Introducing one of Kansas City’s most famous historic homes, the Van Noy House!
Thank you to the selling agent, Erika Kauffman of Better Homes and Gardens Kansas City Homes, for sharing this beautiful home and its story with us!
This photo was taken shortly after the home was completed.
In southeastern Kansas City, you can find one of the city’s most striking examples of residential architecture from the turn of the century. The Van Noy home was completed in 1910 and was built by Clifton B. Sloan. It was built for prominent Kansas City businessman Charles Van Noy. His brother, Ira, also had a home built by Sloan right next door. At the time of construction, the home was outside of city limits, right near the main entrance of the newly opened Swope Park. In only a few years, the suburbs exploded around this area, but the home remained surrounded by picturesque acreage, further emphasizing its decadence in comparison to the homes around it.
The dome is incredible and fills the home with natural light.
Recent travels to Italy were the driving inspiration behind the design of the home, which features several different architectural styles. The imposing two-story front porch showcases Greek Revival, the symmetrical façade and overall shape are Italian Renaissance, and the grandiose character and intricate detailing of the interior are Neo-Classical. The home’s most notable feature is its incredible dome, of course, which is a Roman prototype.
An interesting fact about the home’s dome is it was inspired by Astor’s ballroom in New York. That was the first dome ever constructed in a residential home in the United States. The second is in the Van Noy house!
The exterior of the home is constructed from indigenous stone, wood, and concrete.
While the outside of the home is definitely beautiful, this home is known for the high sophistication of its interior rooms. The detailing throughout the home is astounding. Gorgeous stained and lead glass, elaborately carved woodwork, curved oil-painted murals, and, of course, the lavish atrium with its large glass dome. Behind the home, you will find its matching carriage house.
Interestingly, the home took around 7 years to complete. Charles Van Noy moved into the home in 1910 and moved out in 1914, only staying there for 4 years! Over the next century, the home passed between several different owners and spent the mid-50s through the mid-80s unoccupied. It has recently been sold after the most recent owner spent 8 years restoring it to its former glory.
