5724 S Harper Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

This charming four bedroom home on Harper Avenue was a part of Hyde Park's first planned community, built way back in the 1880s and then known as Rosalie Villas. Remarkably, nearly all of the Queen Anne and shingle-style homes are still standing nearly a century and a half later. Years before the founding of the University of Chicago, the development was established by Rosalie Buckingham, a wealthy heiress whose name Chicagoans will likely recognize from Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, named for Rosalie's cousin. As she neared the age of twenty-five, Rosalie decided to become a property developer in the rapidly expanding Hyde Park Township, which was then still a separate suburb. In 1883, she acquired two city blocks from 57th Street to 59th Street near the Illinois Central tracks and hired Solon S. Beman, who had just designed Chicago's most famous planned community Pullman, to oversee a plan for her land. Beman provided the overall vision for Rosalie Villas and designed a number of the 42 homes. There were rules that homeowners and other architects had to follow, which led to the continuity of size and style visible and appreciated to this day. Harper Avenue remains one of Hyde Park's most coveted locations. We do not know the architect of 5724 Rosalie Court, but early records list attorney Addison Beardsley as the resident. The house has been in the hands of the current owner for the last forty-two years. All of this is to say, 5724 Harper is one very special place. Entering into the foyer, one can imagine the comfortable lives spent here for well over a century. This is a warm and welcoming house, with a spacious floor plan that defies its age. Light fills the front parlor and library, there is a lovely separate dining room, a large kitchen, while the adjacent maid's room, full bath and breakfast room complete this level. A deck overlooks the lush back yard, complementing the wide front porch. Moving up the beautifully detailed staircase, there are four bedrooms, one with a walk-in closet, and two full baths. Additionally another stair leads to the third level which could provide ample space for a Primary Suite or Family Room. The lower level is unfinished, but offers storage, a laundry room and is plumbed for a full bath. And the property offers a rarity on the block, a two car garage. Located a short walk from the University of Chicago, the Laboratory Schools and all Hyde Park has to offer - with some modernization this will be a stunning home in a prime location. We invite you to experience Rosalie's vision, you may stay for longer than expected - for here you can add your own chapter to this remarkable story.