Elk Head Lodge, located in Bland, Missouri, is a historically significant Prairie School home built in 1907 by the Dean & Dean brothers, disciples of Frank Lloyd Wright. Set on over 56 acres with two private lakes, a guest cottage, and a restored turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, it represents early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The residence boasts 10-foot ceilings, oak floors, beamed ceilings, and an 80-foot central gallery, along with expansive windows framing panoramic views. Recent renovations blend modern comforts, such as updated kitchen and baths, with historic features. The listing, priced at $1,800,000, offers a deep wraparound porch, stables, greenhouse, fenced acreage for livestock, multiple garages, and is just two hours from St. Louis, making it a unique retreat of historic and architectural value.
Front Exterior Entry
A broad, inviting entryway features a wood-sided house with muted natural shingles and a high-peaked gable roof. Double French doors stand at the center, flanked by large sidelights, serving as the focal point. The entry steps are modest, surrounded by lush greenery and potted plants, adding a welcoming touch. Established landscaping frames both sides of the porch, offering mature trees and shrubbery. The gravel driveway leads directly to the wooden stairs of the main entrance, while a detached garage with carriage-style doors sits adjacent on the left. The overall ambiance is rustic yet serene, blending seamlessly with the wooded surroundings.
Covered Back Porch
A spacious wooden back porch extends along the house, supported by sturdy round columns and covered by a sharply angled roof in a light neutral tone. Comfortable outdoor seating in navy blue sits next to a small table, creating an inviting spot to relax or dine. The exterior siding is composed of brown clapboard panels, complemented by large glass doors and dark trim. Mature trees dot the grassy lawn surrounding the porch, and a concrete path curves away through the yard, hinting at a serene, park-like setting. The overall aesthetic is rustic, peaceful, and well-integrated with nature.
Entryway Bench Area
This space features a built-in wooden bench with paneled detailing, topped by a wall of rich dark wood with hooks for hats, a cane, and a riding crop. The woodwork is warm and substantial, complementing the sturdy, five-panel door to the left. A woven basket and several hats add homey touches. The light wood floor contrasts with the deeper tones of the trim and paneling, while mounted antlers and framed artwork on the cream-colored walls add rustic accents. Visible open doorways lead to adjoining rooms, contributing to the welcoming transition from entrance to interior.
Dining Hall
A long, narrow room features a substantial rustic wooden dining table with matching chairs made from logs, giving a lodge-inspired look. The space is lined with warm wood floors and light gray walls contrasted by dark wood trim along the baseboards and around each doorway. Exposed dark wooden ceiling beams add a sense of period architecture. Wall decorations include framed animal artwork and antlers, reinforcing a natural, outdoorsy aesthetic. Multiple doors open off the main hall, and at the far end, tall windows let in daylight, creating a bright, welcoming feel in this communal gathering area.
Library Hallway
Wide hallway with natural wood flooring and exposed dark wood ceiling beams, giving a warm, classic feel. At one end, a wall of glass-paned French doors framed by rich red plaid curtains lets in plentiful natural light and offers a view outdoors. A tan leather armchair sits invitingly to the right, beside built-in wooden bookshelves filled with books and decorative objects, including a folded American flag. An antique side table stands against the left wall, with a painting above it. Doorways lead to adjacent rooms, one revealing a comfortable living area with additional brown leather furniture.
Living Room Details
A cozy seating area with rustic charm, featuring an arrangement of brown leather sofas and a matching ottoman on dark wood flooring. Above the large central window, a decorative red and brown antler wall piece adds a hint of lodge style. Natural light pours through grid-patterned wood-trimmed windows, which frame green outdoor views. The eclectic area rug displays vibrant animal motifs and plaid elements, blending whimsy with warmth. A simple wooden cabinet against the side wall holds framed photos and adds to the vintage feel. Creamy walls and dark wood trims complete the inviting, lived-in look of this historic home space.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room with a rustic and historic charm, featuring dark exposed ceiling beams and wood trim throughout. A robust stone fireplace with a large wooden mantel anchors one wall, accessorized with candles and decorative items. The room is furnished with brown leather sofas paired with plaid accent pillows, arranged around a cozy area rug with earthy tones. The flooring is dark hardwood, complementing the rich woodwork. An open doorway leads to a dining area, and a mounted deer head adds a lodge-like ambiance. Warm lighting and a fire in the hearth create an inviting, homely feel.
