Prospective buyers are always looking in the hills of St. Louis to find their dream home, and for good reason. The St. Louis Hills are covered with attractive parks, beautiful landscapes, large lawns, and particularly for the architecture of the homes. The architecture on St. Louis? Hills is not only historic, but incredibly warm, beautiful, and livable. These are said to be ?gingerbread bungalows? in some parts, and in other parts are described as sprawling mansions, constructed in rouge brick and cone-shaped stone roofs. Truly, the most prominent architectural style in the hills is variety, which is why prospective homebuyers love this area. The greatest contrast can be found along the north and south sides of Eichelberger Street, which is the dividing line between St. Louis Hills and St. Louis Hills Estates.

If you're up north of Eichelberger, you're going to run into houses, duplexes, apartments, and many 1930's/40's Art Deco inspired designs. These homes are marked by their hardwood floors, stained glass, intricate stone work, glass, circular windows, and luscious brick patterns.

You can move from the Art Deco inspirations to the Hansel and Gretel Bungalows on the 6300 block of Bancroft Avenue. These buildings are so charming and well-maintained, that's its almost fun just to live across from them, let-alone inside of one. All of these were built in the 1930's and also have a number of Art Deco features. Then on Nottingham Avenue, near Francis Park, you'll find some architectural landmarks, like the Vedder apartment building. This building is ripe with Art Deco adornments, and all of its six units are lavish penthouses! Not bad for the hills of St. Louis, if I do say so myself.

Other homes and apartments that surround Francis Park are indicative of the rest of the neighborhood. On the eastern and western side of the park you'll find charming and distinguished 1.5 and 2 story homes like those you'll find on Tamm and Donovan Avenues. No two houses are alike here, and all are greatly influenced by the minds and imaginations of the people who originally built them.

If you're looking for more suburban-style homes, the St. Louis Hills Estates are going to suit your tastes. Big ranches and medium sized homes sit on enough land for building in-ground pools and having spacious laws and back patios. Most of these homes have added two-car garages, and other typical perks of a suburban home. This area is so great for raising a family, or just getting the most possible breathing space to live your life.

If you're looking for something even a bit more stylish and interesting, today Grand Center is a fantastic place for personal and private investment, and continues to grow with each passing year. The educational and artistic achievements include great architecture, with buildings of various styles and types. Thomas P. Barnett's great Spanish Mission style art deco building is definitely a highlight at 3207 Washington Ave.

T.P. Barnett is son of George I. Barnett, another famous architect in St. Louis. The T.P. Barnett building is particularly interesting because it also has Art Deco influences, making it one of the most unique buildings in the Grand Center region of St. Louis. Certainly the next time you're in St. Louis, you need to visit this Spanish Revival building on Washington Avenue.