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High on top a rocky knoll in Hannibal, Missouri sits an enormous house, a house constructed solely
to fulfill a man's dream. He wanted a house to richly display the finest woods and furnishings money
could buy, yet one that would emanate warmth and a feeling of quiet dignity. His dream became a
reality in the year 1900 and the family, consisting of his wife and four daughters, moved in,
residing there until his death in 1924. At that time, the family vacated the house and it was
boarded up for 43 years. Two weeks before the once lovely home was to be razed, leaving nothing but
memories amid the rubble, it was saved by three local families and restored to the beauty of its
historical past.
Inside, the families found, under the crust of years of soot and grime, gigantic rooms and halls
with palladium windows and 10 carved marble and tile fireplaces. Rockcliffe, as the home became
known, was built by a lumber baron, Mr. John J. Cruikshank, who had supplied as building materials
only the finest quality walnut, oak and mahogany that could be found. With the double brick wall
construction and the innovative designing by Barnett, Haynes, and Barnett of St. Louis, this
particular home was far more solid after 75 years than most homes built today.
Today, Rockcliffe stands high about that knoll with majestic views of the Mississippi River, as a
13, 000 square American Castle complete with original artifacts, paintings, furniture, clothing and
personal artifacts of the family, all found throughout 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 13,000 square
feet. An ongoing restoration project is slowly
bringing back the already rejuvenated mansion to its very original state. Its current proprietor,
who acquired the property as its third owner in 2005, has now opened its wide doors to guests who
can enjoy its B&B rooms, a Bistro in the Cellar, a Cabaret with live entertainment, a gift shop,
gallery, special events and classes as well as mystery lunches and dinners, fine music and Victorian
teas. Guests can also host a wedding, private party, corporate retreat or family reunion. And most
of all, Rockcliffe welcomes you to enjoy an amazing tour of its 30 magnificent rooms of wonder!
Order your General Admission Tickets online!
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