1029 Franklin Ave.

An architecturally stunning French country chateau (ca.1928) situated on a massive 100'x184' lot with mature landscaping in the heart of River Forest's Estate District. Featuring Lannon stone, wood molded brick and a clay tile roof, this beauty has been restored and maintained like no other. Boasting hardwood throughout; the main level features a herringbone pattern in the Reception Foyer, Family Room, Breakfast Room and Dining Room. A massive sunken Living Room featuring French windows, twin two tiered Shoenbeck crystal chandeliers and a gas log fireplace flows to a sunken Sun Parlor that sits at the southern section of the floor plan, boasting a marble floor, 14' ceilings, French Doors, French windows and incredibly detailed plaster carved moldings. The Dining Room features a pair of illuminated display cabinets, a decorative fireplace and French Doors leading directly to the veranda looking out on the private backyard. The veranda is an open, but protected, arched "outdoor room" w Lannon stone flooring. The Main level Family Room sits opposite the Living Room and also features a decorative fireplace with hand carved plaster details. A Mark Menna designed kitchen features custom solid cherry cabinetry, heated flooring, a Wolf range, Kitchen Aid refrigerator, wine fridge and a cozy gas log fireplace. An Oval shaped Breakfast Room sits adjacent and also offers access to the veranda. A sweeping staircase leads to the second level; a landing features French Doors that open onto an eastern facing second floor deck space that overlooks the yard. A large sitting area on the second level splits the Primary wing from the other two Bedrooms on this level. An absolutely massive Primary Suite features a foyer, a walk in closet, Mark Menna bath with double vanities, heated limestone floor, and two more tandem rooms, currently used as a his and hers office. This could work easily as a nursery with home office as well. Bedroom II is also an en-suite featuring an updated bath and is currently carpeted but has an original hardwood floor. Bedroom III sits adjacent a petite bath with tub. A back staircase leads down to the kitchen as well as to the 3rd floor which boasts 2 more Bedrooms (IV & V) and a shared hallway bath, this sits on the northern section of the floor plan. There is expansive attic space that is a raw option simply to use as storage or else add even more finished square footage to this foot print. The basement features a Polyurea resurfaced floor, high ceilings, a master craftsman's wood working room, laundry, multiple storage closets, and walks out to the rear drive via a cellar door. Mature landscaping surrounds this home, the backyard features 110 towering Wintergreen Arborvitae that line the perimeter and provide utmost privacy. Gather round the flagstone gas log fire pit and enjoy this serene setting inside a formal garden lined with Boxwoods and accented with ornamental trees and perennial plantings. A detached separate 3 car garage with Polyurea resurfaced floor, tongue and grooved paneling, and lofted space rounds out this stunner..