On the House: Chicago Mid-Century Modern Comes With Life-Size Playhouse

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In an era of tiny-house dreams, a house built inside a larger home sounds like utopia—especially if you’re contending with a Chicago winter.

And for buyers not yet sold on cramming their family into a tiny house, we’ve found a Windy City wonder offering the opportunity to experience tiny-house living without leaving the confines of a larger home.

Located in the basement of this 5,000-square-foot home built in 1957 on Chicago’s North Side—listed in May for $1.1 million with Philip Barone of @properties—is a 200-square-foot playhouse.

The sweet playhouse boasts mint-green shutters and a creamy white exterior, with matching flower boxes for a bit of basement curb appeal.

The darling playhouse

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Kitchen in the playhouse

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And if you think this playhouse is a plastic replica of a home, think again. In addition to front and back doors, it features a kitchen with wood cabinets and a sink, plus professional-grade lighting throughout. Curtains and valances cover every window. A miniature “Mona Lisa” painting hangs above a wooden crib holding baby dolls.

The playhouse was built by a professional woodworker, according to this article in which the original homeowner’s daughter reminisces on one of her father’s greatest gifts to her and his five other children.

Front exterior

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A lower-level bar perfect for parties

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The period kitchen, with modern updates

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The main house itself is in perfect condition, and a well-preserved example of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Highlights include a wraparound wooden bar on the lower level where you can serve guests pink squirrels and crank up the record player.

The eat-in kitchen features an island with suspended cabinetry above (and glass doors on the cabinets) along with updated stainless-steel appliances. Each of the four bedrooms is designed to allow natural light, and a wall of windows keeps the living room feeling sunny.

Spacious and sunny living room

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Office

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Three original fireplaces are in great condition and ready to crackle at the first snowfall. And when winter arrives, the attached two-car garage minimizes outdoor time during frigid temperatures.

The home’s 18,000-square-foot lot is a rare find in the city, and ideal for budding gardeners or a household with dogs who need room to roam. A covered patio serves as a spot for hanging out with family and friends.

And once you’ve exhausted your options for hanging out with the adults, you can always retreat to the amazing home within a home in the basement. It’s a retreat unlike anything we’ve seen!

The post On the House: Chicago Mid-Century Modern Comes With Life-Size Playhouse appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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