Description
A quiet pastoral setting on over an acre of manicured grounds, this architecturally correct 4-bedroom, 4.1 bath Wheaton home, is a neo-classical work of art! Inspired by the homeowner, a Wheaton history aficionado and craftsman, this beauty combines historical details from a series of houses surrounding the Chicago Golf Club, designed by noted architect Jarvis Hunt the nephew of famed Richard Morris Hunt of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The goal was to create a new house that looked as if it were built at the turn to the 19th century. This masterpiece incorporates many architectural pieces, some from historically significant and prominent Wheaton homes. Manufactured reproduction items were also carefully sourced such as custom milled woodwork, cabinetry and doors, solid brass hardware, push-button light switches, authentic register covers, garage doors made to look like carriage doors, historical paint colors and authentic wallpapers including William Morris reproductions. The wood casings, base and crown, taken from a vintage design was custom milled out of poplar by Paxton Lumber. Every window, hand built in Oregon by Bergerson Windows is made from western red cedar, which will never deteriorate and features a weight and pulley system. The main entry welcomes with the cherry staircase by Adams Stair, ascending three stories has carved rosettes and beading...also seen in other Hunt homes. Ahead to the gracious formal dining room or the formal living room to the right, you'll find elegant and perfected detailing including the hand painted mural, period lighting and more. From either set of living room French doors, walk out to the covered porch offering beautiful sunsets and serene views of the grounds and surrounding naturalized areas. The custom kitchen features Kennebec cabinetry, handcrafted in Bath, Maine, wide planked pine flooring and center island table and is equipped with modern stainless appliances and soapstone counters without giving up the look of an historic home. Adjacent to the kitchen and breakfast room is the family room, reminiscent of an English hunting lodge with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, stone fireplace and built-in bookcase. French doors lead to the bluestone patio and extensive gardens by noted landscape architect Anthony Tyznik. Descend either main or back staircase to the masterfully finished basement and find one amazing Arts & Crafts style, fully finished dream. From the clinker brick fireplace, quartersawn oak millwork and doors to the built-ins and Bradbury and Bradbury hand silk-screened wallpaper the inviting recreation space with covered porch walk-out, kitchen area with sink and refrigerator, full bath, wine room, workshop and more have been done to perfection! The second and 3rd floors are elegantly appointed with 4+ bedrooms and 3 full baths. Bedroom four is currently set up and used as a craft room with counter and sink. The primary suite of rooms features a screened sleeping porch, private bath with double sink vanity and oversized shower, generous walk-in closet with doorway to nursery or bedroom two. This spectacular offering, although only twenty-five years young, live and feels like an award worthy historic residence. The close-knit neighborhood with the feeling of country living is not found in many suburban settings. With a convenient location, near schools, Atten Park, Cantigny Junior and Senior Golf and Mansion, St. James Farm, plus shopping and restaurants of South Wheaton.
