Step Inside a 1909 Prairie-Style Masterpiece in Illinois Featuring a Chef’s Kitchen, Sunroom Retreat and Renovated Coach House

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.

Cory Green of Compass

This exquisite Prairie-style home in Evanston, built by a lumber baron, showcases masterful craftsmanship and timeless design. Recently restored with upgrades like copper and tile roofs, Murano glass chandeliers, and state-of-the-art mechanicals, it blends historical charm with modern luxury. Inside, rich hardwoods, intricate wood accents, and elegant fireplaces create inviting spaces, while a remodeled chef’s kitchen features top-tier appliances and bright, airy aesthetics. The residence includes five renovated bathrooms, a new laundry room, and a versatile third-floor flex space. Enhanced exterior features include a new concrete driveway, automatic gate, and a renovated coach house perfect for guests or rentals. Listed at $2,300,000, it offers a rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored century home near the lake and vibrant local amenities.

Historic Home Exterior

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A stately two-story yellow brick home with a wide wraparound porch lines the front and side, supported by solid square columns. The house has a red-tiled roof with dormer windows on the top floor, adding to its historic charm. Deep green trim and ornamental brackets accent the eaves, giving contrast to the light brick. The spacious front yard is lush with mature trees and a variety of dense shrubs and bushes, creating a natural and inviting landscape. Fallen leaves scattered on the driveway hint at an autumn setting, enhancing the warm, timeless feel of the property.

Exterior Backyard View

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The cream-colored brick exterior with classic ornate detailing highlights a historic style balanced with refined symmetry. Multiple large windows, including a prominent rounded bay window with decorative trim, allow ample natural light inside. The roof features red tiles with deep eaves supported by corbels painted in muted blue-green tones. A spacious, neatly manicured lawn contrasts with the brickwork and encloses a patio edged by built-in planters. Mature leafless trees and well-maintained shrubs add to the peaceful outdoor environment, while an upper balcony with railing offers additional architectural interest and outdoor space.

Outdoor Courtyard

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A serene courtyard nestled between two beige brick buildings with historic architectural detailing. The paved area features smooth stone steps bordered by low brick planters containing neatly trimmed green bushes and small flower pots. The upper structure shows windows with grid panes and a rounded bay window with intricate glass patterns. Decorative brackets support the roof eaves, highlighting classic design elements. A sparse deciduous tree adds gentle natural texture, contrasting the manicured lawn and orderly landscaping. The subdued earth tones and refined masonry emphasize timeless elegance and balance within this outdoor space.

Backyard Lawn and Play Area

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Expansive green lawn stretches alongside a historic beige brick building with large, multi-paned windows framed by light stone. A distinctive rounded bay window with decorative glass panes and copper roofing adds elegance. The lawn is bordered on one side by a neat row of tall trees with brown leaves, planted in gravel, providing privacy and natural shading. At the far end, a children’s wooden playset with a blue slide and swings is visible, creating a family-friendly outdoor space. The well-maintained landscaping and mature trees contrast beautifully with the house’s classic architecture and clean lines.

Garage Exterior & Driveway

Cory Green of Compass

A spacious concrete driveway leads to a double garage door finished in a beige tone that complements the light yellow brick exterior of the house. A mounted basketball hoop above the garage door adds a recreational element. The property is enclosed by a tall wooden fence painted in a dark green color, providing privacy and security. A keypad or control box is visible on the gate, suggesting controlled access. Mature trees and greenery surround the area, with autumn leaves scattered on the driveway, evoking a serene and slightly rustic suburban atmosphere.

Front Porch Seating

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The covered front porch spans a generous length with light yellow brick walls and detailed white trim framing the dark wooden door and windows. A decorative geometric tile border outlines the concrete floor, adding historic charm. Two wooden rocking chairs with dark blue cushions sit beside a lush green fern in a white planter, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Further along, a casual seating area includes dark wicker armchairs and a matching sofa with green cushions. The ceiling is textured, with vintage-style light fixtures hanging down, while the porch overlooks colorful autumn foliage, creating a warm, welcoming entry.

