Apartment
‘Saint LaLa’ a gem, in the Truman Heritage District Independence, MO
Photo gallery for ‘Saint LaLa’ a gem, in the Truman Heritage District Independence, MO





Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
About this property
‘Saint LaLa’ a gem, in the Truman Heritage District Independence, MO
LaLa was my mother. With love and devotion, I have furnished these triplex apartments with her things or items she gave me. There are a few of my father’s aviation things as well. He was a pilot for Braniff Int’l, Repubic Airways, Kitty Hawk & retired as a Cpt from Southwest. This apartment & triplex hold a lot of memories.
We welcome all. Our goal is to create a space that makes you feel comfortable and is a home away from home. 1000 sqft apartment with traditional and Christian theme decor with just a bit of Asian influence. Feels cozy and warm. Perfect as a corporate, short term rental or for visitors touring and needing a base in the Independence/Kansas City area. Arrowhead and Kaufman are nearby. Downtown and KCI are an easy commute.
30 day minimum. Keyless entry. You will receive your code after your booking is confirmed.
Keurig provided along with K-Cup coffee and tea to get you started. If you prefer several cups of coffee each morning, there is also a Cuisinart Grinder/Brew Coffee Maker with thermal carafe in pantry. Disposable to-go cups are provided for that last morning so you can have your coffee to go and not have to take/liberate a ceramic cup.
Kitchen will exceed most expectations. Appliances are all Whirlpool Stainless Steel. Dishwasher has stainless interior with noise level under 50db. Freezer/refrigerator is counter depth with automatic ice maker and exterior door service center, providing filtered water/ice. Additionally, Brita Stream water pitcher provided in the fridge. Please do not reset the Brita electronic filter counter; just use and refill from tap. Microwave and range oven have convection capabilities and more features than can be listed. Easy clean glass cooktop. Do not use self-clean oven feature. Manufacturer recommends using that feature sparingly. Counter tops are granite, travertine backsplash, composite granite sink with stainless Moen touchless faucet. Counter top Cuisinart Toaster Oven. Rice Cooker/Turbo Pressure Cooker along with additional kitchen appliances. Eat in kitchen in addition to formal dining area. Dining area with china cabinet, table cloth or place mats, cloth napkins for special eat in meals.
Living area adjacent and open to dining area. Solid wood frame sofa and love seat with leather cushions. Wall mounted Sony television with Xfinity 140+ Channels. Wall mounted tapestry that I got on one of my Around the World Trips. Fireplace and attic circulation fan are inop.
Bedrooms are furnished traditionally with Ralph Lauren bedding. Master bedroom has designer Bob Timberlake queen bed and night tables that belonged to my mother. Master bedroom also has ceiling fan. Each room has it’s own coordinating towels. Hampers are in each closet. Next to each bed is a power strip/surge protector with USB for additional outlets and charging. Shared washer/dryer located one flight of steps to ground level of building.
One and a half bath consisting of one tub/shower, two toilets, two separate vanities. One blow dryer provided along with Neutrogena Body Wash and Sulfate Free Shampoo/Conditioner for your use while you are our guest, please do not pack out. For monthly guests the toiletries/paper goods/consumables are only provided initially.
Shaded gazebo and bistro table along with Char-Broil 2 burner propane BBQ grill in back yard. After using grill please ensure propane is off, use wire brush to clean grill and once cooled replace cover. In season there are flowers along with strawberries, peaches and mint for you pick and use. Garden has 8ft retaining wall with no guard rail. The garden is not a play area and children must be supervised at all times. Fortunately, McCoy park is just down the street. No cigarette smoking on property, I do not wish to pick up any butts. We are 420 friendly, just not indoors.
One designated covered parking spot under carport on South (left side). Carport is accessed via alley off Farmer St. Space is limited so trucks, large SUVs and other large vehicles will have to park on street. Tennis court, just walk North on sidewalk and past 3 homes. Beyond that there is McCoy Park with a fun summer water feature for the young at heart and horse shoe pits. Independence Square is walking distance, but more than likely you will drive and there is free and abundant close in parking for the many restaurants, shops and movie theatre. Look up ‘Truman Heritage District’ for all the things to do in our neighborhood.
The McClains are a local family that have invested over $25 million in Independence and on the Square. They have made our little corner of the world a delightful place to have for shopping and a treat at Clinton’s Soda Fountain, coffee at Mainstreet Coffee House, along with pizza from Square Pizza, fine Italian at Cafe Verona, Continental at Ophelia’s, Mexican at El Pico, traditional American at Courthouse Exchange and simply great gourmet dogs at UpDog. One of the largest undertakings of the McClains was to bring back Polly’s Pop, a favorite locally made vintage soda with real cane sugar. There are 9 flavors made and bottled right here on the Independence Square. My father, the Captain, would’ve been in his eighties, was born and raised in Independence. He has delicious memories of swigging a Polly’s Pop. The McClains also brought back the bowling alley, Diamond Bowl, it is a bright place where you may have a beer and enjoy more than just bowling. Movies on the big screen at the Phoenix Theatre. In the summer, there is a beer garden at Courthouse Exchange with live music on the weekends. Google to find a schedule for square events, to include music, art, dog days, festivals, farmer’s market, etc.