Dining Room Details
A spacious dining room with a warm, inviting atmosphere featuring wooden ceiling beams and dark wood trim around large windows and doorways. Taupe curtains are tied back, allowing natural light to fill the room. A vibrant red area rug with intricate patterns covers the wood floors beneath a rectangular wooden dining table surrounded by six chairs. A colorful stained glass chandelier hangs over the table, adding a focal point of interest. The space seamlessly opens into an adjoining room, offering views of additional seating and rustic decor with an overall historic and cozy American home aesthetic.
Living Room Fireplace
A spacious living room with a prominent marble fireplace framed by dark wood built-in shelving and cabinetry. The fireplace is alight, casting a warm glow throughout the space. Dark wooden ceiling beams add architectural interest and contrast against the light beige walls. A large window and a glass-paned door provide abundant natural light. In the foreground, a rustic wood crate with vintage markings serves as decor alongside a metal pail and fireplace tools. There is a brown leather sofa against the far wall on a patterned rug, and a TV sits atop a simple black media stand, blending traditional elegance with modern comfort.
Kitchen Island
A spacious country kitchen features a central island with a pale countertop, accented by natural wood cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. The ceiling stands out with intricate metallic tin tiles and exposed wooden beams, complemented by white ceiling fans. Light blue walls pair with white trim around double windows, dressed with classic gingham valances. The dining area features a built-in bench and matching wooden chairs and table. Artwork rests above the cabinets, adding a personal touch, while wood floors complete the warm, rustic atmosphere. The overall aesthetic blends farmhouse charm with updated modern conveniences for a cozy, welcoming look.
Dining Room Details
A spacious dining room with a high, pitched ceiling made of decorative pressed tin in a silver finish. The walls have soft blue painted paneling on the upper half and natural wood wainscoting below, accented by angled wood trim that follows the roofline. A long wooden dining table with mismatched wooden chairs is set in the center, offering a cozy, inviting look. Three tall windows flood the space with natural light and feature checkered valances. A simple bench sits against the windowed wall, and homey touches like framed art and a lighthearted blackboard sign personalize the room.
Kitchen Corner
A small kitchen corner exudes rustic charm with its natural wood cabinetry, wood-paneled walls, and wood-toned floors. A sleek stainless-steel dishwasher sits beneath a butcher-block countertop, which holds a modern black faucet and sink. Above the counter, a light wood cabinet and open shelf provide storage. The room features a blend of colors: a bold red wooden door, a sky-blue paneled door with an antique handle, and soft blue-gray walls throughout the space. The ceiling includes exposed beams and a decorative tin panel, adding vintage character and visual interest to this cozy, functional kitchen area.
Kitchen Entryway
A cozy kitchen with a farmhouse aesthetic features light wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances including a large refrigerator and modern stove, and a white marble countertop on the right. The floor is wood with natural grain patterns, complementing the wood-trimmed door and half-paneled walls. Blue painted upper walls add freshness, while exposed beams frame a decorative tin ceiling with pendant lighting. A checkered towel and matching curtain soften the space, which is accented with rustic artwork and handwritten signage. Large windows and the exterior door provide ample natural light and views of gardens outside, creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Home Bar Nook
A narrow, cozy bar area is styled with light blue walls and a natural wood floor. On the left a built-in counter features lower drawers painted in a creamy white, topped by an array of liquor bottles and bar accessories. Above, rich, dark wood open shelving is filled with glassware, steins, and decorative pieces, while a mirrored backsplash amplifies the space. A vintage Guinness advertisement and pub sign hang on the wall, adding character. The overall aesthetic combines historic charm with a touch of mid-century nostalgia, blending utilitarian storage with vibrant, personal touches for a welcoming atmosphere.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom featuring rustic decor and natural wood elements. The focal point is a log-style wooden bed with a brown and burgundy plaid quilt, creating a cabin-like atmosphere. Pillows with bear motifs and nature artwork above the bed reinforce the outdoorsy theme. Three large windows along one wall allow ample natural light, framed by checked valances and simple beige curtains. The room has high ceilings with white crown molding and pale walls, contrasting the rich wood floor. A solid wooden door leads to another room, where a glimpse of a table and art can be seen, adding a touch of continuity to the home’s warm aesthetic.
