From The Archives

The House

The E.E. Wolf estate, positioned exquisitely on 4 1/4 acres and surrounded by flowering trees and bushes is located only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago. Completely and professionally renovated throughout, this 1890 red brick Victorian, boasting nearly 7000 square feet of finished living space, is beautifully restored both inside and out, and rests comfortably over 200 feet off the road. The recently tuck-pointed red brick home is graced with 28-7' high round top windows accented by white limestone keystones. The park like grounds are perfect for entertaining guests from the most intimate of gatherings to large soirees. All mechanicals have been completely replaced since 1991 and all major maintenance completed to the highest standard. An optional remote wood burner provides enough warmth to keep the entire house at the height of comfort.
Welcome your guests to the quiet formal parlor that affords an elegant setting with it's wainscoting and oak floors. The Italianate-style gas fireplace and ornate mirrored mantel provides additional warmth on cold winter days. Through the beveled leaded glass exterior door, you exit on to the front porch which provides stunning views of sunsets and the warbling of songbirds.
The traditional dining room, with its original hardwood maple floors, is large enough to accommodate a dining table for 18 people, and the walk in box bay window at the West end of the dining room, offers the perfect setting for an antique love seat or displaying the Christmas tree.
From double pocket doors to the stained glass window this pleasant and bright family parlor exudes all of the modern comforts with the charm a traditional Victorian. The paneled wainscoting and naturalistic carpet provide an unpretentious elegance and dimming the lights allows you to create the perfect ambience.
Cloister yourself in the well-lit library and read until your hearts content. Ample bookshelves provide space for nearly any book collection.
Enjoy beautiful sunrises from the nautically themed office that gives you the perfect place to take command of your business or finances. Multiple phone lines and internet access are already available for your use.
The family entrance has sufficient coat-hook space for dozens of coats and the built in cubicles provide storage for all your outerwear accessories. A full family bathroom, adjacent to the family entrance, offers easy access from any of the main floor rooms.
Preparing food is a pleasure in the well-proportioned eat-in kitchen. Abundant cabinetry extends to the 10 foot high ceilings; an antique hand-carved display cabinet gives a place to display fine glassware and china. Two exterior doors open out on to a large river-rock terrace excellent for grilling and evening dining.
The brilliant main floor hallway leads to the main staircase comprised of natural oak turned balusters and an oak hand-carved banister; a 5' patio door allows for access to the South lawn. The bright upstairs hall provides easy access to the bedrooms, the kitchen via a second stairway and the attic ballroom.
Indulge yourself in the palatial master-suite with its deep plush carpet, 2 walk-in closets and walk-in box bay. A small hall leads you to the bright and airy master bathroom with a large 2 person Jacuzzi tub, shower and other bathroom conveniences.
The three remaining spacious bedrooms upstairs all offer at least 2 windows, walk-in closets and carpeted floors. There is also a full family bathroom upstairs.
The vast attic ballroom, currently being used as a gymnasium, gives more than sufficient space for entertaining. The 15' high cathedral ceiling, exposed brick walls and skylights add to the grandiose feeling of the room.
The tiled basement offers a full complement of living quarters which include a bedroom, living area, dining room, full kitchen and 3/4 bath for long term guests or an au pair. The laundry shoots from the master-bathroom and both family bathrooms are easily accessed from the laundry room. There is a large utility closet and crawl space with a finished floor creating a perfect wine cellar!
The heated carriage house provides the space offered by a 1 1/2 car garage. It also contains loft storage and workspace.
The carriage house gives access to a one bedroom apartment with full amenities including a laundry room.
From the terrace on the back of the house there is a curved heated handicap ramp tastefully constructed from river rock.

The Out Buildings

Outdoors, a 26 x 48 insulated and heated shop is perfect for anyone who keeps classic cars or enjoys wood-working projects. The traditional two-story hay barn has been resided with steel siding and a new steel roof. A new concrete floor makes this space excellent for entertaining or for storing cars. An additional pole barn is setup for storing ATV's, snowmobiles, cars or boats. There are three supplemental outbuildings ideal for storing your miscellaneous items.