On an expansive grassy lawn in Sunset Hills sits one of Brookside’s most beautiful neoclassical mansions. 1228 W 56th St., also known as the Hunter Gary House, was designed by architect John Van Brunt Sr., and completed in 1922 for Hunter L. Gary and his family. John Van Brunt (no relation to Henry and Courtland Van Brunt), was well-known for designing English-style homes around the city and served on the architectural staff of the City Park Board. Van Brunt’s inspiration for the design came from none other than George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Hunter Gary House in 1932. Photo credit: Pendergast Years
Hunter Gary was a successful businessman and telephone magnate of the time, purchasing his first telephone system in his hometown of Macon, Missouri. Eventually, he moved to Kansas City to work for his father’s company, Theodore Gary and Company, and lived on this handsome estate until his death in 1937.
The two-and-a-half-story home has a red brick exterior with limestone trim and a slate roof. The first, and most striking element when approaching the home is the full-width, two-story porch with handsome classical pillars. There are several patios around the house overlooking the grounds, which include formal gardens complete with fountains, ponds, and a full-size tennis court.
Inside, the home is meticulously maintained with much of its original details intact, including ornate plaster moldings, Missouri walnut trim, and paneling with carved accents. A formal living room and dining room, updated kitchen, butler’s pantry, library, office, solarium, enclosed porch, and a breakfast room with the original custom ironwork make up the home’s main floor. The upper floors include seven bedrooms, six full baths, a large family room, and a walk-in cedar closet. A garage and indoor/outdoor dog kennel are attached to the main house, and next door is a converted carriage house that now serves as a guest house.
