Overlooking Evanston's Greenwood Beach and Dawes Park, this 1889 "country home in the city," designed and built by prominent architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, combines restored Victorian elegance as well as spectacular gardens and grounds. The home, set on over an acre of land, is approached down a curved paver-stone driveway and front walkway. A steel carriage step and a long, red-tiled front entry porch rest under a porte-cochere that extends over the driveway. The home is surrounded by mature trees as well as perennial gardens which have been designed and cared for by the present owners for 30 years. The vestibule and entrance hall combine the elegance of marble floors with the warmth of carved oak ceilings, wainscotting and a grand three story oak staircase which is overlooked by a one-story leaded glass window. First floor rooms view parks and Lake Michigan and comprise not only a formal living room and dining room (one with wood burning, the other with a gas fireplace) but also a music room, as well as a charming mahogany-clad, octagon-shaped library with gas fireplace for more intimate gatherings. There is a 1930s addition of a spectacular, tiled solarium overlooking the rose and east perennial gardens, as well the lake. Just beyond the dining room, there unfolds a custom de Guilio kitchen, flanked on one side by the original butler's pantry and on the other side a pastry pantry, both areas providing extensive storage. The eat-in kitchen boasts newer appliances, two dishwashers and two sinks, double oven, side-by-side refrigerator, custom cherry cabinets and granite counters, with under-and-over cabinet lighting. The first floor also has a large family room/office with a window seat bay area with views of the west perennial gardens. Beautiful wood floors throughout the home. There is a restored stone screened porch behind the dining room, which overlooks a charming gazebo for outdoor dining, as well as the gardens and back flagstone and granite patio that stretch out behind it. To help maintain the gardens and grounds, there is a corner-to-corner irrigation system. The second floor has a spacious master suite, an outdoor porch overlooking the north and east gardens and the lake, as well as a cedar dressing room and closets, and bathroom. Altogether the home has seven bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, as well as various linen closets, storage areas and an expansive third floor with former billiard room and ballroom, now transformed into an office, a library and family room, as well as other areas for play, hobbies and study. Among many recent updates there is a new roof, new handlers and air conditioners, newer washer/dryer. Over time, the owners have curated many historical period fixtures (cabinet handles, doorknobs, lighting fixtures) to honor the age and style of the property. The basement is large and includes a wine room and abundant storage. There is also a spacious, three-bedroom coach house apartment over the four-car heated garage and former horse stable, which the owners have restored. The coach house is ideal for guests, family members and currently provides additional income from the rented apartment. 202 Greenwood is a spectacular property and offers future owners the rare opportunity to own a piece of Evanston's rich history so close to the lake. Discover a lifestyle of beauty and privacy when you reside in this remarkable, harmonious estate. Walk to beach, parks and beautiful downtown Evanston.
