Kier House
Glencoe, IL 1915
Designed by Wright in 1914 and now updated for modern living. Stellar original features include stained glass windows, the use of hardwood as a design element, a stately brick fireplace, and a classic porte cochere leading to the 2+-car attached garage. Contemporary updates have added a large step-down family room with vaulted beamed ceiling; 2.5 renovated baths, including a spa bath with steam shower in the lower level; and a white kitchen with solid-surface counters, stainless appliances, subway-tile backsplash, and a brand-new limestone breakfast/serving bar. The current owners raised the ceiling to the second level, where three bedrooms, a sunroom/office and full bath with dual sinks are now all easily accessible. The finished lower level offers play space/a fourth bedroom, full bath, recreation room, and storage. An expansive wood deck overlooks a ravine, and the entire .29-acre parcel is awash in lush color, the result of extraordinary landscape architecture by Chicago Botanic Gardens and Chalet Nursery. This home is one of five Frank Lloyd Wright properties on the street. They were originally conceived as the vanguard of a subdivision to be known as Ravine Bluffs.