Cedarcrest Manor at Overlook Farm

My husband and I carefully chose a place to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. Overlook Farm was highly recommended to us by some friends who had previously been there and raved about it. With having three young children, we rarely get the chance to get away, so we were so excited about our 2 night stay at Overlook Farm. Unfortunately,we were quite dissapointed with the hospitality(or lack thereof). When we checked in a lady escorted us up to the house and basically left us without much info about the place. We were told we were the only guests that night and had the whole place to ourselves.We went to unpack to discover there was not so much as even ice or water for us.What was suppose to be a year-round heated pool was ice cold.When we called to ask if someone could check on the pool we were told the manager was coming to speak to us.We never heard from the manager!We had also asked if we could use the hottub at Rackheath since the pool was broken.Even though we had been told we were the only guests,they said we could not use the hot tub because it is a locked building???we were never shown around the property or even shown where the walking trail was.When we showed up at the restaurant for dinner,the manager conveniently ignored us.It wasn't until the second evening at dinner that the manager aknowleged us by saying it was too bad the pool didn't work and next time we would need to come back and stay at Rackheath and he could guarantee we would have a better experience! Well,guess what?The saying is true...you only get one chance to make a first impression,and our first impression was very disappointing.The most positive thing about our stay was the restaurant.Unbelievable food.Absolutely delicious!

The first time I stayed at Cedar Crest Manor with my boyfriend I thought, "I would love to get married here." And less than one year later that is exactly what we did! The scenery at Overlook Farm is breathtaking. It's hard to believe you are only an hour away from St. Louis. The inns have been luxuriously restored with elegant and inviting decor. My wedding guests could not stop talking about how amazing their rooms were. The food at The Station restaurant would impress even the most discerning foodie, Chef Tim Grandinetti is among the finest in the U.S. and sources many of his ingredients locally. The staff makes you feel like an old friend from your very first visit. Chip, Moira, Joseph, and the owner Nathalie know the true meaning of hospitality. It is a luxury escape, an oasis, a home away from home and it holds a very special place in our hearts.

Like the soft focus that movies use to suggest a nostalgic memory, the grounds and rooms at Cedarcrest Manor recall the dreamlike romanticism of Victorian-era love stories. Lush is really the best adjective to describe both the landscaping and the interior of the inn itself. The beds are large with thick, soft duvets and pillows. There are crystal decanters of sherry on tables set with elegant chess boards. The bathrooms … The bathrooms are luxury exemplified, covered in marble and brass. Outside feels like stepping into the garden of a wealthy plantation owner, except with modern benefits like a climate controlled pool.

Romance is not always the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of the Midwest, however a visit to Overlook Farm may just change your thinking. After all, romance is indeed what you make of it and often found in the adventure of seeking it. A trip along meandering country roads leads you to Clarksville Missouri where Overlook Farm is revealed- perched high on the hills above the mighty Mississippi and composed of two lovingly restored historic inns and a fantastic farm to table restaurant…all connected by walking paths and sprawling gardens-it’s quite possibly the perfect place to add the spark to a new romance or rekindle an old one. This fabulous weekend getaway is situated on 200 acres of the property that have been in the hands of the Pettus family for generations and the mission of proprietress Natalie Pettus is to share her family’s love of the land. Clarksville is small town America at its best and the surrounding towns are a glimpse into the greatness of what was the playground of river captains and steamboat fortunes, not to mention one of America’s greatest writers-Mark Twain’s Hannibal is also in the vicinity. In the midst of this historic heartland, Overlook is a vibrant, thriving oasis of first class hospitality that rivals anything on either coast…. The grounds surrounding the Inns are gorgeous-beautiful gardens for walking & relaxing as well as stunning views of the countryside. Cedarcrest offers a lovely heated pool in the midst of a charming rose garden. Rackheath has a large garden as well and a pond complete with hammocks…both Inns have firepits for taking the chill of off cooler evenings. The Inn’s period interiors are rich and sumptuous, giving the feeling of the grace of the past with all of the luxuries of the present. The views are lovely, there are rooms with fireplaces and opulent Jacuzzi tubs, plush beds and cut crystal filled with brandy. Much care and thought has gone into creating an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. The folks who make Overlook go are some of the finest in the business…personable, real and gracious-they are what hospitality should be and staying there always feels like being taken care of by long lost friends….but friends that know when to stay & when to go. After-all, check-out time is two pm…what a better way to inspire romance than to be allowed to linger unhurried? And ah…the Food…. a review of Overlook couldn’t be complete without talking about the food….which is truly in a class by itself as well as sustainable & delicious. Chef Tim Grandinetti is an amazing chef, creating wonderful seasonal dishes from the bounty of local organic farms. There are even gardens right out back of the Station Restaurant where herbs, vegetables and flowers grow….and end up on your table. At the restaurant too…service is warm & friendly. Tim & his team are absolute professionals. Overlook is one of our favorite places in the Midwest or anywhere for that matter and it feels like our secret and in some ways I hesitate to let the secret out….the place is perfect as it is right now. But I guess …I’ll share…all you have to do is be willing to seek the adventure…. Overlook is the perfect place to revel in your own romance.

