On the Market: Custom-built West Chicago home
By Jean Murphy
Daily Herald Correspondent
You must see this architectural masterpiece in West Chicago. A distinctive brick two-story, it features a spectacular open floor plan with over 8,700 square feet of exquisite finishes and architectural flare.
The house is meticulously maintained and shows like new, offering all the decorators' touches, including rich fruitwood crown molding, doors and trim; lush custom built-in birch cabinets and bookcases; solid oak floors, and cathedral and tray ceilings. five balconies, an in- ground pool and wet bars.
The dramatic two-story living room, which boasts a two-story fireplace and a music alcove, is ideal for entertaining. The dream gourmet kitchen with all high-end appliances would please any chef. A luxurious master suite includes a sitting room with coffee sink, fireplace, balcony, two private baths and two walk-in closets. There would be no fighting for closet space here.
Play, live and work out in the enormous, fully-finished lower level with second bar, recreation area, game room, exercise room, storage room and radiant-heat floors.
The exterior features an oversized four-car garage with heated floors, a utility sink, a staircase to the lower level, a backup natural gas generator and more.
Listing agent Ann Burkard of Prudential Starck Realtors in Carol Stream offers more detail:
What is the hidden gem of this home?
“One of the many hidden gems of this home is the striking vestibule with its rich oak floors and two custom-built, see-through shelving cabinets, which are perfect for displaying your treasured collectibles and which also offer a peek into the spacious, but intimate, dining room on the reverse side of the glass shelving units. An attached butler's pantry with sink makes serving both formal and informal meals easy.”
Who would your perfect buyer be?
“I could see a gourmet chef being delighted to prepare yummy meals in this kitchen. The kitchen offers all the high-end amenities including stainless steel appliances, a Thermador double convection oven, a Thermador six-burner range with vent hood and heating lamps, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Dacor microwave, Corian countertops, birch wood cabinets and oak hardwood floors. The centered J-shaped island includes rich amber-colored blown glass pendant lights, a vegetable sink and seating for four. There is also a dinette area, a walk-in pantry, adjoining wet bar, butler's pantry, family room and sunroom.”
What surprises you most about this home?
“The most surprising feature of this home is the luxurious, seemingly limitless master suite with tray ceiling, marble fireplace, adjoining sitting room with built-in cabinets, refrigerator, microwave and coffee sink. It opens to a balcony so you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee while watching panoramic views of the grounds and in-ground pool. This master suite also features two private baths. The first private bath spotlights a two-person whirlpool tub with heater, separate shower and marble tile throughout. A second private bath accentuates a two-person shower with two shower heads and four body sprays, heat lamps and marble tile. (There's) two walk-in closets. Why would you ever want to leave?”
If this house were featured on TV, which show would it be?
“Most definitely, I can picture it hosting ‘The Bachelor.' I see the bachelorettes being driven up the circular drive accented by landscaping lights by the limo to the lavishly landscaped grounds and the brick paver pathway to this stunning estate. An impressive music alcove highlighted by a chandelier is the perfect place for a Baby Grand piano. This elegant room would be the perfect place to hold the rose ceremony.”
What is the coolest thing living in this neighborhood?
“This timeless contemporary property is nestled between the forest preserve and St. Andrew's Golf & Country Club on a corner acre in the sought-after Promontory Oaks Subdivision in Wayne Township.”
What is one adjective you would use to describe this home?
“Stunning.”
Name three trees, bushes or flowers on the property.
“Three Bradford pear trees produce magnificent white blooms in the spring. Dwarf Chinese lilacs blossoms fragrant pale lilac flowers in the late summer and several burning bushes turn crimson in the fall.”
On the Market
Address: 3N611 Hickory Knoll Lane, West Chicago
Open house: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29
Square footage: 8,714 including the lower level
Bedrooms/baths: 4 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 half baths
Year built: 1999
Listing agent: Ann Burkard, Prudential Starck Realtors
Call: (630) 740-5123
Email:aburkard@starckrealtors.com