Elijah Bower House
Front facing corner - excellent corner lot across from nature trail - note the copper gutters!
History: This stunning Queen Anne Victorian home was built in 1893 by Elijah Bower, a prominent gentleman farmer, for his second wife, after his primary estate burned to the ground. It passed through a handful of owners after Elijah passed away, purchased by the Fitzmaurice family in 1996.
The Fitzmaurice's love for this old home resulted in a significant renovation to bring their new home to its original splendor. Knob and tube wiring was replaced, plumbing updated, bathrooms added, all wires/cables coming into the house were buried, the kitchen was completely updated and the porch completely rebuilt. The Fitzmaurice's won an award from the McHenry County Historic Preservation Society for the "Most Historically Sensitive Addition in McHenry County", when they completely re-constructed the prior owner's shoddy attempt at adding a second floor on one wing of the house.
Original plans of the Fitzmaurice's included opening a Bed & Breakfast, so the entire new second floor wing became the master bedroom, where they expected to "live" while guests were in the house. Since their newest addition to the family, an adopted baby girl from China, they decided to defer the opening of their B&B, downsize and give someone else an opportunity to own and love this spectacular piece of history.
Property Description: Sitting on a corner lot that's about 1/3 acre, this unique Queen Anne Victorian home faces the corner at an angle, proudly displaying its beautiful features. It is located in the Antique District of Richmond, IL, a small historic town on the border of IL and WI, just a few miles south of a major resort town (Lake Geneva, WI). Along the property is a nature trail that goes several miles. Hikers, bike riders and horses are regularly seen on the trail.
Stunning Award-Winning 1893 Queen Anne Victorian - located in the antique district of Richmond, IL - on the IL/WI border - a short distance from Chicago and Milwaukee
Dining Room with original maple floors, pocket doors and lovely woodwork trim
Dining Room: The original maple floors were taken up, cleaned, then tightly relayed, sanded and polished - they look fantastic! A half bath is off the dining room.
Kitchen has maple cabinets, a 6-burner Thermadore stove and a seperate eating area
Kitchen: The gourmet kitchen has semi-custom, recessed 56" maple Hampshire cabinets. An island contains a commercial grade 6-burner Thermador gas range, with an oven big enough to cook two full-size turkeys at once. A stainless steel hood is suspended over the stove. An eating area is off the kitchen. Plenty of storage is available in the cabinets, as well as in a double-doored pantry. A refrigerator, microwave oven and built-in KitchenAid dishwasher also are in the kitchen.
Master Bedroom w/Full Bath
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: There are 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 2 half baths (note that one half bath is actually a full bath, plumbed and wired for a whirlpool tub/shower, which needs to be installed). Three bedrooms have full bathrooms connected, giving great potential for a bed and breakfast. The master bedroom is 21'x19', and includes double-door his and her closets, with custom built-in shelving (made from old beadboard). The master bath has a clawfoot tub and shower (with wooden rim), as well as a large vanity. The master bathroom is wired for a large whirlpool, which has not yet been installed.
Foyer with Beautiful Staircase and original maple floors with walnut border
Foyer: A beautiful maple floor with dark walnut border makes the foyer a showcase of the house. Just as in the dining room, the maple floors were taken up, cleaned, then relayed, sanded and polished. An ornate antique staircase (with copper corner dust guards on each step) winds you upstairs. Beautiful carved beading and a flower pattern embellish two Newel posts, that also has a ball cap.
Parlour
The Parlour: The parlour has a beautiful stained glass window above the picture window, as well as a stunning faux fireplace within an exquisitely carved mantle with beveled-edge mirrors and beautiful tile work. A door in the parlour allows access to the front porch. Between the parlour and the living room is a beautiful gingerbread transom.
Living Room flows nicely between the Parlour and the Dining Room
Living Room: This spacious, bright room flows well between the parlour and the dining room. A huge picture window, with a beautifully integrated stained glass piece installed over it, looks out the front of the house. Lots of light comes in this room. Awesome pocket doors divide the living and dining rooms.
Parlour Faux Fireplace
Beautifully landscaped yard
Beautiful 8-panel pocket doors
2 Stories
Bedrooms
5
Full Baths
3
Half Baths
2
Heated Sq. Ft.
3,000
Acres
0.4
Features.
1st Floor Bath
1st Floor Bedroom
Attic
Den
Dining room
Foyer
Kitchen
Laundry Room
Living room
Unfinished Basement
Master bedroom upstairs
2 Car Garage
Automatic outside lights
Dormers
Driveway - Paved
Fresh paint
Porch
Restored exterior
Storm Windows
Ceiling Fans
Grand staircase
Original wood windows
Wood floors
Shingle Roof
Central air
City sewer
City water supply
Dishwasher
Disposal
Gas heating
Range
Refrigerator
Water Heater - Electric
Claw-foot Tub(s)
Pocket Doors
Stained Glass Window(s)
Turret
Wrap-Around Porch
5 BR (3 w/full bath)
Custom maple cabinets
Faux fireplace w/tiles
Parlour
Thermador 6-burner
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