$676,883Average Value$232Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Missouri's wine country starts in Defiance
The gateway to Missouri wine country begins in the green hills of Defiance. Not actually a city, Defiance is an unincorporated community in southwest St. Charles County, where farms, vineyards and pastoral estates are spread among the sparsely populated region of 3,200 residents. Lauderdale says Defiance is perhaps “the last stronghold” for a rural lifestyle in growing St. Charles County, but there’s still plenty bubbling up across the community.
Vineyards in Defiance are rooted in the rolling hills of historic Missouri wine country.
Defiance offers a spectacular destination for history exploration or a little recreation.
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Community offers spacious lots and rural feel
Though residential construction is spilling into the area from other parts of the county, a defining factor of Defiance real estate remains the expansive lots that homes sit on, which Lauderdale Realty owner Dan Lauderdale says typically are 5 acres or larger, though 3-acre lots are sometimes seen. “The rural feel of the area is what everybody is migrating toward. It still has an old town feel even though we’re less rural these days.” That land provides privacy, but it’s also factored into home prices, Lauderdale says. An undeveloped 3-acre lot can cost $175,000, while an existing three-bedroom house with a 1-acre yard can be picked up in the low $400,000s. Head west from downtown Defiance into less developed parts the county, and lots get larger, homes become bigger and prices climb – all the way up to $5 million for a four-bedroom house on a 39-acre estate.
Old farmhouses are commonly found tucked into the hills of Defiance, MO.
Defiance has several Colonial style homes with large acre lots.
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Francis Howell School District covers the area
Most of the Defiance community sits within Francis Howell School District, the best school system in the county according to Niche. Students start at Daniel Boone Elementary School, a National Blue Ribbon School that's rated A by Niche. They progress to Francis Howell Middle School, also A rated, where proficiency in math, science and language arts consistently outperforms the state at large. Next up is A-rated Francis Howell High School, which moved to a new campus in 2022.
D. Boone Elementary School has
a good rating from Niche.
Francis Howell High School has a great a variety of after school programs.
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Highway 94 has dining and shopping options
The community’s small collection of shops and eateries are concentrated along Highway 94, where the Defiance General Store recently debuted. Patrons can pop inside to pick up a cup of coffee, a sandwich from the deli or a scoop of ice cream and leisurely enjoy it from a front porch rocking chair. Although Defiance General Store carries an assortment of cheeses, pastries and snacks, a trip to Schnucks in Weldon Spring is necessary to stock up on groceries. Back in Defiance, many can take in a hilltop view at Defiance Ridge Vineyards while sipping locally made wines packed with flavors of cherries or peaches. This is only one of the wineries in Defiance, and a trip along Highway 94 toward the nearby city of Augusta will reveal even more vineyards to explore and sample.
Stop by Defiance Ridge Winery for a good time and great service.
The Brass Rail is a versatile eatery where you can chow down on wings at the TV-lined bar.
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Matson Hill State Park has biking trails and history
For a different kind of trail, venture into Matson Hill State Park. The 475 acres of forestland are crisscrossed by 6 miles of trails that weave through timbers and cut across fields of golden flowers. Thrill-seeking mountain bikers can hit the park’s gravity-flow trails, steep paths that let cyclists cruise downhill. Keep an eye out for the Hays Home in the middle of the park, an 1830s stone house once owned by the grandson of pioneer Daniel Boone.
Take a trip along the Katy Trail and check out the many rest stops in Defiance.
