Your hosts

Nate and Kelli McKie have lived in Saint Louis, Missouri since 1998. They love to travel and fell in love with the New Haven area during an "empty nest" celebration trip after they dropped their youngest child (of four) off at the University of Missouri in Columbia. As soon as they saw "Zork's Nest" come on the market, they knew this was the place they wanted to have as a getaway and eventual retirement location, but also as a place they could share with the world.

Nate has made a career in technology, co-founding a software development company that was acquired by St. Louis-based World Wide Technology, where he works to this day. Kelli has spent her time in a mix of homemaker responsibilities, child care, and children's ministry in various churches. She has recently retired from those other positions to focus on providing excellent hospitality to our guests at Zork's Nest.

Zork's Nest

Built in 1938, this cozy hillside home has been quietly overlooking the Missouri River for generations. You wouldn’t guess it at first glance — when you pull up the drive, the river view is hidden. But step inside and walk into the main family room, and the vista suddenly opens up in front of you — a wide, peaceful sweep of water and trees that never gets old.

Donald and Shirley Zork, who lived in Saint Louis, bought the house in the 1980's as a weekend and summer getaway spot, and they made it their own over the years. They added the large skylights that fill the living room with daylight and enclosed the original front porch to create the sunroom that now looks out over the river. Beside the house stands a small detached shed known as the “cupola building,” a name the Zorks gave it because of the distinctive structure on its roof.

In the late 1990's, a west-side addition gave the home a new front door on the southern side, along with a second full bath and a garage, blending in nicely with the older structure.

In October 2025, the McKies purchased the property after being charmed by its surprising river view, quiet, secluded setting, and the welcoming spirit of New Haven itself. With no close neighbors and nothing but trees and sky between the house and the river, it’s become their peaceful getaway — a place to relax now, share with visitors as a short-term rental, and eventually call home in retirement.

In tribute to their longtime care, Nate and Kelli have kept the name the previous owners gave this unique and enchanting home: Zork’s Nest.