The unique marriage of past and present is a consistent theme in this one-of-a-kind SFH in the heart of Bucktown. Warm wooden accents and exposed brick perfectly juxtapose the infusion of modern design and nod to French Colonial architecture. Originally an 1880's commercial/residential property, Norsman Architects transformed the brick building sitting on a 30' x 125' lot into a Zen oasis in 2011- complete with outdoor koi pond and integrated antique Asian artifacts throughout. This rare home boasts 12' and 14' high ceilings, 6,500 SF of sprawling luxury including 6 bedrooms, 5.2 bath, 2 offices - perfect to work from home - with 6 parking spots - a 3-car indoor attached garage with 3 outdoor spaces. Utilizes Control 4 technology for security, music and television. Also eco-friendly, featuring a solar-paneled hot water/furnace system - keeping utility costs minimal - low VOC finishes, and lush living green roofs throughout. Upon entering through the reclaimed wood carved double doors, you are greeted by an iconic Louis Poulsen "artichoke" light fixture offset by powerful 10 ft antique Asian doors concealing a full size walk-in coat closet; standing as a metaphor for the practicality and functionality within the house whilst assimilating unparalleled design elements. The first floor maintains a modern Zen aesthetic anchored by a generous 14'6" x 13' interior courtyard flowing smoothly between the inside and the outside and bridging two halves of the home. This courtyard/meditation lounge between the kitchen and dining rooms, cut out of the original masonry, brings in natural light from all angles and floods the different floors of the interior with warm daylight. Enjoy a modern chef's kitchen with imported red glass Copat Italia cabinetry, 2 full size and integrated Liebherr refrigerators and separate freezer, 5-burner Miele cooktop, Miele double oven with separate Miele speed oven, dual sinks, and lavish amounts of cabinetry. The eat-in cantilevered island with white Carrera marble countertops is a beautiful contrast to hand-hewn hardwood floors (maintained throughout) and the original exposed brick. A modern European wood stove fireplace sits as a focal point in the adjacent family room - a stylish way to cozy up in the cold Chicago winters. Walk through the beautiful dining room and scullery - with new U-Line fridge and freezer drawers - to the formal living room featuring a custom limestone fireplace hand carved by French stone masons. The main level library/office oozes charm with custom walnut millwork and bookcases and even a hidden staircase leading to a separate "secret" room bordering the lower level lounge. The amazing lower level transports you to a custom bamboo wet bar and lounge with semi-dome ceiling adjacent to a media room stylized in the vein of old Paris. Additionally, enjoy two separate bedrooms- including a full guest suite- a 900-bottle temperature-controlled wine room and at-home spa complete with diffused Swarovski crystal lights, a full size sauna and dreamy steam shower with rain waterfall showerhead. The feeling of serenity extends to the second floor with a grand cantilevered custom staircase created from African Bubinga wood and stainless steel. Four bedrooms sit on one level, including the impressive primary suite. Enjoy 2 large walk-in closets and a sumptuous primary bathroom with an oversized jetted bathtub and a "car wash" shower. The sitting room off the primary suite faces idyllic 2nd floor gardens with landscaping by Botanical Urban Design (including a self-irrigation system), pergola, full size trees, privacy panels and a large koi pond - truly the ultimate in tranquil decadence. Finally, lounge or entertain on the "living" rooftop deck, covered in sedum, making you forget your even in the city.
