A 1888 Chicago Victorian with a Vibrant Facade, Original Banisters, and Sunlit Interiors

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

1888 Victorian Gem in Chicago's Lincoln Park
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Built in 1888 in Chicago, this restored Victorian in Lincoln Park blends historic charm with modern luxury. Listed at $1,300,000, it offers 2,532 sqft of updated living space on a 1,960 sqft lot. Original features like stained glass and banisters remain, complemented by 2022 renovations. A vibrant facade and elevated porch welcome you into three sun-filled levels, each rich with design and comfort.

Rooftop Footprint

Rooftop Footprint
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This aerial view highlights the home’s narrow yet efficiently used lot, typical of urban Chicago living. The updated roof and compact rear yard create ideal outdoor lounging and dining spaces. A small garage and deck maximize the exterior space, while the home’s vertical layout allows for three spacious levels above grade. Tucked between classic city buildings, it’s a true architectural gem in a lively neighborhood.

Where is Chicago?

Where is Chicago?
Bing Maps

Located in Illinois’ Midwest region, Chicago is a major cultural and economic hub along Lake Michigan. It’s close to Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Known for its architecture, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, the city blends urban energy with historic charm. Lincoln Park, home to this Victorian, is beloved for its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, restaurants, and access to green spaces like the iconic Lincoln Park Zoo.

Living Room

Living Room
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Sunlight pours through large front windows into this cozy living room. A stained-glass transom and white fireplace with ornate trim add vintage character. Softwood flooring contrasts beautifully with the bold plum sectional. Custom built-in shelves frame the fireplace, creating a warm and inviting media space. With high ceilings and thoughtful finishes, this room perfectly balances modern comfort with preserved historic charm.

Kitchen & Dining

Kitchen & Dining
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This open kitchen and dining area is both functional and stylish. Anchored by a quartz waterfall island, the kitchen features a commercial Viking range, stainless steel appliances, and shaker cabinets. A wooden dining table sits under a modern pendant light. Neutral tones and oak flooring provide warmth, while a butler’s pantry adds storage. The space feels fresh, bright, and ideal for entertaining or everyday living.

Open Sightlines

Open Sightlines
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

From the kitchen, views stretch across the dining and living areas, framed by classic white trim and columns. A wide-arched pass-through adds architectural interest while keeping the layout open. The large island with an integrated sink and prep space invites gatherings. Recessed lighting and tall ceilings enhance brightness, and every detail—from cabinetry to crown molding—contributes to the home’s refined yet comfortable atmosphere.

Powder Room

Powder Room
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

The powder room combines bold color with minimal design. Muted green walls offer a pop of personality, while crisp white trim and fixtures keep it clean and modern. A wall-mounted sink saves space, and open shelving adds smart storage. Natural light enters through a window, creating a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect example of how even small spaces can feel stylish and intentional.

Walk-In Closet

Walk-In Closet
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Bright and organized, this walk-in closet features built-in shelving and drawers for optimized storage. A tall window lets in natural light, highlighting the clean white walls and trim. Hooks and hanging space line the opposite wall, perfect for backpacks, coats, or medals. Neutral carpeting adds comfort underfoot. It’s a practical and cheerful space that balances utility and charm, ideal for a child’s wardrobe or seasonal storage.

Primary Bathroom

Primary Bathroom
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This spa-like bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub, a glass-enclosed rainfall shower, and designer finishes throughout. The crisp white tile contrasts beautifully with the rich navy accent wall. A Restoration Hardware vanity adds warmth with its natural wood tones. Recessed lighting and a large window make the space feel bright and fresh. Every detail—from the hex tile floor to the sleek hardware—contributes to a relaxing, modern atmosphere.

Primary Bedroom

Primary Bedroom
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Spacious and serene, the primary bedroom is a calming retreat with engineered oak floors, recessed lighting, and neutral walls. A cozy seating nook sits near a grow light display, perfect for indoor plants. Large windows and a skylight flood the space with light. The walk-in closet and ensuite bath are just steps away, making the layout as functional as it is beautiful and tranquil.

Green Tile Shower

Green Tile Shower
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This striking shower features emerald green tile with a hand-glazed finish that shimmers under the recessed lighting. The full glass enclosure keeps the space feeling open and spa-like, while the modern fixtures and rainfall showerhead offer a luxurious experience. A skylight overhead brings in natural light, enhancing the richness of the tile. The overall effect is both bold and elegant—a true standout in the home.

Upstairs Nook

Upstairs Nook
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Nestled under charming sloped ceilings, this upstairs nook offers a cozy escape filled with natural light. A skylight and side window illuminate the soft cream walls and plush carpet flooring. Perfect as a reading spot, home office, or guest lounge, the space feels both whimsical and functional. A soft blue sofa and simple artwork give it a relaxed, airy personality with direct access to a private bath.

Lower-Level Lounge

Lower-Level Lounge
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This basement retreat is perfect for movie nights or creative play, featuring exposed painted ceiling beams and soft carpeted floors. A large section anchors the room, paired with a bold blue coffee table and built-in storage bins. Glass block windows provide light and privacy. Musical instruments add character, making this a fun, multifunctional space for relaxing, entertaining, or family activities in a casual setting.

