A Vision Transformed: From Private Estate to Venue Dream
This impressive property—which first broke ground in 2016 when MLB pitcher Cole Hamels was with the Texas Rangers—has undergone extensive renovations under its current owners. While it began as a massive 24-bedroom, 19-bathroom project (talk about space for all your relatives!), today the estate is purposefully reimagined as a luxury venue. Weddings, corporate events, family reunions—whatever the occasion, this place is ready to make it unforgettable.
Despite its event potential, the estate manages to keep things cozy: a private guest annex with five bedrooms and six bathrooms remains the living space of the current owners. As of February 23, the property hit the market with Jim Strong of Berkshire Hathaway’s ReeceNichols. If you’re into numbers, this grand home was previously priced at $9.75 million when unfinished in 2017, before being donated to Camp Barnabas, a camp for children with chronic illnesses and special needs. That donation, by the way, was the largest in the camp’s history!
Lakefront Setting and Otherworldly Features
Located on the shores of Table Rock Lake—which is famous in Missouri for year-round fishing, boating, and swimming—the property is equally suited to fun in the sun and cozy gatherings. From the start, the owners saw the estate’s potential as a gathering space and wasted no time bringing their vision to life.
- They installed underground plumbing for the main house
- Added a striking tiered infinity pool
- Laid radiant heat under the pavement around the house to keep winter ice at bay
- Set up a massive 30,000-gallon in-ground propane tank (small lakes not included!)
Smart Home, Big Style: High-Tech Meets Old World Charm
Even the showers are smarter than most of us.
“Everything in the home is automated, including the water,” Bodea said. “There are no taps or valves here, you just talk to the house and say, ‘Kohler, start a shower at 70 or 100 degrees [Fahrenheit],’ then jump in.”
Now that’s a step up from yelling, “Who used all the hot water?”
Practical upgrades haven’t come at the expense of charm: exposed wood beams, barrel ceilings, and wood-trimmed casement windows and doors play up the home’s Old World character. Eight fireplaces (yes, eight!) promise cozy corners during cool Missouri evenings.
To serve all those would-be partygoers, the Bodea family also added a dedicated 2,000-square-foot kitchen space on the ground floor for events, while keeping the original kitchen and a pocket kitchen functional for everyday living.
Room to Gather—and Room to Grow
Upstairs, a vast second-floor room was designed as a central hub for get-togethers. Originally planned as a chapel or learning center, it now stands ready to host whatever gatherings a new owner dreams up. Right next door, a third-floor observation tower offers sweeping views over Table Rock Lake—perfect for sunset-watching or keeping an eye on the summer fun below.
The guest annex, with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a three-car garage, stands completely separate and private, making it ideal for in-laws, friends, or that one cousin who always overstays their welcome.
After three years of transformation, the current owners say health reasons have brought them to list the property. With infrastructure ready and waiting, they’re passing the torch for someone else to add the finishing touches and write the next chapter.
Just to clear up any confusion: The property is officially a residential home, with tons of potential as an event venue—but it’s not a full-blown events space (yet). So, you could be the one to make that a reality!
Jack Mercer is a writer with a passion for American culture and everyday style. After spending years exploring the country’s hidden gems and fashion scenes, he found his voice sharing stories that celebrate the authentic spirit of modern America. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hunting for vintage denim or enjoying a good bourbon on his front porch.
