Tourist in Your Own Town

September 12, 2024

Stay a night not far from home at these boutiquey escapes.

Words by Lisa Waterman Gray

The Truitt

Photos by Anna Petrow

yan Hiser, a professional counselor, and his pharmacist partner, David Tran, love to meet new people from all corners of the world. They have also lived in Kansas City’s Southmoreland and other historic local neighborhoods. That’s why they transformed a gorgeous historic mansion into The Truitt, a boutique hotel with a tasteful blend of nostalgic and modern details. Walking distance from the Country Club Plaza, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the property offers several room choices and onsite parking—a rarity among Plaza hotels. Previously a Kansas City Art Institute building, The Truitt’s name honors local realtor Elmore Shelton Truitt, who built this 1916 home and played a key role in developing the iconic downtown Muehlebach Hotel. “This is our original property,” Hiser says. “[Another of our properties], The Aida, is in the same area, and a second Truitt will open in the Union Hill area by early next year. We want it to feel like you’re staying at your cool, rich best friend’s house— something curated, local and small, while taking guests out of their daily lives.”

Luxurious linens, floor-to-ceiling drapes and gorgeous French doors lend an upscale feel, from the bedrooms to public spaces. Oriental, vintage and sisal area rugs adorn ebony, high-gloss original wood floors. Several original bathroom floors feature white hexagonal subway tiles or black penny tiles.

Hiser and Tran are adventurous with color, too.

“In the library, there’s almost a charcoal-colored textured grasscloth wallpaper and it’s very moody,” Tran says. “There are brass sconces with red shades and the wood trim is original in that room.”

These co-owners frequently shop and travel for unique, original art and furnishings, with custom and vintage pieces mixed in.

“We drive around to every vintage shop we can find, including Chicago and Palm Springs,” Hiser says.

Each hotel has its own garden with a water feature. Flagstone and gravel comprise The Truitt’s patio, which feels like you’re in a green room that invites relaxation.

“The landscaping transports guests to another time or place,” Tran says.

Fresh flowers and light morning snacks plus coffee complete The Truitt experience.

Young couples (as well as the young at heart)within a three- to five-hour drive from their home frequent this small hotel.

“We want this to be a very elevated experience and relaxed luxury,” Tran says. “We think of our hotels as a stage set with a new production every day. Our philosophy is that when you travel, you want to experience new things.”

4320 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri

@truittkc

thetruitt.com

AirG&P

Photos by Matthew Anderson

In a quiet Prairie Village neighborhood near the city pool, tennis courts and park, Stephanie Agne, and her husband Danny have transformed a mid-century modern ranch into a three-bedroom, five-star Airbnb property. Christened AirG&P, the vibe of this luxurious home emulates Golden & Pine, the beloved retail shop Stephanie closed last year. Her more recent Retreat Interior Design Studio sets out to create functional, comfortable and beautiful modern organic spaces.

At AirG&P, Stephanie’s design aesthetic incorporates neutral tones, texture and mostly subtle patterns with plenty of natural and luxury materials that shoppers miss from the brick-and-mortar shop. Large windows flood the home with natural light, massive beams punctuate wood-clad ceilings, and there’s plenty of brass hardware.

“The house is really small (just under 1,000 square feet), but I wanted it to feel luxurious and super comfortable—like a little bit of a treat,” Stephanie says.

The spacious, well-equipped kitchen features an electric stove and a full-size refrigerator, plus a microwave and a coffee maker. A massive banquette complements the round dining table, while quartzite countertops contribute a luxurious feel.

“We splurged a little on the kitchen, and quartzite is more durable than marble,” Stephanie says. “The laundry is in an enclosed pantry cabinet in the kitchen.”

The Agnes also refinished existing parquet floors through much of the home.

“It was a budget consideration,” Stephanie says. “The floors were in excellent shape, and this was a mid-century modern house. I was okay with something that was historic to the home.”

The king bedroom features a plush wool area rug plus a rattan headboard and footboard. AirG&P also features a queen bedroom and a room with twin beds.

Natural wood frames the bathroom mirror, and large bottles of body wash, shampoo and conditioner reside on the shower wall. But when limestone tile for the floor and countertops arrived, Stephanie didn’t like how they looked together.

“So, I went to all the local tile companies and then we cut up sheets of tile to make our own floor pattern,” she says.

Design-loving guests will appreciate a small “library” of design-focused books in the home. And music enthusiasts will love the record player with an extensive vinyl collection. Stephanie says the detached garage will eventually become an indoor-outdoor play space with a high-end feel. And guests will find easily accessible, on-street parking.

Outdoor entertainment spaces include a four-seat fire pit and deck seating.

“This is a cool, well-maintained, mid-century modern home surrounded by lots of natural greenery,” Stephanie adds.

airbnb.com/h/airgp

Interior Designer: Retreat Interior Design Studio,
@retreatinteriordesignstudio