The family of six living in this Fenton home is busy with work, school, sports, family gatherings and the hundreds of aspects of daily life in raising four daughters under the age of 14.

As the parents approached the idea of building a new home, they planned long term. They wanted a home their girls would return to as adults with their own families. And both the husband and wife have large extended families that continue to grow, and the couple wanted to host family get-togethers with ease.

A time capsule of its era right down to the fully wallpapered 1970s interiors, this stately English Tudor residence nestled in the heart of St. Louis’s posh Town & Country community has stood as a cornerstone of the neighborhood for five decades. But in 2023, the previous owner decided to sell the historic landmark, which was quickly scooped up by a young couple with an active family. But instead of a gut renovation, they envisioned a top-to-bottom refresh to honor the home’s history while embracing modern elegance.

The words “sleek,” “clean” and “architectural” aren’t often used to describe landscapes and gardens. But in the case of this Frontenac home, they fit.

When they built their current home less than two years ago, the homeowners, now empty nesters, were looking for “easy livability.” The words “clean modern aesthetic” described what they wanted for the interior of the home, where the predominant color palette is “a mix of warm neutrals.”

Bonsai trees are a cross section of art, architecture and nature. They’re a great outlet for expressing creativity through nurturing a natural plant. The plants are often associated with harmony, balance and inner peace. They offer a meditative outlet that requires thoughtful pruning and careful planning.

The Care and Keeping of Your Bonsai

Chinese Culture Days showcases traditional and modern Chinese music, entertainment, fashion and cuisine in the beautiful venue of the Missouri Botanical Garden in spring.

New this year, the Changchun Acrobatic Troupe from Changchun, China, will perform jaw-dropping acrobatics at the Garden’s outdoor amphitheater. The nine-person troupe is the largest to attend the festival in several years and will be performing stunts, juggling and balancing acts, as well as more traditional Chinese entertainment such as face-changing.

One updated split-level ranch home makes a fine place for an annual Kentucky Derby party. It now also makes a mighty fine space for its homeowners to age in place.