5122 S Woodlawn

Chicago, IL 60615

Situated on a generously sized lot elevated above Woodlawn Avenue, this Arts and Crafts School gem has been magnificently restored. Built in 1910 for jeweler George Soden, the home was an early commission for Chicago architect Walter Shattuck. He conceived of a highly refined and beautifully detailed interior housed within a handsome brick and limestone facade. The current owners undertook a complete restoration of the house, done by true craftsmen with the charge to do it right. The original layout remains; the wood paneled entry welcomes guests and connects the elegant living and dining rooms, each featuring a fireplace. Moving past the sweeping bay of the dining room and through the glass doors, one finds a conservatory that was built on the original back terrace - it simply has to be seen to be believed. The chef's kitchen offers top-of-the-line appliances, custom made steel pot rack and large butler's pantry, while a covered porch offers space to grill and access to the yard. The grand main staircase winds around an English clock encased in stunning quarter sawn oak woodwork, period lighting, and leads to four bedrooms and three full baths on the second level, all of which were completely gutted and updated with historically appropriate high-end fixtures. An unexpected bonus is a third level greenhouse with access to what could become a roof top deck. The lower level offers a large laundry, workout room, steam shower and powder room, storage room as well as another room which could be made into a kid friendly family room. The mechanicals of the house are 21st century: all new copper plumbing, two zone space pack A/C, new hot water tank, alarm system, and internet ready. Outdoors, the professionally landscaped yard is gracious, gated and well removed from the street. There is a coach house used as a garage by the current owners, with a two-bedroom apartment above. A jewel box of a home, which seems appropriate since it was originally built for a jeweler with an eye for the finest. 5122 S Woodlawn is awaiting the next chapter of its extraordinary history.