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Nestled among the buzzing eateries, red bricks and vibrant energy of the Soulard neighborhood stands a Victorian beauty with something special to say. Its charming brick sidewalk, wrought iron gate, mansard roof and original carriage stone whisper a sweet “hello.� It’s interior, a rich, moody, marble-clad love letter to both history and home: the kind of place that makes your shoulders drop and your eyes lift — up to a skylight and stained-glass windows that glow like cathedral jewels in the midday light.

This is the home of Megan Pritchard and Brian Shreckengost. Megan has a wild streak for maximalism and vintage glam, and Brian is a masterful restoration painter for Paintsmiths of ¹û½´ÊÓƵ. Together, they have made their mark on an 1869 Victorian in Soulard, a home with as many past lives as it has rooms.

A gorgeous fireplace made of Tennessee marble and an opulent custom purple glass chandelier inspired by 1970s Vistosi compete for your attention as you enter the main living space. “I think of us as caretakers of historic homes,� Megan says. “It’s our job to see these homes through to the next generation.� And what caretakers they are.

Megan, a Houston native, chased a career that took her from Texas to Pittsburgh and then, against all the ominous warnings she’d been given, to ¹û½´ÊÓƵ 10 years ago. “I had only heard bad things,â€� she says with a smile. “But now, I never want to leave, because I love it.â€�

The first ¹û½´ÊÓƵ street she lived on was Hartford. It was a sight-unseen rental in Tower Grove that turned out to be a gem. So charmed by it, when the couple’s son was born, they named him after that street. Hartford is now a curious 3-year-old with an eye for Mardi Gras floats — more on that later.

Seven years ago, Megan and Brian stumbled across their Soulard home. Like many ¹û½´ÊÓƵ properties, its past was winding: once a boarding house, later condemned, now beautifully restored with love, grit and loads of character, old and new. “It cycled back around, and now it’s back at its peak,â€� Megan says. “I do everything here with the intent of it lasting another 100 years.â€�

Spread across three stories, the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home is a triumph of moody maximalism. Think deep velvet, gilded mirrors, vintage Italian decor and wallpaper that dares you to blink. Each room feels curated but never cold, an artful balance between drama and domesticity. There’s a skylight that spills sun onto a stairwell like honey, and a backyard so tranquil you might forget you’re in a city at all, especially with the gentle trickle of the water feature echoing around you.

Even the smallest rooms are mighty in this home. The design expertise of C & M Interiors was solicited for help with space planning of the primary bathroom, as well as Hartford’s bedroom and his, now, award-winning bathroom. No kidding. His bathroom was taken to new heights with floor to ceiling custom blue millwork, antique brass fixtures, a clawfoot tub and playful, yet sophisticated horse wallpaper. Truly a space worthy of recognition.

Megan’s design philosophy leans into the lush, the layered and the unapologetically bold. Her heart belongs to 1970s Italy — rich colors, sculptural furniture, sensual textures. She sources pieces from all over the world, with shipments arriving from Italy like design love letters. Every corner of the home feels touched by a story, from the vintage light fixtures to the lovingly restored moldings Brian brings back to life.

Speaking of Brian — his handiwork graces not just their home but some of ¹û½´ÊÓƵ’ crown jewels. He’s currently lending his talent to a renovation at Powell Symphony Hall, and before that, he worked on the majestic Central Library.

Then there’s Soulard itself — old as the Mississippi and twice as colorful. Megan wasn’t prepared for the neighborhood’s Mardi Gras madness when she moved in. “I had no idea!� she laughs. “But now it’s a tradition. My friend and I go all out.� Brian even builds a stage out front each year for the celebration, transforming their home into party central. Little Hartford watches from the window, delighted by the passing “bar cars� — those quirky, party mobiles that glide past like parade floats.

Soulard may have many old homes, but this one? This one tells you who lives there. It tells you they are brave, creative, reverent and a little mischievous. It tells you that history doesn’t just sit quietly on a shelf — it dances, it shimmers, it hosts Mardi Gras parties and raises little boys named after lucky streets.