Luxury Country Estate for Sale in Gasconade County, MO

Lodge and Land for Sale in Bland, Missouri

Elk Head Lodge, is an iconic home, built in 1907, on over 40 acres featuring a private stocked lake, guest house, and a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse! The architect was a  ‘Prairie School’ protégé of Frank Lloyed Wright in Chicago. If these walls could talk!

There are multiple paddocks (with new fencing), woods and beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the home featuring mature hardwoods, ornamental trees and perennials. For those that like gardening, there is a greenhouse connected to the garage, just steps from the kitchen door for year-round growing. The lake, just steps from the back porch, has a majestic fountain, dock and is stocked with bass, blue gill and catfish.

The finished part of the home is approximately 3,738 square feet on one level with 10-foot ceilings, original plaster walls and oak flooring, beamed ceilings and expansive windows that let the outside in; the view from every room is a portrait. The centerpiece of the residence is a 12-foot-wide gallery that runs the entire 80 plus feet of the home from the north entry to the French doors on the south wall that open onto the large, covered deck with sweeping views of the grounds and lake. Currently this flexible space hosts the dining room and a library overlooking the lake. 

The home was designed to have all public space on one side of the gallery and the four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the opposite wing. The eat-in kitchen features an island, large pantry and a door onto a covered porch with views of a Hosta Garden and greenhouse. Between the kitchen and billiards room is an expansive butler’s pantry that services all public areas; this home is made for entertaining! The billiard room and game 
room have beamed ceilings and a door onto a covered deck. There is a large opening from the game room into the living room, which hosts windows on two walls and a massive fireplace. Each space has a door onto the gallery. There are two suites with their own private baths on each end of the home. Two additional bedrooms and a bathroom complete the private space. The home’s public spaces are flexible, depending on the needs of the owner.

If more living space is required, a luxuriously large expansion is possible in the bowling alley-like rafter with 10-foot ceilings. There is also a partial unfinished basement with stairs from the kitchen that houses plumbing and wine storage.

The covered decks are a highlight of this property. Massive Cypress trees were brought in for the posts. The back covered deck has a wide staircase to a walkway leading to the hot tub. This staircase appears to have been made for a wedding! Pastures with woven fencing, fenced areas for dogs (with covered porch access), and adjacent garage with flexible spaces, make this property a perfect pet-friendly oasis.

Near the entry is a one-bedroom guest/caretaker cottage with a 2-car garage, 10-foot ceilings, a large living area with a kitchenette and washer/dryer, separate bedroom and a new bathroom. The living space opens to a back deck and fenced yard. Adjacent to the guest house is an historic one-room schoolhouse that would make an amazing studio or shop. 

The 40 plus acres is convenient, but private with no restrictions! The home and lake are secluded from the road by a wooded perimeter. The owners have made many upgrades to the land, grounds, and home while keeping true to the historic spirit of the property. This is a spectacular example of vintage architecture that cannot be reproduced in a new home.

Words do not do justice to the character of this unique property. If you are looking for a private compound that has flexible space for a studio, entertaining, or simply a place that inspires, look no further!

This private masterpiece is less than 2 hours from the heart of St. Louis and approximately 3 hours to Kansas City. There is also a private airport nearby.

About the Area

Gasconade County, located in the heart of Missouri, is a region characterized by its rich historical heritage and picturesque landscapes. Established in 1820, it boasts a mix of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the scenic beauty of the Gasconade River, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The county seat, Hermann, is renowned for its charming German heritage, celebrated through annual festivals and local wineries that attract visitors year-round. Gasconade County combines the tranquility of rural living with a deep sense of community and tradition, offering a unique glimpse into Missouri's cultural and natural treasures.