Nestled in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Longview Farm stands as a testament to one man’s extraordinary vision: Robert Alexander Long, the millionaire lumber baron. What began as a lifetime passion for horses and farm living evolved into a sprawling, self-sufficient community, famously dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.” This magnificent estate, a marvel of early 20th-century ambition, combined lavish living with peak agricultural efficiency, leaving an indelible mark on Missouri’s landscape and history.
The Visionary Behind Longview: Robert A. Long
Robert A. Long, already a titan of industry with his Long-Bell Lumber Company, harbored a deep desire to create an unparalleled farming enterprise. In 1913, at 63, he embarked on this ambitious project in Lee’s Summit, just an hour’s drive from Kansas City. He acquired 16 separate farms, meticulously assembling a vast, elevated tract of land offering breathtaking views of the countryside. Long’s commitment to excellence led him to enlist top professionals, including Kansas City architect Henry F. Hoit and renowned landscape architect George F. Kessler, to bring his dream to life.
Building a Self-Sufficient Marvel
Construction commenced in 1913 with an army of 2,000 workers, including skilled Belgian craftsmen and Sicilian stonemasons. The sheer scale of the project was astounding: more than 50 structures, including the grand primary residence, meticulously designed barns for show horses, work horses, and dairy animals, a chapel/schoolhouse, numerous employee dwellings, a racetrack, grandstand, clubhouse, and a dedicated powerhouse. By 1916, this million-dollar farm was complete, its buildings unified by distinctive red tile roofs and stucco exteriors, strategically sited to maximize light and ventilation.
Longview Farm was engineered for complete self-sufficiency and employee well-being. It featured:
- Agricultural Hub: 800 acres were dedicated to cultivating oats, corn, wheat, and soybeans, while other areas housed modern dairy operations with prize Jersey cows, hog production, and commercial greenhouses.
- Advanced Infrastructure: The farm boasted underground electricity, a 100,000-gallon water tower, its own heating and power plants, and an internal telephone system. A 20-acre lake provided both recreation and a sophisticated water purification system.
- Thriving Community: With an average of 175 employees, Long ensured every convenience, offering managers private homes, cottages for married workers, and a “Hotel” boarding house for single men. He famously stated, “I want to make this place so attractive to them that they will like to stay here and never want to leave.”
- Social Amenities: A combination chapel/school served as a social hub, hosting movies, plays, and Sunday school, fostering a strong community spirit among residents, who also enjoyed organized sports and group transportation to Lee’s Summit.
The Grandeur of the Longview Mansion
The crown jewel of the estate was the 22,000-square-foot mansion, a 48-room showplace featuring 14 bedrooms, ten baths, and six fireplaces. Its elaborate stucco facade, red tile roof, and Tuscan columns exuded opulence. Inside, ornate moldings, fine woodwork, and a custom-installed $15,000 pipe organ highlighted the luxurious appointments. Each second-floor bedroom opened onto an enclosed porch, offering stunning landscape views. Notably, it housed the first central vacuum system west of the Mississippi River and an advanced steam heating system.
Landscaping and Design Masterpieces
The farm’s aesthetic beauty was as meticulously planned as its functionality. Nine miles of whitewashed cypress post and rail fencing, constructed without nails or pegs, defined its borders. Seven miles of gravel lanes wound through the rolling terrain, culminating in a formal, elm-lined drive leading to the mansion. Formal gardens with circular drives and a grand pedestal fountain enhanced the stately grounds. The 20-acre lake, visible from the mansion’s east porch, provided a picturesque backdrop for boating and served as a vital water source.
A Legacy Endures: From Decline to Revival
After Robert A. Long’s passing in 1934, his daughter, Loula Long Combs, an internationally renowned equestrienne, continued to uphold the farm’s prestigious horse breeding and showing traditions. She became a legendary figure, competing across North America and maintaining a presence at the American Royal in Kansas City well into her eighties.
However, the Great Depression and World War II brought financial challenges, leading to a gradual decline. The dairy business shifted, and later the farm’s prize herds were sold. Staffing issues mounted, and by the mid-20th century, much of the farmland was rented out. In 1968, 146 acres were donated to Longview Community College, and the remaining sisters, Loula Long Combs and Sally America Long Ellis, both passed in 1971.
Further land was repurposed in the 1970s for the creation of Longview Lake by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite these changes, Longview Farm’s historical significance was formally recognized in 1985 when 325 acres, including the mansion, show horse barn, and dairy barn complex, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the spirit of Longview Farm lives on. The show-horse arena was transformed into Longview Farm Elementary School in 2005. Entrepreneur David Gale acquired the remaining land, developing the New Longview community, which thoughtfully integrates historic preservation with modern retail, office, and residential spaces. The iconic Longview Mansion now serves as a sought-after wedding and event venue, ensuring that this magnificent estate continues to captivate and inspire.
Conclusion
Longview Farm remains a powerful symbol of ambition, innovation, and community. From Robert A. Long’s dream of the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm” to its enduring legacy as a historic landmark and a vibrant modern community, its story is a compelling chapter in Missouri’s rich heritage. The meticulous planning, the grand scale, and the commitment to both luxury and self-sufficiency make Longview Farm a true American masterpiece, whose impact resonates through generations.
