Breathtaking views of the forest preserve prairie are the focal point of this north-side custom home

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February 2012 View more

Photography by: Greg Shapps

 Quick Tour

Year house built and/or renovated: 2010

Architect/builder/designer: Cory Smith Architecture/Aspen Creek Partners/RJA Design

Total home square footage: 5,620 (two main floors); 8,400 including basement and attic

Lot size: 92’ x 144’

General location in Naperville: North side

At Home in Naperville

The most striking feature of this all-masonry (stone, brick, and stucco) custom home is its breathtaking views of the forest preserve prairie. The stunning, barrel-vaulted family room—as well as the adjoining hearth room and kitchen—were designed with generous amounts of windows on the rear of the home, which bring the beauty of sunsets over the prairie into the home. The sleek, dark-mahogany kitchen features dual islands, allowing food preparation and serving to take place at the same time.

A very special feature of the first floor is the inviting library, complete with floor-to-ceiling perimeter bookcases painted in a traditional Williamsburg grey. The second floor includes the master suite with a large, walk-in closet (with direct access to the second-floor laundry center); three children’s bedrooms, each with a private bath and walk-in closet; and the home office. The third floor of the home has been finished to provide the family with a sunny recreation space, including two pairs of custom built-in bunk beds (with ship’s ladder), which are a huge hit for sleepovers.

The lower level of the home is fully finished with a family room anchored by a custom-cut limestone fireplace mantle and surround. The lower level also features a kitchen, a guest room with full bath (complete with steam shower), exercise room, crafts room, and media room.

Meet your Neighbors

Number of years in Naperville: 11

Number of years in house: 1

Favorite room in this house: The attic playroom. With its four built-in bunkbeds, it is currently known as Sleepover City, but it is a space that will grow and change with our family, someday accomodating college friends who come to visit, or even grandkids!

Favorite thing about Naperville: It offers big-city amenities with a small-town feel. The sense of community is amazing. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many great neighbors, thoughtful people who seize every opportunity to help where needed.

A family tradition: In the summer, Riverwalk paddle boat rides followed by picnics on Rotary Hill. In the winter, our extended family gathers at our house for a casual pre-Christmas dinner, after which a trolley from Naperville Trolley & Tours picks us up and drives us around to see the holiday light displays. Naperville is the greatest!