African Queen Home Listed for $1.2 Million in Missouri

A distinctive property named the African Queen, located in Springfield, Missouri, has been listed for sale at $1.2 million. This 3,176-square-foot residence, originally constructed in 1962 by Don Russell, has been significantly enhanced by its current owners, Michael and Lisa Willhoit, who acquired it in 2013. The Willhoits transformed the home into an "iconic Ozark home" and have utilized it as a short-term rental. The property's unique design incorporates elements such as doors sourced from India, light fixtures made with ostrich eggs and gemsbok horns, and intricate mosaic floors. These floors feature patterns created with oak, walnut, and ebony, including a detailed crocodile artwork composed of 20,000 individual pieces. The dwelling's jungle-inspired aesthetic is further emphasized by the inclusion of 18th-century Indonesian teak and 4-inch Carthage stone countertops. Additional opulent features include a "bluff room" equipped with a custom copper hot tub, a primary suite with two balconies and a substantial 260-gallon aquarium, and sinks fashioned from 1,000-year-old petrified wood. The expansive 4-acre grounds are designed to offer a "sanctuary-style feel," complete with spring-fed ponds, a creek, waterfalls, and meticulously maintained gardens. The African Queen's unique appeal has propelled it to the top of the week's most popular homes list. The listing highlights the property's transformation and its current function as a high-demand short-term rental, attracting attention for its extraordinary features and immersive environment. Other notable properties gaining traction this week include a riverfront retreat in Virginia, a package deal of two log cabins in North Carolina, and a repurposed church in Pennsylvania. A historical estate in Westport Island, Maine, built in 1798 and overlooking the Sheepscot River, is also featured with a price tag of $2,299,000. This Maine property boasts 1,469 square feet of interior space with preserved historical details like restored windows, eight-panel doors, wide-plank wood floors, and three fireplaces, one of which includes a beehive oven. Recent updates to the Maine estate include a new kitchen ell with a soapstone sink and countertops, custom cabinetry, and modern appliances. The 6.4-acre property in Maine offers 850 feet of water frontage, a private dock, an antique fish house, an outbuilding designated for renovation, and a two-car detached garage. Karen Keuper of Dwelling in Maine is the listing agent for the Westport Island property.