Listing of the week
Stunning water views abound from the huge windows in this large McHenry Cape Cod home, built along the Fox River in 1930.
A heated four-season room, four decks and two piers into the river allow its owners to take full advantage of their free-flowing neighbor.
Gorgeously finished wood floors abound throughout this five-bedroom home, with the exception of the kitchen, bathrooms and four-season room where ceramic tile is featured. A large updated galley kitchen with breakfast bar opens onto the family room with its fireplace and lovely views of the water.
Built on high ground years ago, the current owners say their full basement has always been dry and that they have never felt the need to purchase flood insurance, despite their proximity to the river. Added features include an electronic boat lift and four garage spaces in two detached garages.
The current homeowners add these further details:
What is this home's hidden gem?
"There is an abundance of space and hidden storage in this home, much more than you would expect from viewing it from outside."
Who would be the perfect buyer?
"The home is conducive to multigenerational living with ample open space for family gatherings (including the basement recreation room) and plenty of space for kids, teens, adults to find that private space for individual pursuits (before they strangle each other!).
"There are bedrooms on the main floor for the older family members and bedrooms and a gathering space upstairs for the younger members to do their thing. There is plenty of outside space for sports and water activities.
"We would love to pass our home over to a larger family that would use every inch of this home to make happy new memories. We have always said this is a home to be truly lived in, not to be wrapped in plastic."
What is the coolest thing about living in this neighborhood?
"Our home offers 75 feet of waterfront on the Fox River. It is on a dead-end street that is sandwiched between a golf course, a horse farm and the Fox River. Because the street is a dead end, there is a real sense of community. We know each other and the traffic is minimal.
"The river attracts an abundance of wildlife (eagles, blue herons, American pelicans, deer, fox) which is always a treat and intriguing to see. The neighborhood and the house settings are so peaceful that you feel as if you are miles from anything and yet we are five minutes from the busy shopping area. We love that!"
What television show can you imagine being set here?
"The Waltons. For all the reasons listed above and because it is a family home that has the modern updates, but still has that charm of yesteryear in a country-like setting. "
What adjective best describes this home?
"Vacation-like."
What trees and vegetation can be found in the yard?
"Porcupine grass (8 feet tall and 3 feet wide); Saucer magnolia tree (pink blossoms in the spring); sum and substance hosta (36 inches high and 50 inches wide) HUGE. We have well over 200 perennials in the yard so it is difficult to narrow down because as each one comes into bloom it becomes our favorite!"
On the Market
<span class="fact box text bold">Address: </span>2115 Woodlawn Park Ave., McHenry
<span class="fact box text bold">Asking price:</span> $600,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Square footage:</span> 3,200
<span class="fact box text bold">Bedrooms/bathrooms:</span> 5 bedrooms/3½ baths
<span class="fact box text bold">Year built:</span> 1930
<span class="fact box text bold">Listing agent: </span>Wendy Cox, The Royal Family Real Estate
<span class="fact box text bold">Call:</span> (847) 310-2038 or (847) 985-0200
<span class="fact box text bold">Web:</span> www.realestatefamily.net