Lacey Helen Blog's: Gorgeous in Glencoe: Must-See Modern Illinois Home Designed by Tony Grunsfeld

Tuesday, 12 May 2020

Gorgeous in Glencoe: Must-See Modern Illinois Home Designed by Tony Grunsfeld

The last residential design of Tony Grunsfeld, a name well-known to architecture enthusiasts in and around Chicago, is now on the market in Glencoe, IL. The price for this modern marvel has just been sliced from $2.89 million to $2,475,000.

The listing agent, Susan Maman of @properties Winnetka, says Grunsfeld’s residential designs “were always known for drawing the outside in, with floor-to-ceiling windows and huge, open spaces. They’re just very clean-lined.” After decades designing over 130 residences in the Chicago area, Grunsfeld died in 2011.

This 4,738-square-foot-home stands out—in a good way—in this tiny-but-tony suburb 25 miles north of downtown Chicago and hugging Lake Michigan.

“We don’t have tons of contemporary homes in Glencoe,” says Maman, citing the city’s mix of traditional, transitional, and contemporary housing stock. Its median list price is around $1.1 million.

Built in 2010, the four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence has had only one owner, who commissioned the custom design from Grunsfeld. While many modern homes in the region date back to the 1960s through 1980s, this one is move-in ready. It’s only 10 years old—and is not in need of any improvements.

Inside, the open floor plan extends to an eat-in, chef-grade kitchen with a large island, walk-in pantry, and stainless-steel appliances. Just off the kitchen and living room (note the custom built-ins in the denlike nook) is access to the yard, with its brick-paver patio.

The master-bedroom suite overlooks the yard and has a walk-in closet and en suite bathroom with heated floors (ideal for chilly winters). Two of the bedrooms also have en suite bathrooms, ideal for overnight guests.

For families with kids still at home—or who would appreciate a man cave or home office—the lower level features an abundance of storage, a rec-room-type space, plus a fourth bedroom with an additional bath.

Gorgeously landscaped, the property is set on nearly an acre and features an outdoor swimming pool. The changing room and half-bathroom on one side of the house, which has a separate entrance, make pool-time cleanup a breeze.

The home—about a mile from Lake Michigan’s shoreline—has curb appeal night and day, with “nice, outdoor lighting that’s kind of dramatic,” says Maman.

With only 9,000 or so residents, Glencoe draws residents for its excellent schools and proximity to Chicago. A 27-minute Metra ride whisks locals to downtown Chicago.

“It’s close-knit,” says Maman, of Glencoe. “It’s a warm, supportive community, a charming village.”

Due to the small-town setting, all kids attend the same elementary, middle, and high schools. This home is within walking distance of two of those schools.

Maman notes that, in Glencoe, “you can never have a home that’s walking distance to all three.”

Despite the great schools, Maman thinks a buyer without kids will be enticed to make an offer.

“Chances are, it will be an empty-nester home or for a downsizer,” says Maman. “But some of the showings have been to those with young kids.”