Thornhill - Governor's Mansion in Faust Park

Thornhill is a Federal-style historic estate built in 1819 as the home of Frederick Bates, Missouri's second governor — making it the oldest standing governor's residence in the state. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and today sits within the nearly 200-acre Faust Park in Chesterfield, Missouri. The estate's grounds preserve the original character of a 19th-century working farm: the main house, a barn, reconstructed summer kitchen, smokehouse, icehouse, orchard, and herb garden all remain on-site, offering a rare authentic backdrop for ceremonies and private gatherings. St. Louis County Parks and Recreation stewards the property and offers dedicated outdoor wedding sites and rental spaces for private events, allowing couples and groups to celebrate against the backdrop of one of the region's most significant historic landmarks.