Home: The Writers’ House at High Ridge is a celebration of family and nature | Food and cooking


Many good times were spent around the piano in the living room. While Sue performs, a grandson and several friends are excellent pianists and have given hours of keyboard joy along with accomplished singing friends.

Nepenthe is also a serene refuge that they cherish for the connection with nature. Perched on a steep hill, the rear of the residence is predominantly made up of southwest facing windows overlooking the thick woods of the 2,000 acre Beaumont Scout Reserve. “We get a panoramic view of the beautiful sunsets and cloud formations of the approaching storms,” says Pat.

The walls feature paintings and decorations that celebrate other interests the couple enjoys. A model sailboat replica, an antique boat lighthouse, and several nautical paintings recall the four sailboats they owned. The paintings and prints of wildlife are proof of a love for nature. Sculpted portraits of African animals have been obtained during business and pleasure trips to Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Pat and Sue enjoy the continuous parade of wildlife through their windows, including spotting deer, turkeys, bobcats, and coyotes. A bird feeder attracted grosbeaks, indigo buntings, and bluebirds.

In the living room, a 7-foot antique 1880 secretary belonged to Sue’s great-grandfather. “It was made in Cape Girardeau and shipped to St. Louis on a steamboat and delivered to her home in a horse-drawn wagon,” says Sue.

About Karren Campbell

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