D. Boone family home set in the heart of Matson Hill State Park.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
John Collins
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Alejandro,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Defiance, MO sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Defiance, MO over the last 12 months is $680,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom-built luxury home offering over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on 5 unrestricted, mostly wooded acres just outside New Melle in the heart of wine country. Enjoy the privacy and tranquility of country living with convenient access to major highways, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities. Step inside to soaring 10-foot ceilings and an open-concept floor plan
Experience the best of Callaway Valley living—where privacy, luxury, and lifestyle align.Situated on a stunning 6-acre estate with coveted lake rights, this exceptional property offers a rare blend of space, serenity, and high-end living.The heart of the home is a chef’s dream kitchen, beautifully updated in 2022 with a 48” Wolf gas range with pot filler, Sub-Zero refrigerator, expansive
Welcome home to this beautifully appointed brick ranch that truly has it all—inside and out. Situated on approximately 10+/- acres, this property offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and resort-style living. Step into your own private backyard retreat featuring a stunning in-ground saltwater pool (9.5 ft deep), complete with heating and cooling for extended seasonal enjoyment. The
Stunning 20 Acre Rural Retreat Endless Possibilities Await! Discover the beauty and serenity of this 20-acre gem in the heart of nature! Nestled in the highly sought-after Francis Howell School District, this picturesque property offers rolling hills, open fields, and scattered wooded areas, creating the perfect blend of open space and privacy. A scenic creek meanders through the landscape,
This expansive 3.45-acre lot is ideally situated in the heart of downtown Defiance, offering a rare combination of space and convenience. The property features a charming, rustic red barn that adds a touch of character and potential for various uses, from storage to creative projects. The ample size of the lot provides plenty of room for development, gardening, or outdoor activities. With its
Stunning 82+/- Acre Rural Retreat Endless Possibilities Await! Discover the beauty and serenity of this gem in the heart of nature! Nestled in the highly sought-after Francis Howell School District, this picturesque property offers rolling hills, open fields, and scattered wooded areas, creating the perfect blend of open space and privacy. A scenic creek meanders through the landscape, adding to
Rare opportunity to own 5.03 acres overlooking the Missouri River Valley just outside the heart of Defiance. Enjoy sweeping sunrise views, a private setting, and plenty of usable yard space for a custom home, outdoor living, gardens, or additional structures. A private lane provides direct access to Hwy 94 while maintaining a peaceful setting. The existing clearing offers an excellent homesite
Meyer AuctionsMeyer & Company Real Estate and Auctions
8.5+/- Fabulous acres that offer a combination of open land, level to rolling hills, wooded land & access to a shared pond. Rare opportunity to own this beautiful, very scenic acreage. The perfect place for an equestrian homestead, a country estate, contemporary farmhouse or your DREAM development. This acreage offers seclusion, country style living, with an abundant wildlife habitat for the avid
Improvements include a 2090 sq. ft. ranch home built in 1980. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths & 2 half baths, custom kitchen/breakfast room w/updated stainless steel appliances & granite marble top center island & counter tops, great room w/woodburning stone fireplace, wood floors, formal dining room, formal entry, main floor laundry, huge master bedroom w/large master bath w/tub &
Nestled in the heart of St. Charles County near Defiance and New Melle, MO, Callaway Lake Estates offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home surrounded by natural beauty while remaining close to modern conveniences. This private community is designed for those seeking space, recreation, and long-term value. The development features 108 homesites, with 35 already sold in the first 18
Embrace the serenity of this secluded 3-acre property at the end of a cul-de-sac, surrounded by trees and boasting not just one, but three separate buildings! The main 2-story home features Low Maintenance, Hail resistant Hardi Board Siding, offering possible lower insurance rates. Step inside to find a ceramic tile entry, coat closet, powder room, and a grand staircase with wood rails and
Sunset Estates in St. Charles County MO. Four Luxurious home sites, on 5 acre lots. Located in the heart of Defiance and wine country. Bring your own builder/plans and build your dream home on one of these premium secluded, all wooded lots. Homesites are located on a private street with cul-de-sac. Homeowners will enjoy the peace and quiet, along with privacy. County water and high-speed
This mostly level 9.05 Acres of land includes a well with a solar-powered pump and five frost-free spigots on the southeast side—perfect for gardens, orchards, or hobby farming. A gravel driveway has already been added along the south side for convenient access. Only a small portion of the front is in the 100-year floodplain, while the majority of the property sits outside of it, giving you
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