Bathroom Shower
A cozy bathroom features extensive use of warm, honey-toned wood on the walls and ceiling, creating a cabin-like, inviting ambiance. A white single-sink vanity with a simple chrome faucet and matching hardware complements the natural wood cabinetry below. The shower area is enclosed in clear glass with a modern sliding door and is fitted with built-in corner shelves and safety bars. Above the sink is a mirrored cabinet for storage. Neutral-colored tile flooring finishes the space, while the adjoining room visible through an open doorway adds contrast with white walls and a framed picture.
Twin Bedroom
Cozy bedroom featuring two log-frame twin beds placed parallel to each other, dressed in plaid bedding sets with matching pillows. The lower half of the walls is clad in light natural wood paneling, while the upper half and ceiling are painted a soft off-white, creating a warm, rustic atmosphere. Two large windows with wooden blinds allow natural light to fill the space, and a dark blue patterned rug covers the pale wooden floorboards. Decorative red metal stars are mounted on the wall above one bed, and a small framed picture hangs between the beds, adding a touch of personal charm.
Bathroom Details
A compact bathroom features white beadboard walls and tan tile flooring. The shower area on the left is enclosed by a dark green and white plaid curtain, with open shelving next to it holding neatly folded towels in earth tones. A white toilet is situated near the center, with a small wall shelf above it for decorative or practical items and a framed print of a duck. To the right, a dark wood vanity with a cream countertop supports a bronze faucet, complemented by a large mirror and three pendant-style glass light fixtures. A plaid hand towel hangs from a simple hook, echoing the cozy, rustic style of the space.
Cozy Bedroom
A bedroom with rustic charm, featuring light pinewood walls and ceiling that evoke a warm, cabin-like ambiance. A large bed, adorned with a pale blush comforter and soft blue throw, serves as the focal point. The floor is covered by a spacious gray area rug with white geometric patterns, creating visual interest and comfort underfoot. Blue-gray curtains frame a multipaned window, letting in soft natural light. A few wall hooks hold tote bags on one wall, adding simple utility. To the right, a doorway leads into a bright adjoining bathroom, providing a glimpse of white cabinetry and classic fixtures.
Bathroom Soaking Tub
A rustic-inspired bathroom featuring wood-paneled walls and light beige ceramic tile flooring. A freestanding white soaking tub with a modern chrome faucet stands to the right, while a walk-in glass shower enclosure is positioned on the left. The vanity area includes a white cabinet with a marble countertop, topped with dual lights and a large mirror. Decorative shelves hold toiletries and rolled towels. The room is brightened by a window with stained glass in green, yellow, and red hues, adorned with a ruffled white valance, adding a touch of historic charm and elegance.
Detached Garage and Outbuilding
A gravel driveway leads to two distinct gray buildings with steeply pitched shingle roofs. The structure on the left resembles a historic schoolhouse or church, with an off-center red door, a small ramp, tall windows, and a petite white belfry perched on the roof. To the right, a three-car garage features carriage-style doors with divided light windows, another matching red door, and a wide concrete pad for parking. The buildings are separated by a cluster of tall shrubs and a small landscaping bed, all set against a fence line and lush, wooded surroundings under an open blue sky.
Living Room Entry
Spacious living area with beige tile floors, high ceilings, and soft cream walls. Large interior windows above doorways add light and openness. A plush brown sectional sofa is placed against the wall, accessorized with patterned throw pillows and flanked by a floor lamp and two small, white side tables. The view looks toward a connecting bedroom featuring a bed with blue blankets. Windows let in natural daylight, giving the room an inviting atmosphere. A metal pet crate sits in the foreground. The overall vibe is relaxed and functional, with minimal wall art and simple, practical furnishings.
