The Property
The property is nestled between the established Ridge Creek and Markham Hills developments that have minimum lots sizes of 3+ and 5 acres respectively. Bracketed on two sides by limestone bluffs and two sides by the Femme Osage Creek and Katy Trail State Park, the property provides you with a front row seat to the views of the Missouri River Valley and easy access to a variety of recreational activities. Since it’s a standalone parcel, you won’t have any fees and restrictions associated with Home Owners Associations (HOAs).
Entry drive and driveway
Part of the property, the paved entry drive provides private access from Highway 94 to the main portion of the property . The entry drive is bordered by horse fences, mature woods, and the rear of neighboring properties. It also passes along horse paddocks of a neighboring property.
Further back near the main portion of the property, the asphalt entry drive transitions to an exposed aggregate concrete turnaround circle and driveway leading to the main home.
| Entry drive | Private asphalt paved entry drive (compacted 3" depth) from the highway to the main home site. Two turnouts accommodate the rare event when you meet an oncoming vehicle. |
| Driveway | Exposed aggregate concrete turnaround area, driveway, and auto court. Extra thick 6" pour. |
Specimen trees
A mix of evergreen, flowering, and deciduous specimen trees add year-round character to the property.
| Magnolia acuminata - “Cucumber” Magnolia | 1 is located on the hill along the entry driveway |
| Holly | 3 are located on the hill along the entry driveway |
| Japanese Magnolia “Ann” | 1 is located along the entry driveway; 2 are located on the hill to the lower land |
| Japanese Maple | 1 is located adjacent to the auto court |
| Stenacoma “Cedar of Lebanon” | 1 is located adjacent to the deck |
| Flowering Crabapple Prairifires | 2 are located along the entry driveway; 2 are located on the hill to the lower land; 2 are located on the east side of the home |
| Silver Maples | 2 are located on the east side of the main home |
East side of home
On the east side of the home on the upper portion of the property is a pea gravel fire pit and horseshoe area.
North side of home
On the north side of the home is terraced landscaping with a screen of evergreens. All roof and exterior wall air vents are confined to the north side of the home.
Bluffs
Two exposed limestone bluffs bracket the main home site. The bluffs are illuminated at night with solar floodlights.
Stone steps
56 flagstone steps each 6" thick and 3’ wide provide access to the lower land from the main home site. Solar powered step lights illuminate the steps at night. The steps are lined on either side with landscaping.
Double track trail
In addition to the stone steps, a double track trail provides easy access from the driveway turnaround to the lower land. This is a great option for bicycles, lawn mowers, side-by-sides, and even the occasional truck.
Lower land
The multi-acre lower land portion of the property offers access to the Katy Trail and Femme Osage Creek. It’s a great place for bonfires, volleyball games, and other activities.
Private dock
Enjoy the convenience of your private dock on the Femme Osage Creek. Army Corps of Engineers approved and just 1 3/4 miles from the Missouri River, you’ll have plenty of areas to explore while paddling and fishing.
| Floating dock design | A floating dock with a hinged gangway is anchored to the shore via two 2" x 20’ galvanized steel schedule 40 stabilizer pipes. At low water, the dock rest on the creek bank. When the water rises, the floating dock and gangway rise with the water. |
| Dock platform size | 12’ x 10’ dock / swim platform with 6’ x 4’ extension. Retractable cleats make it easy to tie off canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. |
| Shore to dock ramp | A 24’ x 3’ hinged aluminum ramp with non-slip surface, handrail, and transition plate enables easy access to the creek. A second handrail for the opposite side of the ramp is included, but not yet installed. A single handrail makes it easier to carry paddle boards to the dock. |
| Shore anchor | A large exposed aggregate concrete pier anchors the dock, stabilizer bars, and gangway to the shore |
| Dock lights | 4 solar powered dock lights illuminate the corners of the dock |
| Canoe and paddle board storage rack | A rack near the dock provides storage for 2 canoes and 4+ paddle boards. The rack is raised for easy mowing. |
| Electricity | The shore mounted light pole contains an electrical outlet |
See Femme Osage Creek and Missouri River Access for details.
Wildlife
Common wildlife in the area include:
- Bald Eagles frequently fly up and down the Femme Osage Creek
- Great Blue Herons nest upstream from the home
- Deer
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Foxes
- Wild Turkey
History
The “Finney” club
In the early 1900s, the lower land of the property was the site of the Femme Osage Hunting and Fishing Club. Also known as the Finney Club. The club was one of many situated along the creeks and rivers of the St Louis region.
May 1917 stag outing
In May of 1917 a spring open house or “stag” outing was held at the Finney Club in the lower land of the property. Men from St Louis traveled by train to the property to be encouraged to join the hunting and fishing club.
