Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winslow House Listed for $2.4 million
CHICAGO (PRWEB) December 19, 2013 -- Premier real estate brokerage firm Jameson Sotheby's International Realty (JSIR) has announced that the firm is representing the Walker family in the sale of the historic William H. Winslow House in River Forest, Ill. The Winslow House, which represents architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s first independent commission, was listed for $2.4 million on December 16.
"The Winslow House exemplifies a truly exceptional living experience, and is so special because it is the type of landmark home that rarely comes on the market,” said Chris Feurer, chief executive officer at JSIR. “We’re honored to be entrusted with the sale of this important piece of architectural history, which is as cherished today as it has been for generations.”
Built in 1893, most of the home’s features are original, including the quarter-sawn white oak floors and hand-carved front door, columns and archways. Some of the home’s features were fabricated by its original owner, William H. Winslow, including bronze sconces and other ironwork details that still adorn the home’s interiors and exterior. The Winslow Brothers Company, makers of ornamental ironworks, fabricated the façade of the Carson Pirie Scott building and much of the copper-plated, cast-iron ornamental designs in the former Chicago Stock Exchange. Winslow met Wright while the young architect was working for the architectural firm Adler and Sullivan.
“While other Frank Lloyd Wright homes have endured decades of remodeling, the Winslow House is one of the best-preserved Wright homes,” said Pamela Tilton, the JSIR broker representing the Walker family. “The seller has owned the home for more than 55 years, and there have only been five owners in its entire 120-year history.”
A grand reception hall with a private inglenook, featuring built-in seating and a fireplace, greets visitors upon entry into the home. Tilton said some of the stand-out features include a living room with a polygonal bay window with built-in seating, and a dining room with a stunning solarium with built-in seating and art-glass windows. “Tangible evidence of Wright’s emerging design philosophy is visible throughout the house,” said Tilton. “It’s hard to imagine that at the young age of 26, Wright created such architecturally significant buildings and interior designs.” The 5,036-square-foot home also includes very generously sized rooms, such as a library, four bedrooms, a family room with a fireplace and 3½ baths, in addition to a servant’s quarters on the third floor.
The Winslow home exhibits early features of Wright's Prairie style, including wide eaves, a hipped roof and Roman brick. A large stable, also reflective of early Prairie style design, sits behind the home. The stable had originally been built for carriages and horses, but was subsequently modified to accommodate cars. It also has living space that includes one bedroom and 1½ baths.
Among the few renovations made over the last century, are the enclosure of the back porch, a remodeled kitchen and the addition of a powder room on the first floor. “The enclosed porch is an ideal spot for entertaining or just relaxing with family,” said Tilton. “But the floorplan throughout the home has lots of private nooks, which are perfect for curling up with a book, or catching up with friends. The Winslow House embodies the quaint time period of a century ago, along with a contemporary lifestyle. It is truly ideal for both entertaining and daily living.”
Very few tours of the Winslow House have been granted over the past 55 years, although the Walker family routinely welcomed architects from all over the world arriving unannounced at their doorstep. “My family has cared for this home for more than 55 years, and it holds a special place for us and for all who admire Wright’s work,” said Peter Walker, of the Walker family. “My brothers and I grew up in this home and we hope that the next family will be good stewards and enjoy the home as much as we did for decades to come.”
A note signed by Wright is in the Walker family library, simply stating to Bill Walker, Peter’s father, "Take good care of it." Walker added, “My mother kept the home in pristine condition up until her death earlier this year, and preserving its history and character has been a great source of pride for our family.”
After Wright’s death in 1959, the American Institute of Architects Board passed a resolution stating that seventeen of his most significant works “be forever preserved.” The Winslow House was toward the top of that list, and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Feurer added, “Jameson Sotheby’s mantra has long been to ‘Expect the Exceptional.’ And representing the owners of a home this rare, and this rich in international history and elegance, is both humbling and rewarding.”
For more information on the Frank Lloyd Wright home, the Winslow House, contact Pamela Tilton at 312.446.7714 / ptilton(at)jamesonsir(dot)com or Colleen Vihtelic at 773.255.5837 / cvihtelic(at)jamesonsir(dot)com.
About Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty is a premier residential real estate brokerage firm with hundreds of agents who have been representing, and living alongside, homebuyers and sellers in Chicago’s city and North Shore neighborhoods for decades. Since its partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2011, the firm has provided local expertise across the globe with access to 650 offices in 49 countries. For more information, visit jamesonsir.com.
Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Julie Liedtke at jliedtke(at)taylorjohnson(dot)com or (312) 267-4521.
Photo: The Winslow House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1893, was listed by Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty for $2.4 million on December 16. View photos and captions that accompany this story via Flickr or visit thewinslowhouse.net.
To read a Chicago Magazine article about the listing, visit: http://www.chicagomag.com/real-estate/December-2013/One-of-Frank-Lloyd-Wrights-Earliest-and-Prettiest-Houses-is-Up-for-Sale/?utm_source=Social%20media&utm_medium=FB&utm_campaign=Chimag
Julie Liedtke, TAYLOR JOHNSON, http://auctionsbyatg.com/, 312.267.4521, [email protected]
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