Riverfront Craftsman

By Mark Loehrke
Appears in the July 2023 issue.

The outdoors nearly outshines the interior of this St. Charles estate

Designed and constructed in 2004 by Marshall Architects and Janacek Builders, the Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired craftsman estate situated on the Fox River at 6N705 Route 31 in St. Charles—now on the market for just under $1.6 million—boasts plenty of the charms and luxuries one might expect from such lineage across its 7,000 square feet of living space. From the high-end appliances and 16-foot island in the recently redesigned kitchen to the wood-beam ceiling and expansive fireplace in the living room (not to mention the custom stained-glass windows and unique light fixtures throughout), there are any number of reasons to enjoy the great indoors of the home.

But step out onto the lavishly landscaped two-acre lot, and you just might find every excuse to never spend time inside again. With its 105 feet of riverside frontage, in-ground pool and outdoor kitchen—all canopied by dozens of mature trees and complemented by a small creek running through the property—this is one backyard that threatens to render its accompanying home an afterthought for any buyer who truly appreciates an alfresco existence.

“The current owners have added custom hand-stacked ledge stone throughout and have completely reshaped the look, feel, and use of the landscape and hardscape,” says listing agent Christopher Wallace of Holzl Homes/Keller Williams Inspire in Geneva. “This is a home for someone who appreciates luxury but also loves nature and the privacy it brings.”

Photos: Rachael Ormond/Portraits of Home