Front Porch Entrance

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A broad concrete pathway bordered by lush greenery leads up to a set of wide steps ascending to a spacious front porch. The home’s exterior is clad in light yellow brick with classic architectural elements, including square columns that support the porch roof. Large planters with tropical and flowering plants add vibrant touches at the staircase’s top. The porch itself features a dark wood front door with side windows, framed by subtle ornamental brickwork, while mature trees with yellowing leaves frame the scene, enhancing the inviting, historic charm of the home.

Historic Front Exterior

Cory Green of Compass

The exterior of this historic American home is crafted from warm yellow brick, accentuating its classic early 20th-century design. A spacious wrap-around porch, supported by sturdy brick columns, invites visitors while topped with a roofline featuring decorative brackets and a tile roof. Dormer windows rise from the attic, allowing natural light inside and enhancing the architectural silhouette. Mature trees with green foliage frame the home, blending with a variety of shrubs and manicured garden beds that display subtle autumn colors. The overall aesthetic combines timeless elegance with natural surroundings in a peaceful neighborhood setting.

Front Yard Landscape

Cory Green of Compass

A neatly maintained front yard with a mix of deciduous trees and shrubs lines the pathway leading to a historic American home. The lawn is speckled with fallen autumn leaves, enhancing the seasonal charm. The house exterior is clad in light yellow brick with subtle architectural detailing around the windows and roofline. A red-leafed Japanese maple stands out boldly among other green foliage, while larger trees provide shade and a natural canopy. The landscaping is thoughtfully bordered with wood edging, and the setting offers a tranquil, inviting approach to the home.

Garage and Side Entrance

Cory Green of Compass

Light beige brickwork defines the garage and side entrance, contrasting with dark green metal accents like the gate and fencing. The garage door is a clean, off-white panel style with a mounted basketball hoop above. Adjacent to the garage, a set of wooden stairs with cream-colored risers and dark brown treads leads up to a covered porch area, supported by square columns with decorative brackets. Stacked firewood is stored underneath the porch. The concrete driveway features fallen leaves scattered across it, and the trees beyond show early autumn foliage, adding natural color to the scene.

Backyard Patio and Exterior

Cory Green of Compass

Yellow brick exterior walls with decorative cornices and overhanging eaves create a stately historic charm. A curved bay window with intricate muntin patterns crowns the facade, adding architectural interest. The backyard features a moderately sized patio area with wooden outdoor furniture, surrounded by manicured bushes and garden beds bordered by matching brick walls. Mature trees with autumn-colored leaves provide shade and privacy, while a mix of evergreen shrubs and deciduous plants softens the landscape. Steps lead down to a grassy lawn blanketed with fallen leaves, enhancing the natural, serene atmosphere adjacent to the classic home.

Courtyard Seating Area

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A serene outdoor courtyard with soft yellow brick walls wraps the space, creating a cozy yet open atmosphere. The area centers on a large tree with autumnal foliage, providing natural shade over a wooden dining set with six chairs. Stone steps lead up to the patio, framed by low brick planters filled with green shrubs and pots of red flowers adding subtle pops of color. Architectural details include large, multi-pane windows and a balcony above, along with black metal fencing that encloses the space, blending historic charm with inviting outdoor functionality.

Backyard Patio Seating

Cory Green of Compass

A raised concrete patio area serves as an outdoor seating space with a round wooden table surrounded by six matching chairs. A mature tree with autumn-hued leaves grows through a circular metal grate integrated into the patio’s edge, providing natural shade. Steps with fallen leaves lead down to a concrete walkway, surrounded by low brick walls matching the yellowish-beige brick exterior of the building. The yard beyond appears spacious with well-maintained bushes and trees, enclosed by a dark wooden fence. The overall color palette combines earthy tones with the warm brick facade, creating a serene, inviting outdoor retreat.

Sunroom Porch

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Long and narrow sunroom porch with a warm natural wood ceiling featuring two classic light fixtures. Walls are lined with pale yellow brick accented by intricately carved stone trim around the door and window frames, providing a subtle historic charm. The floor is covered with small reddish-brown and white mosaic tiles arranged in a geometric pattern, adding texture and vintage appeal. Large windows at the end and along the right side allow abundant natural light, enhancing the airy openness. Through an open doorway, an adjacent room with dark wood trim and polished hardwood flooring is visible, adding depth to this transitional space.

