William Sauntry House and Recreation Hall

The William Sauntry House is a Victorian mansion built in Queen Anne style, featuring horizontal siding, fishscale shingles, and a front porch with Corinthian columns. An adjoining recreation hall added in 1902 extends the property with additional leisure and entertainment spaces.

The residence was constructed between 1881 and 1883 as a private home for Stillwater's wealthy inhabitants. The recreation hall was added in 1902 and designed by Chicago architects Wilson and Marshall.

The recreation hall displays influences from Granada's Alhambra palace through carved woodwork, leaded glass doors, and Arabic inscriptions on the walls. These Moorish design elements create an unusual setting within a late 19th century American residence.

The property is now partly open to visitors, with portions functioning as guest accommodation and other areas serving as private living quarters. Interior spaces with their ornamental details require careful viewing during available visiting hours.

The original recreation hall once contained a one-lane bowling alley, an indoor swimming pool, and a ballroom with ceiling murals and crystal chandeliers. These entertainment amenities made the property a private leisure destination during the Gilded Age.

Location: Stillwater

Inception: 1880s

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture, Moorish Revival architecture

Address: 626 4th Street and 625 5th Street North

GPS coordinates: 45.06111,-92.81306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00