In a quiet country setting in Green Oaks/Libertyville there’s an exquisite waterfront home. The landscape has a wide array of perennials, fruit trees, herb gardens, with a patio overlooking a sparkling pond. This spacious two-story home was extensively remodeled with some additions in 2011-2012 that include a remarkable kitchen that’s perfect for anybody who enjoys preparing meals and hosting family and friends.
When remodeling the kitchen, the owners, Elaine and Brian Murphy, added new cherry cabinets, a wall of built-ins with glass fronts, an oversized island, and high-end stainless appliances, including under-cabinet, recessed lighting and uplighting. The kitchen is open to a spacious family room with a fireplace and boasts views of lush gardens and the calming waters of a pond.
Kitchen features that a chef or household cook can both appreciate include:
- Double Oven, Warming Drawer, 5-Burner Cooktop, Range Hood, Dishwasher & Refrigerator (KitchenAid)
- Undercounter Microwave (Sharp)
- Recessed and Under Cabinet and Uplighting
- Granite Countertops (M.S. International)
- Sinks (Franke)
- Faucets (Hansgrohe)
Elaine says, “The kitchen workspace is quite fluid. A large island in the middle of the kitchen has its own prep sink and is separated on three sides from the surrounding cabinets (with countertops) by wide passageways which easily accommodate two people. The garage door opens into a short hallway which leads to the kitchen, so it is easy to carry groceries into the kitchen from the car. A large pantry provides convenience to store nonperishables close at hand. The fourth side of the island opens to the informal dining area and family room and it is easy for people to transition from one area to another, as well as interact with whomever is doing food prep or cooking.”
The Murphy’s style of entertaining varies. They enjoy intimate dinners for 4-8 people in the formal dining room, as well as having their son’s friends over for individual pizza and popcorn-ball-making parties. “The granite counters provide plenty of space for everyone to work on their own creations,” says Elaine. “We have also had larger gatherings for Brian’s office crew and for my colleagues.”
A welcoming foyer reveals lovely and spacious living and dining rooms with beautiful cherry crown moldings and hardwood flooring. A hallway leads to a powder room, pantry/laundry and sun room that houses a Michael Phelps Swim Spa and Jacuzzi hot tub. It has spectacular lighting and a dedicated dry heat system to keep the room at an optimum temperature while keeping the humidity out of the rest of the home.
A back staircase was installed during the renovation, which leads to a dramatic bonus room built over the garage with its own HVAC, a two-story cathedral ceiling and a wall of geometrically shaped custom windows. A new screened porch on the second floor overlooks the pond and gardens. Four large bedrooms and two remodeled bathrooms are also located on this level, including the primary suite with two spacious closets and a gorgeous bath with an oversized steam shower, dual cherry vanities and a heated tile floor.
Moving to the basement, this part of the home is great for game playing, entertainment, or a quiet book by the fire on a cold day. It has oak cabinetry, a wet bar with reverse osmosis, fabulous Heatilator fireplace, and a full bathroom. Storage space, some mechanicals, and two separate chlorine water treatment systems are located here. During the remodel, stairs from the basement to the brick paver patio/yard were installed. All this, and a Generac gas generator, solar panels on the roof, a paver walkway and driveway, and a new separate one-car garage have been added. There’s also the award-winning Libertyville schools, and convenient proximity to highways and shopping.
“Our wish for the next owners is health and happiness in a home where they may relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife which we’ve been privileged to witness,” Elaine says.
Learn more about 1990 Cranbrook Road in Libertyville ($815,000), offered by Renee Clark of @Properties, by visiting ReneeClarkHomes.com or calling 847.612.0027.