Description
The Ralph H. Poole house is said to be the first of David Adler's masterpieces, having been constructed between 1911-14 in collaboration with Henry Dangler and landscape designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead but never executed. Adler is said to have brought the Loire Valley to the Illinois prairie. One is immediately struck by the symmetry, balance and proportion both inside and out. Completely restored and enhanced, plumbing, electrical, chimneys, landscape, pool and coachhouse, this home has been brought back from to ruin to its current splendor. Enter the spacious gallery which is anchored by the sweeping limestone staircase, checker marble floor and wheat and chaff plaster relief on the walls. The first floor rooms are arranged in enfilade across the entire west facade of the building, making entertaining a breeze. The spacious and elegant living room has a signature black terrazzo floor and a Louis XV fireplace and raised paneled plaster walls. The library is constructed of rich Gum Wood bookcases and another marble fireplace - perfect for curling up with a good book on a winters night! The oval solarium is perfectly positioned on the south west corner of the building to optimize sunlight at all times of the day and seasons. The original dining room at the opposite end of the house has been cleverly opened to the stunning new kitchen and allowing for a powder room and wet bar/butlers pantry to be created. The kitchen is stunning with large east windows, floor to ceiling custom cabinets, a waterfall marble island, Subzero refrigerator separate freezer, wine center and rebuilt staircase. The former music room is now the comfortable yet elegant dining room with a beautiful carved marble fireplace. A first floor bedroom suite with new marble bathroom and office make this a perfect space for guests or owners to retreat. Ascending the grand staircase to the second floor the primary bedroom has a generous closet and double vanities and a beautiful marble shower. 2 bedrooms have a shared bath, the 3rd bedroom is en-suite, all with Farrow & Ball paint. 3 additional guest rooms share a bath. The laundry is on the 2nd floor. The pool has been rebuilt, including new bluestone patio, limestone stairs to the sunken pool area. The pool house has been refurbished on the exterior, the interior is waiting for your touches. The grounds include a private patio connecting the 2 bedroom coachhouse, 2 car garage to the main house, and an additional separate 2 car free-standing garage. This LANDMARKED historic home is ready to be enjoyed by the next owner.
