Once home to great American author Ernest Hemingway and walking distance to Chicago's amazing lakefront, 1239 N. Dearborn St. is a 7 bed/6.5 bath, historic brownstone in the heart of the Gold Coast with three decks, a patio, a coach house and a two-car garage. Originally built in 1898 and located on a 3,300-square-foot lot that sits on a lovely, tree-lined stretch of Dearborn, amid some of Chicago's finest homes, the literary history here is enchanting: After their honeymoon in 1921, Hemingway and his wife Hadley lived in an apartment on the fourth floor before moving to Paris, where he wrote "The Sun Also Rises," "A Farewell to Arms," and his memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Most recently situated as a multifamily divided up into rentals, the entire brownstone plus coach house is now for sale, presenting endless possibilities as an investment property including the option to renovate to transform its beautiful bones into a multilevel, single-family home. The brick and limestone exterior has been maintained to uphold its stately, turn-of-the-century character, including tall arched windows and decorative stonework. Inside, the main level flaunts high ceilings, original hardwood floors and millwork details across a foyer, a light-filled formal living room, a dining room with fireplace, a back-of-the-house kitchen, and a bonus space that links to two decks (9'4" x 15'2" and 12'7" x 7'4"). Upstairs, the second level is perfect for a deluxe primary suite and currently features three bedrooms (two that are ensuite, one with a balcony and another with a walk-in closet), two full baths, and upstairs laundry. The top level reveals three additional bedrooms, two more full baths, and a bonus space that's ideal for a den or office. Downstairs, the ground level features two studio spaces (one with a kitchenette) that connect to a large outdoor patio (23'5" x 24'10"). Plus, there's a basement level with more bonus space, yet another full bath, a laundry room, utilities, and abundant storage. Situated above the detached garage, the bi-level coach house features a foyer, a living room, a kitchen, three bedrooms and a full bath, and has the potential to be a fabulous standalone apartment for in-laws, extended-stay guests or an au pair. With a spectacular location that's steps from the 3 Arts Club and Green City Market's outdoor farmers market, not to mention Chicago's most prestigious schools and world-class dining and shopping along the Mag Mile and Oak Street, 1239 N. Dearborn St. is a truly one-of-a-kind property with untapped potential and incredible value built right in.
