Tour a Classic 1924 Cape Cod-Style Retreat in Illinois Featuring a Renovated Master Suite, Spacious Deck and Corner Lot Charm

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.

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

This charming Cape Cod style home, built in the 1920s and located in Decatur is set on nearly half an acre on a quiet corner lot near the lake. It features original natural wood floors and a welcoming porch with potential for a four-season conversion. The main level includes a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bath, while the upstairs master suite has been fully renovated. Recent updates include a new roof (2019), water heater (2018), and a pool pump (2023). A two-car detached garage and privacy fence (2019) enhance the appeal. Priced at $99,900, this home keeps its historic character with modern functionality.

Front Exterior View

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A charming historic American home with light gray wooden siding and white trim accents. The house has a traditional pitched roof with an additional dormer window on the upper floor, adding character and natural light. A front porch is enclosed with large screened windows, providing a cozy entryway. The driveway is paved with asphalt and leads alongside the house to a detached garage in the background. Landscaping includes neatly trimmed shrubs and a lush, green lawn surrounded by mature trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere against a bright blue sky.

Historic Bungalow Exterior

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A classic American bungalow with a gently sloping gable roof and dormer window sits on a large, well-grassed corner lot. The house is painted a soft white with light gray shutters flanking several multi-pane windows on the enclosed front porch, which is accessed by a small set of gray steps. Mature bushes frame the front entry, enhancing the home’s cozy, inviting charm. Tall leafy trees behind the house add depth and natural beauty to the setting, while the neighboring historic homes and the paved street complete the peaceful suburban scene. The overall aesthetic combines simplicity with timeless character.

Detached Garage and Driveway

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A detached garage with white siding and a double garage door sits at the end of a paved driveway. The garage roof is simple and gabled, with a decorative black cutout of a bird near the peak. Two lantern-style outdoor wall lights flank the garage door. The driveway extends into a concrete pad adjacent to the garage, enclosed partly by a tall wooden privacy fence made of weathered vertical planks. Surrounding the garage are lush green trees and some untrimmed bushes, contributing to a natural, slightly rustic atmosphere. The overall aesthetic is modest, functional, and quietly integrated into the verdant setting.

Backyard with Pool

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A spacious backyard with well-maintained green grass surrounds a large above-ground pool covered with a blue tarp. The pool is accompanied by a wooden deck with stairs leading up to it, providing an elevated area for easy access and lounging. Mature trees within the fenced yard add natural shade and privacy, while the wooden fence encloses the space, creating a cozy yet open outdoor environment. The mix of greenery and wood elements creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and outdoor entertainment during warm weather.

Backyard and Deck

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A spacious backyard with well-maintained green grass and a large mature tree providing ample shade. A light beige small single-story house sits centrally with a wooden deck extending across much of the rear facade. The deck is elevated with lattice skirt around the base, two sets of stairs leading to the yard and framed with wooden railings. The house exterior shows light beige siding and multiple windows. A wooden privacy fence surrounds the yard, creating a secluded, cozy outdoor space. A swing set is positioned near the large tree, adding functional charm to the inviting backyard.

Backyard with Deck

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A spacious backyard with lush green grass and mature trees provides ample shade and a natural, calming atmosphere. The wooden deck attached to the house is elevated with lattice skirting underneath, featuring simple railings and steps leading down to the lawn. Two lights flank the back door, enhancing the welcoming feel of the entry. A white metal chair and a small swing frame sit beneath the deck, with ample space for outdoor activities. A portion of a covered above-ground pool can be seen on the right. The yard is enclosed by a combination of wooden and chain-link fencing, offering privacy within the verdant setting.

Wooden Backyard Deck

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A spacious wooden deck constructed from wide planks with natural finish, showing signs of weathering. It is enclosed by a simple wooden railing with vertical slats, adding safety while maintaining an open view. The deck overlooks a lush backyard featuring mature trees with thick trunks and vibrant green foliage, lending a serene and private atmosphere. In the distance, a round above-ground pool is partially visible, surrounded by grass and bordered by additional greenery and shrubs. The natural wood tones contrast harmoniously with the surrounding verdant landscape, creating an inviting outdoor relaxation space.

