A Gilded Age landmark operating as a bed-and-breakfast in St. Joseph, Missouri, is on the market for $1.5 million. Located about an hour north of Kansas City, the Shakespeare Chateau offers a chance to own a piece of history that remains remarkably intact more than a century after its construction.
Completed in 1885, the Gothic-style estate was designed by French-born architect Edmund Jacques Eckel. His work helped define the architectural character of the city. The property sits on just under 2 acres and includes three distinct buildings: the main chateau, a carriage house, and the neighboring Kirkpatrick/Garth House.
The home has gained attention beyond Missouri, recently serving as a filming location for the 2019 Showtime romantic comedy “Christmas at the Chateau.” The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and holds local landmark status.
Estate Layout and Buildings
The multi-building campus provides a mix of residential and commercial possibilities. The main residence, the Shakespeare Chateau, covers 9,850 square feet spread over five levels. It contains eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and four half bathrooms.
Separate from the main house, the 3,000-square-foot Carriage House features three apartments with a combined four bedrooms across two levels. The third structure, the Kirkpatrick/Garth House, is a pre-Civil War brick building measuring 4,000 square feet. It currently has three levels and an undeveloped interior.
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The property sits on a plot of land that is just under 2 acres, which covers the three structures and the surrounding grounds. This setup allows for various uses, ranging from a sprawling private estate to a hospitality business with multiple income streams.
Purchasing the property as a private residence offers a different kind of value than the turnkey option. The higher price point essentially purchases an established reputation and immediate cash flow, skipping the often difficult ramp-up phase for hospitality businesses, whereas the lower price appeals to those seeking a private compound without commercial obligations. Buyers can choose to acquire just the property for $1.5 million or buy the established business as a turnkey operation for $2 million.
Restoration and Interiors
Despite extensive renovations meant to update essential infrastructure, the original Gilded Age craftsmanship remains visible throughout the home. The estate features 47 museum-quality stained-glass windows, hand-carved woodwork, ornate plaster ceilings, and encaustic tile floors.
Additional period details include chandeliers, multiple fireplaces, and Zuber panoramic wallpaper. Owner Isobel McGowan highlighted the windows as a defining feature of the interior. “Although it’s hard to pick just one favorite feature, I would have to say the stained-glass windows rank at the top,” she said. “They create incredible effects as the changing light casts colorful prisms across the walls, transforming the ambience of each room throughout the day.”
The estate functions well as a hospitality destination. Along with six guest suites and multiple event spaces, the property includes a commercial kitchen. There is also a wine cellar, smart-home technology, a full security system, and parking for up to 10 vehicles.
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Listing agent Anthony West noted the wine cellar as a particular highlight. “My favorite amenity is the intimate wine cellar, tucked away in a basement room that features its own special ambience,” he said.
Location and Surroundings
The property is located on historic Hall Street, once known as “Millionaires’ Row.” It sits just north of the city’s historic downtown area. The neighborhood offers a mix of period architecture and modern amenities, including restaurants, independent shops, live entertainment venues, churches, and museums.
Killackey Hall Street Park occupies a full city block directly across the street from the chateau. Recent improvements have enhanced the space, and there are plans to transform it into an architectural interpretation park celebrating the grand homes of the street.
McGowan praised the surroundings. “I love the streetscape,” she said. “It’s filled with gracious mansion homes and a lovely park just across the street. I have nicknamed it ‘Storybook Street.’” West also pointed out the geographical advantages of the location, noting that Kansas City International Airport is about 45 minutes away and many Midwestern cities are within a comfortable drive.
