Listing of the week
Aficionados of Frank Lloyd Wright and the architectural styles he fostered will instantly fall in love with this Barrington home, built in 1978 by Don Erickson, one of Wright's protégés.
Erickson is known for bold designs of both private homes and public buildings, many in suburban Chicago.
This home features unique features like an amoeba-shaped conversation pit in the center of the great room, surrounded by heavy rock walls and windows that allow those inside to enjoy the nature beyond. Pagoda-like roofs with skylights funnel daylight from above into the various rooms below and these open vaulted ceilings are adorned with stained cedar paneling.
In all, the home features seven fireplaces (including one that is outdoors), 14 skylights and numerous heated terra cotta floors. There is also an indoor pool, indoor in-ground hot tub and a dramatic glass sunroom.
The kitchen can only be described as gourmet with its Viking appliances, terra cotta floors, eating area overlooking the pool and immense size. The home also features an outdoor kitchen for enjoyable entertaining and food preparation during the summer months.
Set on 7.2 acres featuring woods, gardens and a private lake, this four-bedroom cedar home boasts a split master suite with a fireplace and spa bath, as well as a walkout lower level with a game room, exercise room, recreation room and laundry room.
The current owner, with assistance from listing agent Ginny Opsahl, a broker with RE/MAX at Home in Rolling Meadows, provides further details:
What is this home's hidden gem?
"The views - lake views, fountain views, forest views, wildlife views, fall colors, winter snows."
What would your perfect buyer look like?
"Our perfect buyer would be someone who appreciates fine architecture and an open floor plan. The home is made for entertaining - either kids from the neighborhood or adult parties. There is something that appeals to everyone."
What is the coolest thing about living in this neighborhood?
"The setting is very secluded, yet the access is great. Since it is on the east side of Barrington, it is close to Deer Park Mall, the Metra, and is only 20 minutes from O'Hare International Airport."
What television personality can you picture living in this home?
"Television chef and author Anthony Bourdain. But it is also worth noting that the movie 'Ferris Buehler's Day Off' was filmed in a Lake Forest home with similar architecture, also designed by Erickson."
What is one adjective that you would use to describe this home?
"Majestic."
What are some trees, shrubs or plants in the yard?
"Oak, hickory, Japanese maple, spruce."
On the market
<span class="fact box text bold">Address: </span>139 E. County Line Road, Barrington
<span class="fact box text bold">Open house:</span> 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17
<span class="fact box text bold">Price:</span> $935,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Square footage:</span> 7,400
<span class="fact box text bold">Bedrooms/bathrooms: </span>4 bedrooms, 4½ baths
<span class="fact box text bold">Year built:</span> 1978
<span class="fact box text bold">Listing agent:</span> Ginny Opsahl, RE/MAX at Home
<span class="fact box text bold">Call:</span> office, (847) 255-1287;
cell, (847) 732-6072.
<span class="fact box text bold">Email:</span> Ginny@ GinnyOsellshomes.com
<span class="fact box text bold">Web:</span> www.GinnyOsellshomes.com; www.tourfactory.com/ 1183379