Tucked between two crescent-shaped lakes on 22 acres of wooded land lies a beautifully maintained 1915 Georgian Colonial mansion. This bed and breakfast has been named “Missouri’s Most Romantic Getaway.” Although I haven’t stayed in any other Missouri BnB’s, I could easily see that this might just be true.
Excelsior Springs is 30 minutes from Kansas City, MO. It grew after the discovery of the natural supply of ferro-manganese mineral water in the late 1800s. A local farmer gave his daughter, who suffered from tuberculosis, the water to drink and bathe in. Within a very short period, it is said that she was cured of the disease. Within a year, a town was platted, 200 houses were built, and visitors from all over arrived seeking cures to various ailments. Soon more than 40 mineral springs were identified, and Excelsior Springs’ fame spread as a health resort. The original owner built the house for his son to live in—which didn’t last too long. Then Dr. McCleary purchased the property. He had polio and was interested in the healing aspects of the mineral springs in the area and, consequently, moved his practice there.
My husband and I had scheduled a trip to Missouri to visit the state’s four remaining covered bridges. We were to begin our journey at Excelsior Springs—just an easy hour and a half from our first covered bridge. However, the night we were to stay at the Inn on Crescent Lake, a major storm system moved into the area—and as this trip was also to be the first road trip in a brand-new car—we decided to start a day later and forego this stop. We contacted the Inn and spoke with Mike, the owner, who was more than helpful in moving our reservation to later in the month.
A few weeks later, we were on our way and arrived in Excelsior Springs. As we rounded the curve on Saint Louis Ave and entered the gates, the elegant, stately mansion arose surrounded by meticulously maintained landscape. The four large white columns against the red brick of the large home created quite a lovely first impression. But we all know that there is more than looks when staying at a hotel or bed and breakfast—there’s service. And meeting us at the door was the owner, Mike Hunter. We stepped inside to a warm foyer with a grand staircase. Mike was most gracious and friendly, and we felt comfortable immediately. He gave us a tour of the central part of the mansion while telling us the backstory of the historic home.
The mansion has all original woodwork (which is gorgeous) and has been lovingly preserved! The living room is inviting with soft lighting and a fireplace which would be most welcome on a cool fall evening or winter’s eve. The breakfast room was bright with an original fountain. There is a large outdoor pool to enjoy. Also, paddle boats are available to use on the crescent lakes, which almost form a moat around the building.
Our bedroom, the Stinson Room, was on the second floor. It was named after the original owner of the house. It featured a king bed, original wood flooring, and claw-footed tub. All around the room was an elevated shelf, which according to Mike, used to hold the track for Dr. McCleary’s grandson’s train—as we still have my husband’s original Lionel train—we would have loved to have seen that! But now, the shelf holds antique toys and travel memorabilia. It was a very comfortable room — and bed!
Breakfast was incredibly delicious. We started off with coffee (is there any other way to start a day?) and juice. Mike then brought out a chocolate-filled flakey pastry with a chocolate-covered strawberry, followed by a breakfast casserole and potatoes. We enjoyed it all!
Breakfast Pastry Breakfast Casserole
We definitely would have loved to stay another night or two to enjoy the ambiance of this magnificent mansion, the warm hospitality of Mike, and, maybe, take a leisurely swim in that pool.
If you are in the area or desire a fabulous bed and breakfast experience in Excelsior Springs, I highly recommend this one!
Address: Inn on Crescent Lake, 1261 Saint Louis Ave, Excelsior Springs, MO
Phone: 816 630-6745; Email: info@crescentlake.com