Winnetka Heights Prairie is Poster Child for Historic Remodel

It took Bob Agar and Jim Johnson two years to complete the renovation of 121 N. Winnetka Ave., converting an existing duplex into a single-family home. Of course, as things are in historic conservation districts, it was a challenge. However, David Griffin Realtor Paul Kirkpatrick says that the results speak for themselves.

“It really is a fantastic remodel and have had many agents say this should be the poster child of how to do a historic house like this,” Kirkpatrick said. Every bit of infrastructure was upgraded or replaced, he said, including all plumbing, electric, roof, and HVAC. Plus, it has two tankless water heaters.

If that’s not reason enough to name this adorable prairie-style home our High Caliber Home of the Week sponsored by Lisa Peters of Caliber Home Loans, then how about that turquoise door and the gorgeous front porch?

 

Seriously, I can’t imagine this home, priced at $679,000 will last too long, so if this is the historic property of your dreams, call Lisa Peters at Caliber Home Loans today so she can get you ready to put in your highest and best offer!

And if you thought the view from the curb of this stunning Winnetka Heights home was to die for, wait until you see inside!

 

Right when you walk in, you’re struck by the open spaces and the flow of the home. The doorways have been opened all the way to the ceiling, reducing the barriers between rooms. Just off of the living room is a office that would be perfect for the work-at-home professional, full of light and built-ins. The hardwood floors are stunning, too, and make the home feel larger than its 2,594 square feet.

“The footprint of the house is the same, but of course the interior configuration is very different,” Kirkpatrick said. “All three bedrooms upstairs have their own en-suite bathroom.”

Of course, downstairs you notice that the configuration includes a cool separation wall between the living and dining rooms complete with built-ins for your Royal Doulton collection. The kitchen has an open floor plan with a butcher block island, honed granite counters, custom cabinetry, farm sink, drawer microwave, and a 36-inch Bertazzoni gas range.

“Because it is in an historic district, it qualifies for the 10-year city tax exemption (county, school and Parkland taxes still apply),” Kirkpatrick notes. “But with no city taxes, it is quite the savings over 10 years.”

That is quite the selling point, as is the master bedroom, which has a beautiful bath featuring a freestanding tub and double vanity. I’m sure even the most vocal opponent of bathtubs would find this one charming. Plus, you get a private balcony from which you can survey the neighborhood with your choice of beverage.

“One of the coolest features of the house is the three-car carport which doubles as a party pavilion,” Kirkpatrick said. “It has that gorgeous, vaulted, beadboard ceiling and is so inviting to have large gatherings. It opens up the backyard instead of looking at a large garage wall.”

Pretty clever, actually! What do you think of this remodeled Winnetka Heights Prairie-style home?