Priced at just $125,000, the Goodman–Stark House is a remarkable opportunity to own a piece of American history.
Overlooking the Mississippi River in Louisiana, Missouri, this impressive 1894 brick residence offers a rare combination of historic architecture, original craftsmanship, generous living space, and a fascinating connection to the area’s past.
For anyone who appreciates historic properties, Victorian architecture, and homes with stories to tell, this distinctive residence deserves a closer look.
Built in 1894, the Goodman–Stark House stands as an impressive example of late 19th-century residential architecture. Its substantial brick construction, elegant proportions, and carefully preserved architectural features reflect an era when homes were designed with extraordinary attention to detail.
Unlike many modern houses, where simplicity and uniformity dominate, this historic property showcases the individuality and craftsmanship that made Victorian-era residences so special.
One of the most appealing aspects of this home is its architectural style. Designed in the American Queen Anne tradition, the property features an asymmetrical exterior, steeply pitched rooflines, decorative dormers, bay windows, prominent brick chimneys, and welcoming porches.
The dark-red pressed-brick exterior gives the house a distinguished appearance, while its limestone foundation adds to the sense of permanence and quality. Every architectural element contributes to the home’s historic character.
The property is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an important part of Louisiana, Missouri’s architectural and cultural heritage. Its historical significance extends beyond its age and appearance.
The residence is associated with Clarence McDowell Stark, co-founder and first president of the well-known Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards Company. This connection gives the house an especially interesting place in the community’s history and makes it more than simply an old Victorian residence.
Inside, the home offers an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a different era. Its generous rooms, original woodwork, period millwork, and traditional wood floors create a warm and distinctive interior.
The craftsmanship found throughout the property reflects the construction standards of the late 1800s, when decorative details were often carefully designed and incorporated into everyday living spaces.
Multiple fireplaces add another layer of character, creating focal points that would have once provided warmth and gathering spaces for the household. Transom windows, tall ceilings, and traditional architectural features further contribute to the home’s historic atmosphere.
These details are increasingly difficult to find in newer construction, making properties like the Goodman–Stark House particularly appealing to buyers who appreciate authenticity.
An impressive central staircase is another standout feature. In historic Victorian homes, staircases were often designed as architectural centerpieces rather than purely functional elements.
Their proportions, woodwork, and positioning helped establish the character of the entire interior. Here, the staircase adds to the sense of elegance and gives visitors a glimpse of the home’s original grandeur.
The property is described as having eight rooms, with a substantial bedroom and bathroom arrangement. The listing information highlights seven bedrooms and two full bathrooms, while the home’s original description references four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and one half bathroom.
Buyers interested in the property should confirm the current room configuration and bathroom count during a showing. The main level includes four bedrooms and one bathroom, providing an interesting layout for those considering different ways to use the available space.
With approximately two and a half stories of living space, the house offers considerable flexibility. Its generous room sizes could accommodate a large household, guest rooms, creative spaces, or a combination of residential and personal uses, subject to the property’s layout and applicable regulations.
The scale of the building is one of its defining characteristics, offering possibilities that smaller historic homes simply cannot provide.
Parking is another practical consideration. The property includes a one-car garage, providing dedicated parking and additional convenience for everyday use.
While the architectural appeal is undoubtedly one of the home’s biggest attractions, features such as garage access and multiple bedrooms also contribute to its residential potential.
Location is another important part of the story. Situated at 601 N 3rd Street in Louisiana, Missouri, the home overlooks the Mississippi River, giving it a connection to one of America’s most recognizable waterways.
Louisiana is a historic Missouri river town known for its older buildings, traditional neighborhoods, and connection to the region’s commercial and transportation history.
Living in a property like this offers an opportunity to become part of a community where historic architecture remains an important part of the local identity.
The setting also adds to the property’s appeal for anyone who enjoys historic towns and distinctive residential surroundings. Rather than being located in a newly developed subdivision filled with similar-looking houses, the Goodman–Stark House stands out with its individual character and architectural presence.
At $125,000, this property presents an intriguing opportunity for historic-home enthusiasts, preservation-minded buyers, and anyone searching for something truly different.
Its National Register designation, association with the Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards Company, substantial brick construction, and original Victorian details make it a particularly interesting offering.
Of course, purchasing a home built in 1894 requires careful consideration. Prospective buyers should arrange a thorough inspection and evaluate the condition of the roof, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, heating, and other major components.
Historic properties may also have preservation considerations or requirements that should be reviewed before planning significant renovations or alterations.
For the right buyer, however, the opportunity could be extraordinary. Restoring and maintaining a home like this is about more than improving a building. It is about preserving architectural craftsmanship, protecting a piece of local history, and giving a remarkable residence the attention it deserves.
The Goodman–Stark House is not an ordinary property. It is a historic brick mansion with a fascinating past, distinctive Queen Anne architecture, impressive interior details, and a memorable setting overlooking the Mississippi River.
FROM ZILLOW