Tuxedo Park STL B&B Inn
When traveling, finding a place to sleep that feels like a home away from home is rare. But, when we find one of those hidden gems, it makes our trip! And, we definitely found a gem in the Tuxedo Park STL B&B Inn.
This family owned and operated Inn is comfortably situated within a quiet neighborhood, located in the Webster Groves community. It is near the city of St. Louis, Missouri but just far enough off the beaten path to allow complete relaxation.
Rounded section (in the middle) was built in 1895 and the sanctuary (on the left side) was added in 1908. The church was home to multiple congregations for over 100 years.
Location:
700 Tuxedo Blvd
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Contact:
Maureen Elliott
(314) 801-8818
Check In: 3 PM
Check Out: 11 AM
Breakfast: Included
Dinner: Available for $$
One of several Craftsman style lamps add a soft glow to the old sanctuary.
Besides being a renovated historic church with 18 original stained glass windows and 24" exterior stone walls, what makes this Inn a gem? We found three things that make this bed and breakfast unique.
#1 - Gathering Place Once Again
When Bill and Maureen Elliott first walked through the building, they each had the thought, “This would make a great bed and breakfast.” They purchased the property in 2016 and work began.
For Bill, who is an architect / contractor specializing in historic renovation, this wasn’t just a new project. It was a labor of love—and also a love/hate project at some points. (Anyone who has attempted a major renovation understands why!!)
After 16-months of intense labor, the building now wraps itself around the important stuff—home, heart, and family. Saving the property from collapse was a vehicle to reach their goal. The goal? Return the old church to a gathering place once again. As a B&B, it does just that.
Nothing better in the “gathering place” than a baby grand player piano! Enjoy one of two fireplaces in reading areas or lounge on one of the mission style seats while surrounded by original stained glass windows.
This table, designed by Bill, has an amazing story. The legs, once part of the structural timbers supporting the original 1895 building, were salvaged during renovation. Oh, and ask about how they brought in the 17’ granite top! It had to be lifted over the railing to be set in place.
#2 - More to Breakfast than Taste Alone
Our tasty breakfast was artistically arranged on the plate. That’s what you expect from a bona fide bed & breakfast. But with the Tuxedo Park Inn, breakfast is more than taste alone.
Maureen puts her love of cooking healthy foods along with her love of people into meal preparation. Before you arrive, she asks about “any allergies, special dietary needs or specific food aversions you may have.” Sure, many B&B’s ask the same question.
What makes this meal different? Maureen caters to individual needs. If you haven’t responded to the email, she picks up on details in your conversation. She prepped our breakfast with hyperglycemia in mind. Yep. A little detail mentioned as we talked became part of her breakfast plan.
(Oh, and if you love to see new food ideas, Maureen likes to post dinner pics on their FB page.)
Ultra-modern appliances with period style cabinetry fit perfectly along the curved wall. Opposite and out of view is a curved, bar height counter completing the space.
Everything is made from fresh food—nothing packaged here. We watched as Maureen pulled fresh veggies from baskets and bins to make breakfast.
We stayed in the Rose Room and had the best, restful sleep you can imagine. Part of the original choir loft, the room is 3-steps up on a platform. (The usual beautiful bed coverings were missing--thank you COVID!)
#3 - Guests Feel it's a "Home Away from Home"
During my interview with Maureen and Bill, another guest came into the kitchen. Upon hearing my question about what makes their Inn special, the guest replied, “It’s home away from home. We stay here every time we are in the area.”
Looking at the three, I replied, “You are absolutely right. I have only been here a few hours and have never felt more at home so quickly.” It felt like I was among lifelong friends.
What started, as an information-gathering interview, soon became a discussion among friends around the kitchen table.
Ceiling fan overhead for summer, fireplace for winter along with en suite climate controls make for a comfortable stay any season of the year.
All the amenities of modern day living with turn-of-the-century style. This bathroom features a fabulous (and big!) walk-in shower with both hand-held and mounted shower heads.
A 3-panel cabinet door filled with pressed flowers between panes of glass hangs on one wall. This sweet decor that made the gardener in me very, very happy! (Of course I had to examine this up close and study just how it was composed.)
Goal Achieved
The Elliott’s have definitely achieved their goal. This beautiful old building is once again a gathering place, just like when it served past church congregations for more than a century. Even former parishioners have returned to visit their old "home church," telling stories about their experiences there.
Tuxedo Park STL B&B Inn is more than just an amazing historic property adaptive reuse. It is a place of warmth, comfort, and peace. Here, visitors feel part of the family. It's like home away from home.
One of four stained glass windows set in the 24" thick walls of the 1895 "pie shaped" building. This section houses a fabulous modern kitchen any chef would love.
Maureen in the kitchen and always smiling. (Bill had already headed to the office.)
About the Owners
Meet Bill and Maureen Elliott, two down-to-earth St. Louis area natives. Bill’s an architect and owner of Kenrick Design/Construction Services.
Maureen is a mother, former school teacher, current business manager, innkeeper and “chef.”
Combine their many talents and what do you have? Everything needed to fully restore an historic church into a top-notch bed and breakfast. FYI….Maureen was the project manager and known by the crew as the “Little General.” In other words, she envisioned the end goal, knew what she wanted and how to get there.
Their journey from 1st property visit to opening day is quite a story and is well told HERE. Be sure to check it out….then plan your trip to Tuxedo Park STL B&B Inn.
**Thank you to Maureen and Bill for the interview and allowing us to photograph your B&B for our Worthy Detours Travel Blog. Also, thank you for your kindness in providing our overnight stay and delicious breakfast!
Looking for more amazing places to sleep during your travels? Head over to our "Places to Sleep" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
Our daughter and her family live around the corner from Tuxedo Park B&B. We were so excited to see the transformation of the abandon church into the beautiful B&B. We spent a night here and were in love with the beautiful place. We have stayed at several B&Bs in our travels and this is one of our favorites. Bill and Maureen are so friendly and make you feel at home. The breakfast was fantastic!
Thank you Patricia! We totally agree with your sentiments about Tuxedo Park STL. We have stayed twice now and the hospitality is the same. Bill and Maureen always make us feel welcome.