Owner of Shakespeare Chateau announces plans to sell
By Ashley Luthans
The owner of a historic Downtown property is putting her business on the market.
Isobel McGowan, the owner of the Shakespeare Chateau, announced her plans to sell the property at 809 Hall St., although not all details are solidified. The home has operated as a bed and breakfast and venue for special events for many years.
McGowan has owned the historic location for 13 years and is emotional about saying goodbye.
“It has been an honor and the privilege of my lifetime to own and live in this house,” McGowan said. “To open it to people who live here in St. Joe, to tourists from around Missouri, around the country, even around the world. But now, on the 13th anniversary of the first time I stepped foot in this house, it’s time for me to go.”
McGowan said that there is not a specific time she is putting the house on the market, but it will be soon.
“It’s still premature to project a time frame for when you can expect to see a new owner here,” McGowan said. “However, I am developing a marketing plan and I will move forward with the listing soon.”
The Shakespeare Chateau has been a landmark in St. Joseph since 1885. Since being built almost 140 years ago, the home has only gone through five owners.
McGowan also spoke about the nonprofit Shakespeare Chateau Guild and its project to raise funds for the house. The project ultimately failed, therefore ownership of the house will not be turned over to the guild.
“This house is a true American treasure,” McGowan said. “The extraordinary architecture, materials, craftsmanship and interior design stand out as one of the finest examples of high-Victorian aesthetic in America today. I cannot overstate the significance of this house and its features and its ability to delight and amaze visitors.”
Despite the guild project not working out, McGowan said she’s appreciative to past and present board members for their support. She said her hope is for someone or an organization to step forward to preserve the house.
“I implore the leadership and the citizens of St. Joseph to not lose this asset,” McGowan said.
The bed and breakfast at the Chateau will operate as normal until an ownership change.