Back Deck Patio

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A spacious wooden deck extends from a house clad in light gray siding with white trim. Two French doors with multiple glass panes lead inside, flanked by bronze-colored outdoor lantern sconces providing warm ambient lighting. A smaller white door with a window is located at the side. The deck railing consists of vertical wooden balusters with a simple, natural wood finish matching the deck floor. Overhead, a peaked roofline adds architectural interest, adorned with a metal sunburst decoration. Lush green trees and neighboring houses frame the outdoor space, enhancing its inviting, classic American suburban charm.

Front Porch and Entrance

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A classic American bungalow-style front porch with a flight of gray concrete steps leads up to a screened-in porch and the main entrance. The house is primarily white with gray brick accents under the windows and along the porch base, adding texture and contrast. The porch roof is supported by tapered columns sitting on brick piers. Mature, well-maintained bushes flank the steps and wrap along the porch front, blending greenery with the architectural elements. The front yard includes a simple path of circular stepping stones across a lush green lawn, framed by large trees and open sky, conveying a peaceful suburban atmosphere.

Enclosed Front Porch

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Long and bright enclosed front porch with large, screened windows on three sides allowing plentiful natural light and expansive views of the street and neighborhood. The floor is painted wood planks in a muted gray tone, complementing the white walls and ceiling which have signs of age yet retain a clean, simple charm. A warm-toned wooden entry door adds a touch of color, framed by multiple traditional window panes and a detailed screen door. White brick half-walls topped with wooden trim run beneath the windows, offering subtle architectural character to this inviting transitional space.

Living Room and Dining Area

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Open, connected living and dining areas offer a warm and inviting space with light wood flooring that seamlessly flows throughout. The walls are painted a soft beige, creating a neutral and calming backdrop. White trim around the windows and doorways adds subtle contrast and a classic touch. Two double-hung windows with blinds allow natural light to enter, brightening the space. A ceiling fan with integrated lights and a more traditional flush mount ceiling light illuminate the rooms. The open doorway leads into an adjoining kitchen with cabinetry and counters barely visible, enhancing the open-concept, airy feel of this part of the home.

Empty Living Room

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Light beige walls contrast with white baseboards, creating a neutral and clean backdrop. The floor boasts a warm-toned hardwood, adding a subtle natural warmth to the space. A classic wooden front door with an arched glass insert lends a touch of vintage charm along one wall, complemented by double windows with white blinds that allow ample natural light. A ceiling fan with wooden blades and four globe bulbs hangs centrally, offering both air circulation and illumination. Minimalist heating vents are positioned low on the walls. The room’s simplicity invites personalized decorating opportunities.

Entryway and Adjacent Room

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Wide plank hardwood floors extend throughout the open layout, leading from the entryway into the adjacent room. The entry door is solid wood with a rounded window inset at the top, adding a touch of traditional craftsmanship. White trim around windows and doorways contrasts with soft beige walls, creating a neutral and inviting color palette. The large front window has white blinds and detailed molding, allowing natural light to brighten the space. A ceiling fan with lights hangs in the adjoining room, emphasizing simple practicality. Clean lines and minimal ornamentation evoke understated, classic charm.

Kitchen Details

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Light wood laminate flooring complements the natural wood countertops that span the length of the cabinetry. The cabinetry is painted in a muted gray tone with raised panel doors, providing a subtle vintage charm. Walls are adorned with wallpaper featuring a repetitive circular geometric pattern in soft tones, adding visual texture without overwhelming the space. A stainless steel electric range and matching hood contrast with the muted cabinetry while maintaining a classic look. A single window above the double basin stainless steel sink allows natural light. A dishwasher is discreetly integrated beneath the counter, while a ceiling-mounted pendant light provides additional illumination.

Kitchen Corner with Appliances

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator and oven with a matching range hood anchor the kitchen’s cooking area. The cabinetry is painted a soft gray with simple silver handles, creating a subdued and classic look. Light wood countertops bring warmth, contrasting with the cooler tones of the cabinets. The backsplash and walls above the counter display a subtle patterned wallpaper in light neutral shades, adding texture and visual interest. Hardwood flooring extends into an adjoining room, offering continuity and a mid-century charm. Overall, the space balances functionality and a modest retro aesthetic with clean lines and gentle colors.

