Thirty-six years, ONE OWNER, and a lot of lilacs
“The place we made the best memories.”
5809 S Clay Ave · Springfield, Missouri 65810
A letter from the owners
We said yes to this house because of the light. Two stories of it coming down into the entry, and a built-in study space right there in the middle of it.
What happened here was life. Friends close by, the backyard full of people at a cookout, and enough room that we could each have our own privacy when we wanted it.
We have updated it a good many times over the years. I'll miss the plantation shutters most. They are timeless, and they work with any color. They give you total privacy and still let in tons of light when they are open, and they are easy to clean. The cost was exorbitant. They were worth it a hundred times over.
After that, it is the landscaping — the huge lilac, the redbuds, the hydrangeas along the house, the sugar maples, the three crepe myrtles. Thirty-odd years of it. You do not grow that twice.
It gave us so much joy and peace. We hope it does the same for you.
What we'll miss most
Not the features on the listing sheet — the things you only learn by living here.
The two-stories of light in the entry
The first thing you see, and the reason we said yes. The built-in study space sits in the same run of light!
The plantation shutters
Total privacy closed, tons of light open, and they suit any color you paint. They cost a fortune, but they were worth it a hundred times over.
Thirty years of landscaping
A huge lilac, redbuds, hydrangeas in purple and white along the house, sugar maples, three crepe myrtles. None of it was here when we came.
The back yard behind the iron fence
Where everybody ended up. It has always been a good place for a cookout.
Fireplaces that heat the house
Three of them, and they will warm the place through a power outage. Ours were lit all winter, over coffee, morning after morning.
Neighbours who became friends
Close by, and good to us for a long time.
Where we actually lived
Where we went, day to day
The places we actually went, and how long it really takes from this driveway.
Out to South Avenue, or west along Republic Road. It is the reason this pocket feels tucked away without being far from anything.
The perfect place for a Summer day! Whether walking, playing disc golf, or kayaking this is the perfect way to spend the day or evening.
Either Price Cutter, Mama Jeans, or Walmart are quick runs for weekly shopping or the last minute things you forgot!
Closer than people guess in this location and you don't even have to get on the HWY!
Greystone at Cherokee Hills. The HOA covers the pool and the common areas.
Springfield R-12. Elementary, middle and high school are all within ten minutes of the door. Confirm current assignment with the district before you count on it.
How the seasons go
Spring
The lilac and the redbuds burst into purple. The neighbors and I look forward to it every year!
Summer
The grass stayed green, and purple and white hydrangeas lined the house.
Fall
The sugar maples turn red and orange, and the three crepe myrtles bloom pinkish purple.
Winter
The fireplaces are going. They heat up fast, and the flames are cozy over coffee.
Kurt Killingsworth
Kurt Killingsworth, an award-winning, top-performing agent, brings a steady, grounded approach to real estate that reflects both his deep local roots and years of hands-on experience. Having worked with hundreds of clients over his career, Kurt is known for professionalism, follow-through, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing the work well and consistently. He is trusted by new buyers, luxury clients, and returning families alike because he shows up prepared, listens carefully, and advocates with integrity. As a lifelong Ozarks local and dedicated family man, Kurt approaches each client relationship with a sense of responsibility to both people and place.
Kurt Killingsworth is licensed with Murney Associates, REALTORS®, 417-823-2300. Langston Group is a team of licensees affiliated with that brokerage, not a separate company. This page is real estate advertising by a licensed brokerage, not a private sale.
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Square footage, lot size, drive times and school assignments are approximate and should be independently verified. Equal Housing Opportunity.