Hidden Treasures

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the October 2022 issue.

Like many a transformed suburban parcel, the nearly 1.5 acres on which the Naperville home at 1091 Johnson Drive sits were once farmland. That was prior to construction of the estate back in 1997, of course, but the rural legacy lives on in the irrigation system that helps maintain the beautiful gardens and lush landscaping surrounding the in-ground pool, which draws from the farm’s old well (the rest of the home uses city water).

Inside the home, now on the market for $3.75 million, the current owners have done plenty of updating to the 7,800 square feet of living space since purchasing the home 14 years ago, touching everything from the luxury finishes throughout the five en suite bedrooms to the dramatically redesigned fireplace in the family room.

And while listing agent Bridget Salela of the Ville Team—Coldwell Banker Realty believes the main draw for buyers will be the combination of a private posh oasis and its proximity to, well, everything, any youngster with a say in the matter will certainly gravitate to the home’s unique hidden feature: a onetime panic room that has been transformed into a secret playroom accessed via moving bookcase.

When the kids of the next owners decide to take an unscheduled day off from school, their parents will know exactly where to find them. 

Photo courtesy of Reel Tour Media