The Kennon House (sometimes referred to as the 'French Gothic Mansion', ‘Larry Simon House’, or the ‘Board and Batten’ House) is one of St. Louis' most historic private residences. The house was built in 1858 in the city of Carondelet, MO - a historic area incorporated into the City of Saint Louis in 1870.
Today, the Kennon House is the best-preserved carpenter gothic structure in the city of St. Louis🔗. It's distinctive features, including its “lancet style” windows and board and batten siding, have made it the subject of several articles and other media🔗.
The Kennon House has a storied history, which includes ownership by notable figures like original owner Harriet Kennon - the wife of an auctioneer and commission merchant, Elias Loomis - a world-reknown scholar, and John Uthoff - a St. Louis real-estate mogul.
For a full account of the property's history, click here.
For historical images of the property, click here.
The house has sometimes been cited as an example of Carpenter Gothic, Gothic Revival, and Steamboat Gothic architecture. It's distinctive board and batten siding, lancet-style windows, and gingerbread trim make it an instantly-recognizable structure from a bygone era. Click here for more.🔗
While the house's condition declined from the 1930s to the 1960s, Restoration efforts have been undertaken by various groups over the last 60 years. The current owners plan to finalize restorations and utilize the property as a private residence. Click here for more.🔗
The house is currently under-construction, so we are unable to offer tours at this time.
...Do you have any histories or memories to share about the Kennon House? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at contact@kennonhouse.org.