Entryway Staircase

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Rich dark wood paneling envelops the lower walls and staircase, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere rooted in classic craftsmanship. Stained glass windows with intricate floral patterns allow soft, diffused light to filter through, complementing the glossy hardwood floors. The staircase is clad in a subtle patterned runner, leading up with geometric balusters framed by clean, angular lines. Above, the ceiling beams echo the dark wood theme, coordinating with the trim around doors and windows. A built-in bench beneath the windows adds a functional seating area, balancing historic charm with practical design influences.

Living Room with Fireplace

Cory Green of Compass

Spacious room with rich hardwood floors and soft green walls, framed by dark wood trim and ceiling beams that add architectural interest. Central fireplace clad in deep green tiles and a wooden mantelpiece anchors the room, flanked by double French doors leading to adjacent sunlit spaces with detailed tile and masonry work. A classic pendant chandelier hangs from the ceiling. On one side, a long cushioned bench under a window with roller shades complements the traditional yet airy aesthetic, blending historic charm with inviting warmth and refined craftsmanship throughout.

Dining Room Entry

Cory Green of Compass

Dark wood sliding doors with glass panes open to reveal a formal dining room adorned with rich wood paneling on the lower half of the walls. The upper section is covered in a patterned wallpaper featuring a repeating golden motif, blending historic charm with a touch of elegance. A brass chandelier with a frosted glass shade hangs over a sleek white dining table surrounded by modern white chairs, creating a striking contrast with the traditional architectural elements. The hardwood floors extend seamlessly from the adjoining room, emphasizing warmth and continuity throughout the space.

Formal Dining Room

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Long marble dining table surrounded by modern white chairs anchors the space. The room is framed by rich, dark wood wainscoting and matching window trim, contrasting with vintage wallpaper featuring a subtle pattern above the paneling. Three large bay windows flood the room with natural light and are accompanied by built-in bench seating beneath. Overhead, a coffered ceiling with wood beams adds depth and period charm. A large pendant light hangs centered above the table. Double sliding wood and glass doors open to an adjacent room with a fireplace, maintaining the historic architectural character.

Dining Room Details

Cory Green of Compass

Rich, dark hardwood floors extend throughout the room, complemented by matching wood trim along the baseboards, door frames, and the built-in cabinetry. The focal point is a striking bay window flanked by glass-front display cabinets with intricate geometric leaded glass designs. Below the window, a wooden bench seat conceals a radiator. Creamy white walls contrast with the deep wood tones, enhancing the historic charm. The vaulted ceiling escalates the room’s airy feel, highlighted by a large, vintage-inspired geometric pendant light hanging centrally. An adjoining kitchen with yellow cabinetry is visible through the doorway.

Kitchen Island and Range

Cory Green of Compass

The kitchen displays a bright and airy design with white cabinetry paired with a soft yellow island base. The island features a speckled quartz countertop, contrasting warmly against the dark wood floor. Four wooden stools with black legs sit neatly at the island, adding rustic charm. White subway tile backsplashes extend around the room, framed by dark trim on three wooden windows. Stainless steel appliances include a large industrial-style Wolf range and matching ventilation hood. Four pendant lights with frosted glass shades hang symmetrically above the island, emphasizing the clean traditional-modern aesthetic.

Kitchen Island and Workstation

Cory Green of Compass

Long rectangular kitchen with rich dark hardwood floors leads to a spacious island with multiple drawers and two countertop finishes: smooth granite and a thick wooden butcher block extension. White subway tiles cover the bottom half of the walls up to the ceiling, providing a bright contrast to dark wood doorframes and window trims. Industrial-style pendant lights with frosted glass shades hang symmetrically above the island and the cooking area. The kitchen appliances are stainless steel, and a small wall-mounted TV is positioned near the window. The overall design blends modern functional elements with historic architectural wood details.

Kitchen Layout

Cory Green of Compass

The kitchen combines classic and modern elements, with white cabinetry and a farmhouse-style apron-front sink. Dark wood trim frames large windows, contrasting with the bright white subway tile backsplash and countertops, enhancing natural light. Stainless steel appliances, including a commercial-style range with a large exhaust hood, bring a contemporary touch. Floating wooden shelves with underlighting add warmth and functionality above the sink area. Three pendant lights with textured white glass shades hang from the ceiling, complementing the clean, airy design. The kitchen island features a polished terrazzo countertop and a thick butcher block cutting area, blending materials beautifully.