Laundry Room

Laundry Room
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Bright and functional, the lower-level laundry room includes side-by-side front-loading washer and dryer units, a deep utility sink, and ample counter space for folding. Open ceilings and visible piping give it an industrial flair, softened by soft lighting and playful wall art. Durable vinyl flooring and a colorful woven rug add texture and warmth, making this hardworking space as stylish as it is efficient.

Mudroom Storage

Mudroom Storage
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This well-organized mudroom combines function and smart design with white built-in cabinets, open shelves, hooks, and pull-out baskets. Exposed beams and concrete elements lend an industrial touch, while the patterned rug adds warmth. A colorful “Fargo” print offers a fun pop of personality. It’s the perfect drop zone for coats, bags, and gear, creating a seamless transition between the home’s interior and exterior spaces.

Private Deck

Private Deck
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

Tucked between classic brick buildings, this private outdoor deck offers a cozy urban oasis. Raised wood planks define the seating area, complete with cushioned chairs, a grill, and storage solutions. Overhead string lights add ambiance for evening gatherings. With tall fencing and a partial canopy of nearby structures, the space feels both intimate and functional—perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying a quiet Chicago evening outdoors.

Bird’s-Eye Exterior

Bird’s-Eye Exterior
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This aerial view shows the home’s standout presence in a densely packed Lincoln Park block. The new roof and charming Victorian architecture contrast with the more modern neighboring buildings. The tight city lot is used efficiently, with clear access to the rear garage and alley. It’s a unique glimpse into the layered, historic nature of Chicago’s residential neighborhoods, where old-world charm meets modern city life.

Rear Exterior

Rear Exterior
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

From the alley, the home’s dramatic verticality and historic detailing are on full display. The deep hues of the siding and trim feel just as striking from behind as they do in front. The property includes rear access to the deck and a detached garage with an EV charger. Trash bins are discreetly placed to the side, maintaining a clean, well-maintained appearance in this urban setting.

Lincoln Park Views

Lincoln Park Views
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

This breathtaking aerial of Lincoln Park showcases its proximity to downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. The historic neighborhood stretches toward the shimmering skyline, offering the perfect balance between residential charm and big-city access. A sea of rooftops and treelined blocks defines the view, giving a real sense of place. This image captures why Lincoln Park remains one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.

Twilight Glow

Twilight Glow
Sam Shaffer @ Chicago Properties Firm

As evening sets in, the home glows softly with interior lights behind original Victorian windows. The green-and-plum exterior takes on a moodier tone, highlighting the detailed trim and steep gables. The contrast of warm light against the twilight sky adds a dreamy, romantic quality. This magical dusk view emphasizes the home’s timeless elegance and creates a welcoming atmosphere for returning home after a long day.

Source: Chicago Properties Firm via Zillow

Related Posts

After signing his landmark $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bryce Harper put down roots in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with a $2.6 million farmhouse that blends luxury, privacy, and family-focused design. The property reflects both the demands of a superstar athlete and the practical choices of a growing household.
The modest Los Altos house where Steve Jobs grew up and where the first Apple I computers were assembled has been formally recognized as a historic site. Its designation reflects both Apple’s humble beginnings and the growing importance of preserving technology history.
Chris Brown has repeatedly identified Michael Jackson as the defining influence on his career, pointing to the pop legend’s artistry, stagecraft, and direct praise as formative moments in his rise. That connection helps explain both Brown’s performance style and the lasting cultural weight of Jackson’s legacy.
LeBron James continues to live in a striking Brentwood estate that blends elite security, family-focused comfort, and resort-style amenities. The nearly 16,000-square-foot property reflects the scale of his career and the practical demands of life beyond the NBA spotlight.
Before Hollywood made Quentin Tarantino famous, he says his real education happened behind the counter at Video Archives in Manhattan Beach. The store gave him a vast cinematic library, a forum for sharp debate, and the confidence that later defined his directing voice.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has sold his 140-acre Mooresville estate, Slide Job Ranch, for a record $12.2 million, setting a new high for residential sales in the Charlotte metro area. The deal highlights both the strength of luxury property demand around Lake Norman and the singular appeal of a NASCAR-ready country compound.
Wayne Gretzky’s former Westlake Village estate overlooking Sherwood Country Club sold for $17.6 million, underscoring the enduring appeal of celebrity-owned luxury homes in Southern California. The 6.69-acre property blends privacy, resort-style amenities, and the polished lifestyle buyers expect at the top end of the market.
In one of Hollywood’s strangest true stories, director Werner Herzog came upon Joaquin Phoenix after a violent 2006 car crash and calmly guided him out of danger. The moment became legendary not just for the rescue, but for Herzog stopping Phoenix from lighting a cigarette near leaking gasoline.
Matthew McConaughey’s story begins in small-town Texas, where family, school, and local values helped form the voice and identity he later carried to Hollywood. From Uvalde to Longview to Australia, each stop added a layer to the actor the world came to know.