VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
Listing agent Julie Fleetwood, of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, knew a small home with amazing architectural pedigree in the tony North Shore suburb of Wilmette, IL, would attract attention—but not this much.
“We did showings last week and a three-hour open house on Saturday, where I would venture there were 100 people,” Fleetwood says.
The Frank Lloyd Wright–designed, 1,458-square-foot home was listed on March 6 for $899,000. It is now pending sale.
“We called for offers on Sunday at noon, my seller reviewed them, and we accepted an offer,” says Fleetwood. “It was absolute insanity.”
Fleetwood represented the seller when she picked up the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath property in 2021 for $635,000.
Completed in 1916, the Lewis E. Burleigh Residence is one of the American System Built Homes that Wright designed with developer Arthur Richards for working-class families.
“My client bought it with the intent to stay forever,” Fleetwood explains, “and decided it was time to be with family out of state. She put a lot of love, care, and intention into it.”
Updated abode
The seller made many improvements, including rehabbing the kitchen with new countertops and custom cabinetry.
“It enhances the livability of that space,” Fleetwood says about the kitchen, which also boasts an island.
The seller also gutted and renovated a full bath on the main level and transformed a powder room and closet into an en suite bath with a walk-in shower.
“What is now the primary bedroom was not original to the footprint,” she explains.
The driveway, garage floor, and landscaping were updated as well.
Original to the home are the living room’s oversized wood-burning fireplace and built-in bookcases as well as 46 windows throughout.
The finished basement includes a recreation room, office, workout area, laundry room, and third bath.
The home’s entry features lots of natural light.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
In the living room is the original wood-burning fireplace.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
A separate dining room off the kitchen is part of the home’s open layout on the first floor.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
Fresh off a major remodel, the kitchen has new cabinetry.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
Opening up a closet created a full bath connected to the primary bedroom.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
A full bath is also on the basement level.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
In the finished basement is a living space that could be used as an office, gym, or recreation room.
VHT Studios / Laura Bennett
“It was originally a two-bedroom, one-bath,” Fleetwood says. “The front entryway was an open porch and enclosed at one time. The dining room was an addition. Original exterior windows are still in place. The glass is removed so it gives more of that feel of openness. The additions were built around the exterior of the home.”
Fleetwood had conferred with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation president/CEO Stuart Graff and John Waters, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy’s preservation programs manager. Waters was present at the open house to answer questions.
“The whole network has been great. They have been such a tremendous asset,” Fleetwood says.
In marketing the home, Fleetwood sought to reach empty nesters looking to downsize.
“What was surprising to me is how appealing it was to even the young couples and young families,” she says. “That speaks to the lack of inventory and the location. And the price point: under a million (dollars) in Wilmette is pretty rare, especially for a house that has been maintained.”
Hugging Lake Michigan about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, Wilmette is an attractive village for homebuying and currently has low inventory, with about 78 homes on the market, according to Realtor.com®. There are about 28,000 residents.
“It’s an idyllic little nook, close enough to the city, and the lake is a huge draw,” Fleetwood says. “It’s very much a beach community, the kind of place where kids ride their bikes to the beach and hang out in the summer. Schools are a huge draw. There’s a real sense of community.”
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