Powder Room Details

Cory Green of Compass

The powder room is adorned with a lush nature-inspired wallpaper that wraps the walls in a forest scene filled with detailed greenery and tall trees. A small frosted window framed with classic white trim allows soft natural light to filter in. The sink is a rectangular marble basin supported by a polished metal frame, combining elegance with simplicity. Above it hangs a framed mirror flanked by green glass sconces that add a vintage touch. Dark polished tile flooring contrasts with the bright walls, creating a sophisticated yet tranquil atmosphere that celebrates natural beauty and historic charm.

Dining Room Bay Window

Cory Green of Compass

Hardwood floors with a rich, warm finish extend throughout this dining room, complemented by dark wood trim around the doors and windows. Floral wallpaper in soft cream and pale green creates a vintage, inviting atmosphere. A classic bay window with a built-in cushioned bench seating area provides natural light and garden views, with Roman shades that offer privacy as needed. An ornate ceiling light fixture with six downward lights hangs from decorative crown molding. A built-in white shelving nook contrasts with the woodwork, offering practical storage and display space, visible through the open doorway to an adjacent room.

Bathroom Shower Corner

Cory Green of Compass

The bathroom highlights a walk-in shower with black and white intricate tile patterns covering the walls and ceiling inside the shower space. A glass door with a chrome handle encloses the shower, maintaining an open and airy feel. The surrounding walls are painted a soft, pale blue, contrasting gently with white subway tiles halfway up the walls, outlined with a thin dark accent tile. The floor has dark hexagonal tiles echoing the geometric theme. A classic white pedestal sink with polished chrome fixtures and a simple white toilet offer a timeless aesthetic, while open shelving painted to match the walls provides practical storage.

Bathroom Interior

Cory Green of Compass

Light gray and white marble tiles cover the walls, creating a sleek and modern ambiance. The flooring is a smooth, light beige tile, complementing the wall tones. Two white, minimalist vessel sinks sit atop floating white vanities with clean, flat drawer fronts. Brass fixtures, including wall-mounted faucets and a freestanding tub filler, add warmth and elegance. Two frosted windows introduce soft natural light while maintaining privacy. A sculptural glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding an artistic and luxurious focal point. A wooden door opens to an adjacent room with hardwood floors and a fireplace, blending historic charm with contemporary bathroom design.

Living Room with Fireplace

Cory Green of Compass

Spacious living room characterized by rich, dark hardwood floors throughout. Walls painted in a muted blue-gray tone contrast with bright white crown molding, baseboards, and a classic white fireplace mantel with subway tile surround. A built-in wooden bench with a white cushion sits beneath a multi-pane window, complemented by a beige roller shade. Adjacent window framed by mustard yellow curtains introduces warm sunlight. A vintage golden chandelier hanging from a high white ceiling adds a touch of ornate elegance. The room blends traditional architectural details with subtle, tasteful colors creating an inviting atmosphere.

Walk-In Closet and Vanity

Cory Green of Compass

This closet area is designed with a minimalist, modern aesthetic featuring sleek white built-in cabinetry and shelving units that offer ample storage space. Drawers with clean metal handles and open shelves are illuminated by linear overhead lighting, emphasizing the crisp, bright look. The floor is a rich, dark hardwood that contrasts beautifully with the stark white of the cabinetry. A built-in vanity is integrated with drawers and cupboard space, accompanied by a brown, leather-upholstered swivel chair on castors, adding a warm tone to the otherwise cool, monochromatic palette. The space is practical and visually open, highlighting efficiency and contemporary style.

Bathroom Vanity Area

Cory Green of Compass

A narrow powder room with soft green walls contrasts beautifully with a blush pink vanity cabinet featuring rounded drawer fronts and crystal knobs. Atop the vanity sits a matte rose-colored vessel sink paired with classic brass cross-handle wall-mounted fixtures. The countertop is a smooth white marble with subtle grey veining, extending into a built-in backsplash. An arched mirror centered above amplifies the sense of space, flanked by two vertical wall sconces with delicate ribbed white glass and brass accents. The floor displays hexagonal black and white tiles, framing this charming and thoughtfully styled corner.

