From The Archives
1893 Queen Anne Victorian
Richmond, Illinois 60071
Elijah Bower House
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| 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
No Contact Information.
This listing is archived and is not for sale.
Contact information is not available for archived listings.
Archived in July, 2011
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