The bulk of Oak Park and River Forest’s residential landscape has been filled in for a long time — most residential areas were built up almost 100 years ago. Historic homes lining neighborhood streets are a part of the wallpaper of living in the villages, and a newly built home is somewhat of a rarity.
There are typically two ways developers or homeowners can build new: they either tear down an existing home or they find an older home on two lots where the owner is willing to sell off their extra property.
The home at 1437 Ashland in River Forest falls into the latter category. The historic brick home to its north, which legend has it once served as a convent to nearby St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, once sat on a very large lot. A few years ago, the owner sold off a portion of the lot to the south of her home, and a developer jumped on the opportunity to build a new home in this established neighborhood.
Dan Halperin of @properties is marketing the home for $2,199,500 and says of the 5,275 square foot house, “It’s a large house but very livable in scale.”
The house boasts six bedrooms and four-and-one-half baths over three levels. Halperin says that contractor John Grant took over one year to build the home and remarks, “He researched and did the best quality I’ve ever seen in new construction.”
The entryway, with an office on one side and the garage and mudroom to the other, leads to an open floor plan living space. The kitchen and the living room span the back of the house and face the backyard. In the kitchen custom pale wood cabinets and white cabinets create a neutral backdrop. High-end appliances are part of the package, and a pocket door opens to a walk-in pantry with a full sink and plenty of storage room.
The formal dining room features more custom cabinetry with built-in lighting, a wet bar and a wine refrigerator. The 10-foot ceilings on the first floor make the space feel airy and open.
The second floor is home to four of the bedrooms and an upstairs laundry room. The primary bedroom feels like a separate retreat with a hallway leading to the room. There are two walk-in closets so large that Halperin states the owners won’t even need a dresser in the main bedroom for clothes storage. The primary bath features a soaking tub, separate shower and two vanities.
One bedroom on the second floor features a private bathroom, and the other two bedrooms share a bathroom between them. All of the bathroom floors are heated, and the closets are professionally organized. Halperin points out the attention to detail in the built-in shelves in all smaller bedrooms — perfect for kids to display their favorite belongings.
Another bonus of new construction is full-height finished lower level with nine-foot ceilings. The developer is letting the buyer choose what type of flooring to install in the basement. Halperin notes that some might want to use the two bedrooms on this level as bedrooms, and others might see them as office or playroom space, so it makes sense to let the buyers decide how to finish the space.
With large egress windows throughout the lower level, this space is a far cry from a typical dreary basement. There is a full bathroom on this level, as well as additional laundry hook ups. A family room on this level features a bar with industrial pipe open shelving, a sink and a beverage refrigerator.
The two homes on either side are set back on their lots, affording privacy in the yard. A contemporary home in the midst of historic houses, 1437 Ashland was constructed to be a modern addition to the block.
Halperin, who not only sells house but often rehabs local houses himself, says of the home, “I’m know I’m biased, but I think it’s a special house.”
