The Hutchinson Street Historic District is one of the most cherished enclaves on the north side of Chicago, known for its rich history, storied architecture, lush landscapes, and oversized lots. Rare is the opportunity to own one of its best mansions, the "William T. Lake House", sitting quietly yet confidently on a massive 200x117 lot (equal to 1/2 acre in the middle of the city). Built c. 1904, Lake was a prominent corn and grain broker who commissioned a then up-and-coming architect, George W. Maher, to design this 7BR, 5.2BA home in the new and stylish Prairie School style. Maher studied under prolific country home architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, alongside Frank Lloyd Wright. The Lake House marked the third of five homes Maher designed in the neighborhood. Maher incorporated his two quintessential signatures--his large arched limestone lintels, and a Poppy motif found in many of the original windows, doors, and friezes throughout the home. In Maher's brilliance, the brick color & low roofline were an optical illusion to give the impression the house blended in with the tree trunks--as if to hide in plain sight. 120 years later, the home retains many of its original details and mystique, due to its careful and loving preservation by the current owners for the last 25 years. From the moment you step through the door, the house greets you with an undeniable warmth--like a big hug from a family member. The floor plan follows the lay of the grounds--a grand foyer to the west, followed by large formal living and dining spaces, to the wraparound porch on the east, out to the grounds that comprise the eastern half of the lot. Everywhere you stand in this house, the large windows fill every room with light and views of green landscapes--"letting the outdoors in", and a feeling of space and nature all around you. 5 fireplaces throughout the home add charm & functionality (screens and equipment are excluded from the sale). The kitchen may be on the smaller side for a home of this scale, but every drawer and cabinet serves a well-thought out purpose, and has top-of-the-line appliances. The kitchen also offers many ways it could be laid out for a larger footprint, if one desired. The family room leads to a 2BR/1BA attached coach house, perfect for home offices, or a guest/in-law/au pair suite. Upstairs in the main house the second floor has three large bedrooms plus a library connected to the primary suite. The primary suite has stunning south and east views and sunlight, has two walk-in closets, and a large primary bathroom with dual vanities. On the third level are three comfortably situated bedrooms, sitting & luggage rooms, and a full bath. Downstairs in the basement is a perfectly laid out rec room space including a home theatre with a drop-down projector screen, billiards area w/a fireplace, massive laundry room/scullery, two powder rooms, and tons of storage space. A long, heated driveway leading to the 2 car garage makes winters and guest parking easier! Professionally landscaped grounds and pergolas were designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape architects, and offers a park-like setting. Plenty of space for parties, and one spot would be a great place for a pool if one desired. PIN #'s are still separate, if one decided to sell off the side lot for redevelopment. Close proximity to schools: Chicago City Day, Lycee Francais, Sacred Heart, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet, Waldorf, and Disney Magnet. The house sits in the middle of Buena Park, known for "Good Living By the Lake". Lakefront bike path and beach access is at the end of the street, plus a plethora of public transit options (CTA 146 & 148 express buses are within two blocks, several other CTA bus and train options nearby). Two blocks to Jewel, Target, Aldi. Bar on Buena & The Reservoir are neighborhood hot spots. Easy access to Lake Shore Drive in less than 3 mins. The Lake House is a once in a generation opportunity few have gotten to enjoy, and it awaits its next owner!
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