May 2010

Page 11

Overlook Farm

Written by Amanda Wichern. Photography by Richard Nichols

Pastoral Paradise, Palatial Digs What is the perfect getaway-place for a vacation? Few would answer this question with the word farm. But for those who have visited the relaxing, historical Overlook Farm, their answer may be a tad different. Located about 70 miles north of St. Louis— Overlook Farm is just a hop, skip and an hour-long-drive away. The 200 acre farm includes a restaurant, a gift shop, a farmer’s market, two bed and breakfasts—with another on the way—and views and memories that will last a lifetime. Overlook Farm is anything but boring. Skeet shooting and kayaking are just a couple of the fun, unique activities to take part in at the farm.

the business by adding a full restaurant called Clarkesville Station which opened in 2005. After the success of Clarkesville Station took place, Pettus began remodeling two old historic homes located on the property. She began transforming the buildings into tranquil, relaxing European inspired bed and breakfasts that were full of different spaces to get away to. “I always wanted to get into the bed and breakfast business,” Pettus said.

A family history

A place to stay

Described as a scene from a Jane Austin novel by proprietor Nathalie Pettus, this family owned landmark has been transformed by Pettus so visitors can enjoy the farm as she has her entire life. What was once a weekend home for the St. Louisan is know a place to call home and an entrepreneurial adventure.

Overlook Farm has two bed and breakfasts for visitors to choose from. Each building is unique in its own way with historical value and character. Pettus added on to each house and remodeled them from the ground up.

As the great-granddaughter to the original proprietor of the land, Pettus has turned the one-time apple orchard into a country getaway oasis. The land has been in Pettus’ family for more than 150 years. In 2004 Pettus decided to take her weekend getaway and make it a hotspot for tourists and the townspeople. While opening a small gift shop with a little deli attached was what Pettus wanted, visitors were screaming for more. Pettus began expanding

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