5122 S Woodlawn Avenue

Built in 1910, this Arts and Crafts School gem has been magnificently restored. Situated on a generously sized lot elevated above Woodlawn Avenue, the home was an early commission of noted Chicago architect Walter Shattuck. He conceived of a highly refined and beautifully detailed interior housed within a handsome brick and limestone facade. In 1998 the current owners undertook a complete restoration of the house, done by true craftsmen with the charge to do it right. The original layout remains; the wood paneled entry welcomes guests and connects the elegant living and dining rooms, each featuring a fireplace and windows of art glass. Moving past the sweeping bay of the dining room and through the glass doors, one finds an extraordinary conservatory - it simply has to be seen to be believed. The chef's kitchen offers top-of-the-line appliances, custom made stainless steel pot rack and butcher block island. The kitchen has a storage pantry as well as a butler's pantry, while a covered porch offers space to grill and access to the yard. The grand main staircase winds around an original Elliott's of London clock cased in stunning quarter sawn oak. On the second level there are four generously sized bedrooms and three full baths. All the baths were completely gutted and updated with historically appropriate tile and high-end fixtures. An unexpected bonus is a third level greenhouse with access to what could become a roof top deck. Two staircases lead to the lower level with a large laundry, workout room, steam shower, powder room, storage rooms and a workshop that can be renovated for other purposes. The mechanicals of the house are 21st century: all new copper plumbing, upgraded electrical service and panel, two zone Spacepack A/C, new 70g hot water tank, alarm system, and internet/cable ready. Outdoors, the professionally landscaped yard is gracious, gated and well removed from the street. There is a coach house, with a two-bedroom apartment above, that is currently being used as a garage by the current owners. The garage and paved space accommodates off the street parking for 4 cars. 5122 South Woodlawn is literally a jewel box of a home, which seems appropriate as it was originally built for a jeweler with an eye for only the finest.