Exquisite Spanish Renaissance Residence In River Forest, IL

Designed in 1925 by Meyer and Cook Architects, this extraordinary property features a main residence with fabulous interior and exterior entertaining space, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a large kitchen and family room. The stunning master bedroom suite boasts 3 rooms including a magnificent master bath and attached stone balcony. Floor to ceiling Palladian leaded and stained glass windows depicting the life of Christopher Columbus, mosaics, hand painted tiles and Cloisonné plaques embedded in the interior and exterior walls, spiraled fluted columns, carved marble fireplace and marble and tiled floors are some of the lavish appointments of this unique home. The beautifully landscaped and walled Roman garden features two patios, marble and tile walkways, an ornate columned masonry pergola with fruiting grape vine, original fountain and iron work. The detached coach house with a spacious, full apartment provides the perfect guest quarters and additional home office space with custom built-ins. Wonderful location convenient to Metra line and ten miles from downtown Chicago.

The 700+ square foot living room with twelve floor-to-ceiling leaded and stained glass Palladian windows includes a marble slab floor and an ornate, carved marble fireplace. Lovely Cloisonné plaques, tiles of Dante and Michelangelo and an angel mosaic are embedded in the walls. Hand-rubbed faux finishes adorn the crown moldings, pilasters and mantelpiece.

The spacious dining room lends itself well to lavish entertaining and features golden crown moldings and a lovely mosaic frieze punctuated by hand painted tiles and a large Wedgwood plaque. The mirrored and hand fauxed ceiling medallion showcases an antique French chandelier with original alabaster shades. Leaded-glass corner cabinets, marble flooring and ornate ironwork complete the motif of this luxurious room.

The master bedroom suite includes a gracious bedroom and attached sunroom / sitting room or office or nursery. Two cedar closets, lovely rope crown molding and a stunning copper stained glass door are a few of the special appointments of these rooms. A large deck adjoins the bedroom as does the lavish master bath which features hand stenciled doors, original tile work, re-built ten head shower, mirrored ceiling and bulls-eye leaded glass.

Mature plantings and perennials make the exterior of the home as stunning as the interior and create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and gracious entertaining.