Serosun Farms opens Swainson's House model
Swainson's House, a one-of-a-kind, high-performance luxury home, recently debuted at Serosun Farms.
Situated in Hampshire, the model home sets the standard for custom homebuilding and sustainable development in the suburbs of Chicago, said John DeWald, president of John DeWald & Associates, developer of Serosun Farms.
The Serosun farms community will be built adjacent to a 160-acre working farm and equestrian center. Residences — from smaller cottages to country estates — will sit in clusters on 114 distinctive one-acre lots set on 410 acres where residents enjoy natural prairie, restored savanna woodlands, wetlands and wildlife.
With a focus on traditional rural American architecture, all homes must meet sustainable and healthy home design criteria, DeWald said.
The development offers educational programs and several ways to take an active role in the community. Amenities include jogging, hiking and biking trails; a stocked fishing pond and equestrian center. A community center is planned with swimming pool and fitness center; tennis and basketball courts, a bar and grill and meeting event facilities.
Also, the world-class equestrian center on-site has eight miles of trails developed by Jane Stickland, an international trainer who runs the center and lives on the property. Stickland is also DeWald's sister and business partner.
The Swainson's House is priced at $1.5 million and showcases an updated American Foursquare design with 3,900 square feet, four bedrooms, 4½ baths, a finished basement and garage.
This “modern farmhouse” features innovative green technologies, sustainable and healthy design and luxurious amenities.
With interior design by Terri Trost of Trost Creative, the farmhouse's elegant country interior shows a neutral palette, Teragren bamboo flooring and artwork from various collections of Sarah Raskey. An abundance of windows means there is no need to turn on the lights until dark.
Lighting — huge lantern lights and a chandelier — along with furniture placement define living spaces on the main level of the home. Furnishings feature a burned French oak look with several Restoration Hardware pieces.
The game space, or overflow area, shows a game table and chairs, a wine bar with refrigerator and mercury glass backsplash, and low lights that illuminate the bar at night.
A large chandelier and a natural stone fireplace define the great room, which features a plasma TV embedded in the stone. Two sofas showcase Belgian linen, and a coffee table is made of burlap — all natural materials.
A farm table furnishes the dining area, and the gourmet kitchen features stainless steel Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Cabinetry is complemented by jet black granite countertops with a leather finish that looks like soapstone. A subway tile backsplash with a herringbone pattern is seen behind the range.
A bedroom wing on the first floor presents the master suite with a double-sided fireplace, several pieces of fine art and Restoration Hardware side tables. The private bath also shows the two-sided fireplace, tub and shower with seat, plus a large vanity space.
The guest bedroom features vintage night stands, a quilted bed cover and private bath with shower with bench.
Both bedrooms feature beds with organic linens.
The spacious second level loft offers rooms with volume ceilings that could function as an office and another bedroom. Off one of the rooms, a garden roof takes care of itself and provides a picture of calm.
The home also includes a grand wraparound porch with fireplace, rocking chairs and dining table.
“This is an unusual opportunity for families to live, and for children to grow up, on a farm,” DeWald said. “Most professional people don't have the time or money to run a farm; here we do it for you.”
The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
To visit Serosun Farms, take Route 72 west to Romke Road and turn left. Travel one mile to the entrance on Berner Road. For more information, call (847) 683-4796 or visit serosunfarms.com.
Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $750,000 to $2 million
<span class="fact box text bold">Square footage:</span> 2,000 to 6,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Hampshire Park District