Kitchen Entryway
This space features a functional kitchen with white cabinetry and glass-front upper cabinets spanning one wall. The neutral tile floor complements cream-colored walls, while the kitchen’s back wall is painted a warm mustard yellow, adding a subtle pop of color. The countertop is dark, possibly granite, and the appliances include a built-in microwave and a compact stainless steel refrigerator. The room is brightened by natural light from a large window and a glass-panel door that leads outside. Minimal décor and a spacious layout make the area feel airy and uncluttered, with a black wire dog crate positioned near the center.
Living Room Details
A cozy living room with light beige walls and large, cream-colored floor tiles arranged in a simple grid pattern. The space features a gray, three-seater sofa with decorative pillows, positioned between two tall windows that allow plenty of natural light and views of greenery outside. A wicker trunk serves as a coffee table in front of the sofa. To one side sits a vintage brass and glass lamp on a slender round table, while on the other, a small accent table holds a modern black lamp. The art on the walls adds a touch of character and color.
Bedroom and Sitting Area
A cozy bedroom with cream-colored walls and large tile flooring is furnished with a bed featuring a vibrant deep blue comforter and white pillow. The room receives natural light from a single window, providing a view of green trees and a grassy area outside. A wide, open doorway leads to an adjacent sitting area with a grey loveseat, patterned throw pillows, and a pale white coffee table. Soft neutral tones dominate the walls and floor, while clean white trim frames doors and windows. Above the doorway, a transom window allows extra light to filter between the two spaces, enhancing the open, airy ambiance.
Private Pond
A tranquil pond nestles in a clearing surrounded by dense forest, its blue-green water forming an inviting centerpiece of the landscape. The shoreline is gently curved with a narrow grassy margin, leading to the wooded edges on nearly all sides. On the lower left side, a small wooden dock extends into the water, suggesting a peaceful spot for lounging or fishing. The forest trees, rich in varying shades of green, frame the pond in natural privacy, with subtle hints of changing foliage hinting at autumn. The setting feels secluded, serene, and seamlessly blended with nature.
Cottage Front Entry
A quaint, rustic cottage features dark brown wooden siding and a steeply pitched roof. The centered front door is flanked by two small windows, each with flower boxes attached beneath them. Above the door, a dramatic touch is added with a large animal skull and horns mounted as a decorative centerpiece. Lush greenery and mature trees surround the structure, partially shading the building and framing its entrance. A small wooden porch deck leads to the door, blending organically into the gravel path that circles this outbuilding. The overall effect evokes an inviting, rural, and natural aesthetic that harmonizes with its wooded setting.
Backyard Pathway
A wide concrete path runs straight through a spacious, grassy backyard surrounded by mature oak trees. The lawn, lightly dappled with green and brown, leads the eye to a small bench placed at the end of the walkway. The bench faces a tranquil pond, the water visible just beyond a wooden fence. Trees line both sides of the path, framing the serene outdoor view and providing shade. The overall tone is peaceful and natural, with the blue sky complementing the lush greenery and the gentle roll of the landscape giving a sense of open freedom and retreat.
Garden Greenhouse
A rustic greenhouse sits at the edge of a lush garden, featuring wood-framed glass walls and a partially frosted roof that lets in ample light. Double French doors open onto a winding stone path lined with vibrant greenery and overgrown grass. The structure’s warm, weathered lumber blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, evoking a cozy, hand-crafted charm. Inside, shutters painted in faded green and simple shelving hint at its practical yet welcoming use for nurturing plants. The natural brick and slate walkway, coupled with mature shrubbery, reinforce the pastoral, historic atmosphere of this serene garden retreat.
Covered Porch
A spacious covered porch stretches along the side of a historic home, supported by sturdy dark wooden columns. Neutral-toned shingle siding lines the exterior wall, while the wide plank wooden flooring adds warmth and character. Lounge chairs with blue cushions and accent pillows are arranged around a central coffee table, creating a comfortable seating area. Large black-framed windows offer views inside the home. The sloped roof features exposed beams, adding rustic charm. Lush trees and greenery surround the porch, bridging the transition from indoors to the natural landscape and inviting relaxation in a shaded, tranquil setting.
Listing Agent: Ted Wight of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty via Zillow
