Clayton-MO-63105/MARIS/13035213/luxury

 When the Ladue News Magazine sought examples of current luxury home opportunities, they turned to Heidi Long and Janet McAfee Real Estate.  Heidi’s listing at 11 Balcon Estates in Creve Coeur is an impressive example of the scale, proportion and custom finishes that speak to today’s discerning luxury home buyer.  In a Distinctive Home feature article by Staff Writer Katherine Comfort-Mason, the compelling highlights of the home follow:

A 5-bedroom, 4-bath home in Creve Coeur is listed for $989,000.

 By Katherine Comfort-MasonLadue

NewsThis custom-built, 1.5-story home is nestled on a lush, 1-acre lot in the Parkway School District. Open the 8-foot mahogany door to a barrel-vaulted foyer with inlaid wood floors, which leads to a study and a formal dining room with butler’s pantry. The foyer then opens into the two-story great room, which features oversized bow windows, a fireplace and built-in bookcases.

In the gourmet kitchen, you’ll find two sinks, an island, top-of-the-line appliances, a walk-in pantry and adjoining breakfast and hearth rooms. The main-floor master suite includes his-and-her closets and an opulent master bath. Upstairs are four more bedrooms with Jack-and-Jill baths. The walk-out lower level leads to a patio and private, manicured back yard.

 For additional photographs and more detail, follow the link:  http://www.janetmcafee.com/property/11-Balcon-Estates-Creve-Coeur-MO-63141/MARIS/13017556/ or contact Heidi directly:

Heidi Long  I  314.308.2283

We are particularly encouraged by the luxury housing segment, where large inventories and inflated pricing had previously stifled a more timely recovery.   Because early stimulus  programs were geared toward first time home buyers and conventional  borrowers, the luxury segment did not recover as quickly as lower price segments.  2012 saw good stock market performance, moderate job creation and good business health - all contributing to positive housing results.  2012 sales of single family and condominiums  over $1 million are up 19% over 2011 in St. Louis County's central corridor and inventory has gradually but steadily declined during the year.

More and more employees, freelancers and business owners are skipping the congested St. Louis morning commute and working remotely from home. Are you one of the 13.4 million Americans who are currently plugging into the office from home?  Make sure that you continue the productivity you achieved in the workplace by giving yourself a dedicate work space at home. Janet McAfee Real Estate has some helpful pointers to keep the work flowing in your home office.

·         Define a workplace – You don’t necessarily need a separated room with a door to constitute as an office, but you shouldn’t set up shop in front of the television – or anything else that will distract you from your work.
·         Stay organized – A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind! Although you are working from home, it is important to maintain the same orderliness as you would in the office. Here are some desk accessories to keep your office stylish and tidy.
·         Make it comfortable – Working from home has obvious benefits: no commute, you get to set your own hours, privacy, etc. Don’t forget that you can also personalize your workspace to best reflect your style. It’s a lot easier to sit down in an office that you enjoy to be in rather than staring at four blank walls. Need a little office inspiration? Check out these tips to help put the home in home office.

If your company is seeing continued growth, don’t be surprised if you are given the opportunity to work from your home in the future – prepare your workstation now! Do you have a dedicated home office space? Visit Janet McAfee Real Estate’s Facebook and Twitter to share your pictures! For more St. Louis real estate tips, remember to regularly check back for additional blog posts!