548 Robinson Avenue
Back by popular demand from last year’s Candlelight Tour of Homes, this magnificent farm house – perhaps the oldest home on the south end of Grant Park – underwent a total deconstruction and renovation that took nearly three years. And even though homeowners Kristy Smith and Paul Guerrucci purchased the home in 2005, they didn't move into the house until 2008. Originally built in 1900 for a family that included 13 children, this house has gone through some major revitalization. The original trim remains throughout the house, which the homeowners carefully took off and put aside during the renovation process.
When additional doors and windows were added several months later and more trim was needed, the homeowners had a master craftsman create new header boards, fluted door trim, rosettes and even plinth blocks that perfectly matched the existing woodwork. Also be sure to take note of the original, restored pocket windows throughout, and five covered porches that the homeowners have added.
The project also included Paul and Kristy's least favorite part – filling up and removing 10 railcar-sized containers of trash from the back yard!
All of Paul and Kristy’s work float above new Brazilian cherry floors on all three floors. Throughout the home are many personal touches Kristy and Paul have added, including a variety of antique furnishings and other rare finds, like the 18th century dining room suite which includes a hand-carved buffet. An antique restoration specialist by trade, Kristy has found all of the vanities in the bathrooms through various venues and has restored each bathroom to emphasize the uniqueness of each piece.
After checking out the interior, step out back and fall in love with the oversized yard that includes a three-car garage complete with an upstairs apartment, a workshop built from reclaimed wood from inside the main home, and – best of all – a recently completed courtyard with a fountain and pond stocked with nearly 100 goldfish.
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