Bedroom with Floral Wallpaper

Cory Green of Compass

Hardwood floors with a rich, warm tone stretch across the room, complementing the vintage floral wallpaper that adorns all walls. The wallpaper showcases delicate pink roses entwined with green vines and subtle birdcage motifs, evoking a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. Two large windows framed by soft pink curtains with ruffled details allow ample natural light to flood the room, brightening the space. A classic white radiator sits beneath one window, emphasizing the room’s historic character. The ceiling is painted crisp white, with a white crown molding that contrasts elegantly with the vibrant wall design. A decorative brass chandelier with a nature-inspired design hangs from the center of the ceiling, adding sophistication to the airy, feminine aesthetic.

Bedroom Interior

Cory Green of Compass

Hardwood floors with a rich, warm finish run throughout this spacious bedroom, providing a classic foundation. The walls are adorned with vintage-style wallpaper featuring delicate pink roses intertwined with vines and small birds in cages, adding a quaint, nostalgic charm. Three wooden doors with a natural stain interrupt the floral pattern: one leads to a small bathroom with hexagonal green tiles and white fixtures, while the other doorways open into adjacent rooms with similar wood flooring. A gold chandelier with leaf-like detailing hangs centrally from the white ceiling, enhancing the room’s elegant, historic ambiance. The trim around doors and baseboards is crisp white, offering a bright contrast against the floral wallpaper and wood tones. Overall, the aesthetic reflects a graceful blend of traditional craftsmanship and subtle feminine decor.

Laundry Room Countertop

Cory Green of Compass

A narrow and bright laundry room with a clean design emphasizing functionality and modernity. The floor is made of dark hardwood, contrasting with the soft, light beige walls and crisp white cabinetry. The countertop is a sleek, polished marble with subtle gray veining, running the length of the room above the cabinets. A built-in white sink with a matte bronze faucet is centrally located. There is upper cabinetry with both closed and open shelving, equipped with simple, black and glass knobs and handles. A pair of front-loading washer and dryer units are neatly fitted under the counter near a small window providing natural light.

Bathroom with Shower Nook

Cory Green of Compass

Compact bathroom space characterized by white square tiles covering the lower half of the walls and shower area, paired with light gray floral-patterned floor tiles. A wooden-framed frosted window provides natural light above the white porcelain toilet. The angled ceiling adds historic charm, blending with the wood-trimmed door next to the shower. The shower has a clear glass enclosure with a chrome handle and a tiled bench. The vanity is minimalistic with white beadboard front paneling, a single sink, and a mirror illuminated by two modern cylindrical wall sconces, combining vintage and contemporary elements.

Sunroom Window Nook

Cory Green of Compass

A gracefully curved bay window nook surrounded by multiple white-framed glass panels, some featuring decorative crisscross muntins at the top, allows abundant natural light to fill the space. The walls and trim are painted crisp white, enhancing the brightness and the airy feel. The floor contrasts beautifully with warm reddish-brown hexagonal terracotta tiles, complemented by the natural light shadows. This area gives a serene view of the outdoors with leafless trees and neighboring brick buildings visible. The architectural style blends classic elegance with a light, inviting atmosphere, perfect for a cozy reading or sitting spot.

Classic Kitchen Interior

Cory Green of Compass

A narrow kitchen space with a clean, classic design. The black and white checkered floor adds a vintage, timeless aesthetic to the room. White shaker-style cabinets with silver hardware line the walls, topped with sleek black countertops. Stainless steel appliances, including a modern gas range and dishwasher, blend functionality with style. Two pendant lights with frosted glass shades hang over the counter, providing soft illumination. The walls are painted white, complementing the bright ambience enhanced by natural light from the windows with simple, sheer white curtains. Subtle recessed lighting in the ceiling completes the elegant, minimalistic look.

Classic Bathroom Details

Cory Green of Compass

White subway tiles with a contrasting black trim border the bathtub area, creating a timeless monochrome palette. The tub is an older style porcelain design with a rounded interior edge, complimented by a translucent shower curtain and an additional white textured curtain for privacy. A pedestal sink with polished chrome fixtures enhances the vintage charm, paired with a large mirrored medicine cabinet topped by railroad-style globe light bulbs providing bright, even illumination. The toilet’s simple white design fits seamlessly within the restrained color scheme. A mint green towel adds a soft touch of color, while intricate black and white mosaic floor tiles anchor the room with historic character.

Listing Agent: Cory Green of Compass via Zillow 

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