I heard about a place my bestfriend and his fiance had their engagement pictures taken. They told me it was unbelievable how nice this place was. So I decided to take a drive to Clarksville to check it out. My fiance was with me but I didn't tell her why we were going to Clarksville. She didn't know it but I had all our clothes packed for the weekend and in the car when we headed up there. When we arrived in Clarksville we went to some of the shops on the streets and to the river for a while. Our check in was at 4:30pm but my fiance still had no clue that I had planned this weekend for her Christmas present. On our way out of town I made a right onto highway W and then another right to Cedarcrest. I asked her what she thought about staying for the night. She was completely surprised. We drove down to the Station where we got checked in and had the PERFECT dinner. After dinner we went to our room. It was amazing. From the tall ceilings, the fireplace, the view, the huge bathroom, to the cozy bed. Even I had surprised myself. It was 13 degrees and snowing, but we were still welcomed by the heated in ground pool and the fireplace was roaring. So we went to our room tried out the huge tub and decided to take a dip in the pool, when it was snowing. It was awesome. The pool was so warm you couldn't tell it was 13 degrees. After about an hour we went back to our room where we slept in a huge bed. The next morning we had the best breakfast I've ever had. We loved the place and people at Overlook Farms so much we talked to the owner, Nathalie, about having our wedding there. She was just as excited about the idea as we were. They provided everything. The wedding overlooked the entire town and the Mississippi River with all the beautiful fall colors. The reception dinner was held at the Station with perfect food, a campfire, indoor and outdoor seating, and the nicest staff you will ever find. We rented the Rackheath House, Cedarcrest Manor and the farm for the entire wedding party to stay the night. At 9 p.m. we all went to Cedarcrest Manor and again found the heated pool and roaring fireplace. The entire wedding party was in the pool for hours. I can't put into words how beautiful and special this place is to us. There really is no way to describe it without missing something. You will never find another place or people like this. There is a picture of my wife and her dad on our wedding day on the wall at the Station, how special is that? We have stayed at Cedarcrest 4 times already in the past 2 years and will be coming back every anniversary. Trust me plan a stay, and you'll be back every year as well. Thank you Nathalie, Moira, and the rest of the staff for making our wedding better than we could have ever hoped for.

I didn't know about this beautiful place until my fiance at the time took me there for a Christmas surprise. Our weekend stay was romantic, relaxing and memorable. The staff was so kind and helpful. After such a wonderful experience, we decided this was a perfect place for our wedding. Perfect isn't even the word to describe it. Cedarcrest Manor and the restaurant are both warm and inviting places. We will continue to come back every year for our anniversary!!!

Cedarcrest Manor at Overlook Farm is one of the most beautiful inns you'll ever visit (Rackheath House is just as wonderful). The rooms are spectacular and romantic. Every touch you can imagine has been added. The deck, the pool and grounds are really magnificent. The attentive service is what you'd expect from a 5-star rated hotel. Our first stay was, for us, one of the most memorable stays we've experienced. We enjoyed it so much that we came back and were engaged there the next month. Chip and his team made certain to keep it a surprise. A hidden bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a roaring fire in the fire pit... We're coming back again in the spring and Overlook Farm will be hosting our wedding ceremony and reception. I really can't say enough about the level of excellence set by Overlook Farm. Nathalie, Chip, their staff, the attentive service and the accommodations are all top notch. The Chef at The Station Restaurant has created one of the finest menus and they provide really incredible service. This is our most favorite get away place and we will come back again and again. I urge you to visit and you'll feel the same way.

We have been staying at B&Bs all over the country throughout our 20 year marriage, and have to say that we are so lucky that Overlook Farm is about an hour away from home! Not only is the inn beautifully appointed and top notch, but "The Station" restaurant is OUTSTANDING! Cedarcrest Manor (and/or its "sister" inn Rackheath) plus The Station makes for the perfect get away!