Living Room Corner

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Small living room corner with three large windows allowing ample natural light. Walls painted in a soft beige tone that complements the warm wooden floor, which shows signs of age and wear, adding character. A brick fireplace with a wooden mantel serves as a central focal point below the windows, suggesting a cozy gathering spot. The ceiling features a white fan with multiple warm-hued lights, providing both illumination and air circulation. Simple white trim around windows and baseboards adds a clean, classic touch to the otherwise modest and traditional space.

Bedroom Corner

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

This room has a warm, neutral color palette with beige walls and white trim around the window, door, and closet. A white ceiling fan with brass accents is centered in the ceiling, adding a functional yet classic touch. The hardwood floor shows signs of wear and adds a rustic charm. A double-door closet provides ample storage, while a single window with mini blinds allows natural light to filter in softly. Visible at the edge is a brick fireplace with a wooden mantel, contributing a cozy and historic element to the space. The overall vibe is simple, inviting, and ready for personalization.

Room with French Doors

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Light wood flooring stretches across the room, complementing the soft, muted gray walls that create a calm atmosphere. A pair of white French doors with multiple window panes fill one wall, providing a view and access to a wooden outdoor deck surrounded by greenery. On the adjacent wall, a single window with white blinds allows natural light to filter in. The ceiling is off-white and features a white ceiling fan with brass accents, alongside recessed lighting that brightens the space. A simple vent or heater is set low on the wall, enhancing the room’s functional design.

Bathroom Details

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

The bathroom has a classic and clean design with white tile walls and floor, creating a bright and airy ambiance. A white porcelain bathtub is positioned beneath a small, frosted window that allows natural light to filter in. The ceiling features beadboard paneling, adding a subtle textured detail. A white vanity with paneled drawers and doors sits next to the toilet, topped with a simple sink and a framed mirror above it. Three-light wall sconces provide soft illumination. A wooden cabinet with frosted glass doors adds storage space above the toilet, blending functionality with traditional style.

Basement Room Detail

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Rectangular basement room with three small double-hung windows centered on one wall, allowing moderate natural light to enter. Walls are painted a clean white, creating a bright and neutral atmosphere. The flooring is a modern, light gray wood-look laminate, adding a fresh contrast against the walls. White baseboards run along the perimeter of the room, providing a subtle architectural detail. The ceiling is plain white with a visible rectangular cut-out or vent in the center. A boxed-in section on the right side, potentially for housing utilities or storage, is wrapped and appears to be awaiting finishing or installation work.

Utility Area and Adjacent Room

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Light gray wood-style flooring runs throughout a predominantly white space, creating a clean, airy atmosphere. A corner vanity with a small mirror framed in warm wood reflects soft light from a wall-mounted sconce, adding subtle warmth. A half-wall with a simple design delineates the vanity area from the rest of the room. To the right, a white shower stall with a plastic curtain gives the space a functional purpose. The room is softly illuminated by natural light from windows in the adjoining open area, where a white door and open window frame hint at an expansive, well-lit interior.

Hallway and Entryway

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

Long, narrow space with light gray wood-look flooring that adds a modern touch while preserving a neutral tone. Walls are painted white with mid-height molding creating visual interest. The ceiling is smooth white with a large wood-framed light fixture featuring a grid design, providing subtle warmth. Two doorways lead to adjoining rooms, one with a wide open passage and a second with an arched top, reflecting classic architectural detailing. The entry door is simple and painted in an off-white shade, blending nicely with the clean and minimalist aesthetic of the hallway.

Bathroom & Stair Landing

Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First

A small bathroom space includes a simple vanity with a gray cabinet and white countertop paired with a silver faucet. An octagonal wooden-framed mirror hangs above, complemented by a wooden towel rack and a small built-in wooden cabinet on the wall. The walls and ceiling are painted white with natural wood trim accents. The room opens to a stair landing or hallway area featuring a half wall with wood trim. Large multi-pane windows flood the space with natural light, while grayish-brown wood-look flooring ties the room’s rustic and clean aesthetic together.

Listing Agent: Nicole Pinkston of Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First via Zillow 

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