The Inn at Crescent Lake, Excelsior Springs
November 2022
Peaceful. As guests drive through the inn’s wrought iron gates, that’s how they describe their first impression and subsequent stay at the Inn on Crescent Lake.
This stately early-1900s Georgian Colonial sits on 22 tree-lined acres. Behind the mansion, a small, crescent-shaped pond offers fishing, a paddleboat and electric-powered bass fishing boat. A half-mile wooded trail follows the Wabash Railroad footprint that formerly ran at the property’s edge. The new patio boasts a fire pit, and a lovely pool is open early-May through September. Ten artfully furnished rooms and suites include a two-story carriage house and pool house suite. Central air and heating in four separate zones keep the mansion comfortable in every season.
The McCleary’s originally owned the house for 70 years, and their philanthropy helped shape Excelsior Springs. Current owners since 2019, Mike and Monica Hunter, were born and raised in Missouri and share a passion for the state’s history and beauty. They raised two sons, Austin and Luke, on a farm near Cameron. Today, the entire family operates the inn with unobtrusive, uber-friendly hospitality.
“Our guest’s most common comment is that they simply want to relax,” says Mike. “This property makes people stop and enjoy each other’s company, and we want to protect that.”
Upon arrival for our girl’s getaway, my friend, Diane, and I, immediately noticed the mahogany woodwork’s craftsmanship and original chandeliers. The entryway’s cage elevator once transported wheelchair-bound Dr. McCleary to the second floor. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the east sun porch where a coffee machine churns out complimentary lattes, cappuccinos and espressos 24/7, and water cascades from the original tiled fountain.
A nod to Mrs. McCleary, who hosted teas for up to 300 women, Monica converted the main dining room into a self-serve tea room. Homemade cookies sit under a glass-domed server beside an assortment of teas.
Coming full circle, the Hunters are involved with several local residential homes for special needs adults. Annually, the Hunters team up with the non-profit A Mother’s Rest to donate a weekend to ten women who need a break from caring for a special needs adult or child. In addition, the Hunters enjoy hosting weddings, family reunions, corporate events and fundraisers.
“A Mother’s Rest partners with one bed and breakfast in almost every state, and they determine who comes to stay with us,” says Mike. “Last year, we hosted foster and adoptive moms of special needs kids.”
Visit CrescentLake.com for more information.