Family Ties

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

From an elegant home stewarded by the same family for decades, a modern turn-key home with all the bells and whistles and a perfect starter home walking distance to school, Downers Grove offers the right home for every family.

English Cottage. This one is meticulously maintained, modernized, and remodeled by the same family for more than 4 decades, this storybook English Cottage beauty is located on two parcels totaling 3/4 of an acre in the Northwest section of Downers Grove, near the Metra BNSF, Main Street, and the Belmont Train Station. The elegant home and its expansive landscaped grounds have been featured in magazines and newspapers, testament to its timeless, elegant appeal. A true family gem thought to be designed by architect R. Harold Zook, the home features an outdoor fireplace, a stunning sun porch, an expansive family room with rustic wood ceiling that opens into the kitchen, and a spa-like master suite with two walk-in closets and a dressing room with an espresso bar.

4822 Northcott in Downers Grove, Koenig Rubloff Realty Group, $949,500

Modern Family. From its prime, walk-to-everything location (train, town, schools, parks), to its impeccable craftsmanship and high end finishes, this expansive modern residence checks off every box on your wish list. Island kitchen with quartz counter-tops, farmhouse, sink, built-in sub-zero and herringbone backsplash? Check. Butler’s pantry with wine cooler? Check. Family room with walkout to stunning screen porch? Check. Mudroom with built ins off the garage? Check. First floor office with built-in bookcases? Check. Master suite with fireplace, walk-in closet and luxurious bath? Check. Second floor laundry? Check. Five full bedrooms? Check. Finished basement with theater room? Check. Covered front porch? Check. Three-car garage? Check. Large fenced yard with paver patio and basketball pad? Check. Perfect family home? Check!

1400 62nd St. in Downers Grove, ReMax Enterprises, $419,900

4731 Saratoga in Downers Grove, Michels Realtors, $1.1 million.

Classic Two-Story. When looking for a home with exceptional value, usually you’re going to have to make some compromises— the location isn’t exactly what you were hoping for, the kitchen needs work, the roof needs repairs, the layout isn’t open enough. But this affordable family home, located in the Hillcrest neighborhood and walking distance to Hillcrest Elementary and South High School, offers virtually everything you need. From its new roof to its updated kitchen with white cabinets, granite counter-tops and Maytag appliances, large room sizes and hardwood floors, family room with brick fireplace and built-in bookcases, full basement with exterior access, and master suite with private bath and walk-in closet, there’s little to want or need. The kids will enjoy being able to walk to school, parents will appreciate the commuter bus to the train and the family dog will love the large yard and dog run. ■