After Eagle Watching, last February, in Clarksville Missouri, I snapped a photo of a home, as we were leaving town. When I published a post, about the day trip, I included the photograph. I was pleasantly surprised when the owner of the home left a comment, inviting us to tour his beautiful home. Time passed, we thought we might be able to pay our visit in June of this year. The Mississippi River had other plans, however. Richard Cottrell's lovely home and the entire town of Clarksville were threatened by rising flood waters. Ten ft. high sandbag walls were constructed. The water rose 8 feet. To see photos of the Clarksville flood click HERE, where you will find photos of the Elgin-Cottrell home and other buildings in Clarksville, as they looked, with sandbag walls surrounding them and the water near at hand.Awhile back, Richard Cottrell left another comment, here at the Back Porch, inviting us to an open house, during Clarksville's Applefest, October 11 and 12. Last Sunday, Richard gave us a personal tour of his beautifully restored historic home.
The Antebellum Elgin-Cottrell house was built by Hezekiah Elgin, in 1845. The home shows influences of Italian, Regency, and French Creole. The Elgin Family owned the house for more than 100 years. The last remaining heir sold it in 1945 to Miss Bess Bankhead, who lived there with her sisters. The house was sold in 1965, to famous Clarksville artist Jamie Larue Brown McIlroy, who lived there until her death in 2005. I was unable to find information about Ms McIlroy. I've heard about her and I'm positive I've seen her work.
The home has had minimal changes through the years, making it one of Missouri's most intact homes of it's type and period.
A part of this information is taken from Richard Cottrell's website.
The photos begin in the parlors and lead through the foyer.
Chandeliers, like this one, were crated for 25 years, waiting for just the right home. Which means, never give up on your dreams.
This photo shows the wallpaper is unfinished. This is where Richard stopped, when the home was threatened by the Mississippi and the furnishings were moved to safety. You can see from the photos, Richard Cottrell's diligent efforts, settling back in, after the water receded.
This pretty powder room is tucked under the stairs, just off the foyer.
Richard Cottrell owns about 50 of these domes. You'll see more, as we tour the home. An article, by Elizabeth Maxson, about the collection, was published in the August 2008 issue of Romantic Homes.
The mantel scarf was sewn by Richard's sister. The pattern was repeated in the window treatments, also sewn by his sister.
The wallpapers in each room are reproductions of wallpapers used during the era of the home.
This fireplace is in the dining room. Richard did the faux marbling here and other areas of his home.
A closet has been converted for use as a china closet. This definitely made my heart go pitter patter.
The kitchen sink is skirted with the same fabric as the curtains in this room.
Wonderful collections are found in every room.
This chandelier is in a guest bath off the second floor rose bedroom.
Isn't this room beautiful. Another dome sits on the table in the foreground.
This photo shows a gorgeous headpiece made of fish scales. Richard's niece wore the antique headpiece in her wedding.
This and other photos, below, were taken in the library, on the second floor.
The terrace from the second floor veranda. The home, once used as a stage coach inn, has entrances from outdoors, in each room.
Richard found a few pieces of the porch railing in the basement, which were sent to a firm in Texas, for replication. The motif is a sheep under a Raintree. These trees are found all around Clarksville.
A Raintree just down the street.
Richard Cottrell's shop, Rose Cottage Antiques & Vintage Home is a short walk from the Elgin-Cottrell house. Look for a post, Friday, about this wonderful shop. I took lots of photographs here, as well.
Richard Cottrell owns about 50 of these domes. You'll see more, as we tour the home. An article, by Elizabeth Maxson, about the collection, was published in the August 2008 issue of Romantic Homes.
The mantel scarf was sewn by Richard's sister. The pattern was repeated in the window treatments, also sewn by his sister.
The wallpapers in each room are reproductions of wallpapers used during the era of the home.
This fireplace is in the dining room. Richard did the faux marbling here and other areas of his home.
A closet has been converted for use as a china closet. This definitely made my heart go pitter patter.
The kitchen sink is skirted with the same fabric as the curtains in this room.
Wonderful collections are found in every room.
This chandelier is in a guest bath off the second floor rose bedroom.
Isn't this room beautiful. Another dome sits on the table in the foreground.
This photo shows a gorgeous headpiece made of fish scales. Richard's niece wore the antique headpiece in her wedding.
This and other photos, below, were taken in the library, on the second floor.
The terrace from the second floor veranda. The home, once used as a stage coach inn, has entrances from outdoors, in each room.
Richard found a few pieces of the porch railing in the basement, which were sent to a firm in Texas, for replication. The motif is a sheep under a Raintree. These trees are found all around Clarksville.
A Raintree just down the street.
Richard Cottrell's shop, Rose Cottage Antiques & Vintage Home is a short walk from the Elgin-Cottrell house. Look for a post, Friday, about this wonderful shop. I took lots of photographs here, as well.Thank you, Richard, for being so gracious. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.