In Independence history abounds everywhere and especially here at the center of Independence. Jackson County Jail and Marshal’s House (1859); Harry and Bess Truman’s home; Truman Presidential Library; National Frontier Trails Museum devoted to the 3 great western routes: the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails. Independence was the “jumping off” point for all 3 trails. There is so much more for anyone interested in the Mormon and Latter Day Saints history. My family has roots as local Latter Day Saints, we’re a part of one of the groups that never went to Salt Lake.
Outside photos are from Spring/Summer. Winter here can be a little grey. If you book before the spring, things here are just not near as bright.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue grill
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
Children
Adults only
8ft Garden wall w/out fence, adult supervision req
Events
No events allowed
Get your party on elsewhere & use Uber or Lyft
Pets
No pets allowed
No exceptions due to carpet and rugs
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
We do not want to pick up butts, 420 outside
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Get your party on elsewhere & use Uber or Lyft
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Independence
Independence is home to this apartment. Crown Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Worlds of Fun and Kansas City Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium or Kauffman Stadium.
Independence, MO
What's nearby
- Independence Square - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- 1859 Jail Marshal's Home and Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- Vaile Mansion - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 4 min drive
- Mandarin House - 4 min drive
- McDonald's - 3 min drive
- SONIC Drive In - 3 min drive
- HiBoy Drive-in - 11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.4/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Jun 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dan H.
Oct 27, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our long weekend
Dan H.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
Patrick W.
Sep 13, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A True Gem: Likely the best place to stay in Independence!
Patrick W.
Stayed 29 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Sara F.
Feb 19, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Stay at Saint LaLa
Sara F.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
10/10 Excellent
Deb S.
Oct 14, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Football weekend
Deb S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
10/10 Excellent
Andrea J.
Sep 3, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Andrea J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Charley R.
Aug 20, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Place. Period.
Charley R.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Camryn L.
Aug 15, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect home for our short vacation!
Camryn L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Aug 3, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for our needs
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Sean B.
Jul 24, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Wonderful House
Sean B.
10/10 Excellent
Kathiona L.
Jul 15, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Flawless!
Kathiona L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
8/10 Good
Vicki M.
Apr 20, 2019
A wonderful surprise
Vicki M.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Harry H.
Feb 20, 2019
Saint LaLa a very comfortable vacation rental
Harry H.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Lora T.
Sep 26, 2018
Above and Beyond!
Lora T.
10/10 Excellent
Robert B.
Sep 13, 2018
Great place to stay!!!
Robert B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
10/10 Excellent
Mariano P., Gainesville, VA
Sep 4, 2018
Perfectly situated, ultra clean and expertly appointed with all the little things one needs
Mariano P.
About the host
Hosted by Jacquie Thorstensen
I’m Jacquie and along with co-host, Laura we will be your hosts at the triplex building called, LaLa’s Garden Apartments. I live north of the Missouri River near Smithville Lake and am semi-retired, but somehow am busier than ever. Weather permitting, my assistant, Libby, a black lab accompanies me many places.
LaLa, my mother; took care of my son, Cash a lot while I worked at the airlines. Cash’s very first word was to my mother, he called her ‘LaLa.’ The name stuck and he was a joy for her to look after while I worked. Times marches on, we’are older and all grown up now. Cash now lives in Liberty with his family.
LaLa, my mother; took care of my son, Cash a lot while I worked at the airlines. Cash’s very first word was to my mother, he called her ‘LaLa.’ The name stuck and he was a joy for her to look after while I worked. Times marches on, we’are older and all grown up now. Cash now lives in Liberty with his family.
Why they chose this property
This is our family property. My father bought it for my grandmother, ‘Granny’, to live in. She eventually moved to the Groves, down Truman Road. My mother alway tended the gardens and one summer she made it on the Truman Garden Tour. For a short while my parents, Bill and Olga ‘LaLa’, lived here until they built a home in Smithville, Missouri. LaLa is now tending the gardens of heaven and my father peacefully flew West January 2021. Buck, my older son and his wife are temporarily staying in the lower unit, ‘LaLa’s Garden’ and hopefully you will be our guest in the upper 2bdrm unit, ‘Saint LaLa.’ There is a third unit, a one bdrm, we call it: ‘LaLa’s Llama.’ We take a lot of pride in our property with it’s history and hope that you will be pleased to make this home when visiting Independence.
What makes this property unique
I can and prefer to do a monthly rental. No more than two adults at 40% discount.
Languages:
English
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