Huntleigh: Landscape and History

Huntleigh is characterized by rolling hills, wooded groves, and meadows; at the same time, its local history spans large landholdings, horse keeping, and spacious homes. If you are looking for a hotel in Huntleigh, these two facets of the area—landscape and history—can help put your destination choice into context. Its development can be viewed in several stages: from early land purchases to the creation of modern Huntleigh and specific examples from its architectural and equestrian history.

Land and Local Development

In the early 1800s, Stephen Maddox acquired 652 acres, covering most of what is now Huntleigh. The Oregon Trail is also part of the area's history: it once crossed a property in Huntleigh. These two details refer to different scales. Maddox's purchase describes a large area, while the historic route is tied to a single property. Together, they offer two perspectives on Huntleigh's past: land ownership and route planning.

In 1925, Edward E. Bakewell Sr. purchased the 125-acre Waltenspiel estate; this marked the beginning of modern Huntleigh. Unlike Maddox's early acquisition, this was a specific estate and a later point in the area's development.

Huntleigh's Equestrian History

In 1927, Bakewell and August A. Busch Sr. founded the Bridlespur Hunt foxhunting club on Squires Lane. The club's later facilities included a steeplechase course on the site where Plaza Frontenac now stands. The club's founding and the later steeplechase course mark two separate points in time.

Today, several Huntleigh residents maintain horse stables. This gives the subject a present-day dimension as well as a historical one: the foxhunting club is part of the area's history, while the stables are part of the horse keeping practiced by some residents today.

Huntleigh has no commercial or industrial development. Together with its rolling hills, wooded groves, and meadows, this describes the area's landscape-oriented character.

Homes and Architecture

The Meyer House is a spacious, 7,000-square-foot residence in Huntleigh, Missouri. John and Alice Meyer commissioned it. This example therefore highlights its residential function, its clients, and its scale.

The Orthwein Mansion dates to 1930 and stands on a slight rise above a creek and a pond. Its exterior walls were built of rustic rubble masonry. The French-designed château had a terrace connected to a rock garden. Its year of construction and location place the building in context; the masonry, terrace, and rock garden offer specific insights into its design.

Choosing Huntleigh as a Destination

If you are looking for hotels in Huntleigh, you can start by choosing a destination based on your interests: its landscape and development, its equestrian history, or its architecture. These topics offer different perspectives on Huntleigh. Use the specific listing details for your travel dates to choose a hotel that suits your needs.

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