522 Fair Oaks Avenue

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

It starts with quality craftsmanship, solid materials, and noteworthy architecture - awash in natural light, high ceilings, spacious rooms, preferable location, accessible area amenities, and attractive surrounding properties: all these features contribute to a desirable home that will stand the test of time. This one-of-a-kind and much admired Victorian-era, Gothic Revival style, "Gable-T " is tucked into a flower-filled, 172'''' lot in the heart of the FLW Historic District. Enjoy breezy summer nights from the front porch in view of other gorgeous and historic homes and deep front lawns. The rear elevation is perched above a beautifully landscaped yard featuring a stepped patio area, koi pond, fountain and constant seasonal blooms from gorgeously cultivated gardens. 522 is colloquially known as a "Carpenter''''s Gothic" due to its frame construction and clapboard siding and is among the oldest homes in the village. Besides having watched Oak Park mature, the home has witnessed 24 U.S. Presidents, 6 British Monarchs, 2 World Wars and 2 global pandemics, yet has been lovingly cared for and preserved by only 3 families over the past century. The first floor boasts an old-world entry complete with original staircase, original thin-plank oak flooring, a quaint library/den complete with original built-ins and a massive living room, bathed in light from the south-facing bay windows. 10-pane French doors open from the living room to a nostalgic dining room with original windows and wide-plank pine flooring. Through another set of French doors, find the rear sun porch with 3 walls of windows overlooking the tree-lined back yard. The updated kitchen features original cherry and glass cabinets mixed with newer 42" oak cabinets, plenty of butler/prep space, dark slate counters, old-growth maple floors, stainless steel appliances and large windows in view of side and rear yards. Upstairs, you''''ll be delighted to find 4 bedrooms, including 2 en suites and one hall bath as well as a second staircase leading from kitchen to the second floor. The full-length basement features laundry, commode, and loads of storage space. All mechanicals have been dutifully maintained by the same owner for 32 years. This home is a rare sight in the MLS and is the former home of noted author and Hemingway protege, John Stewart Carter. Located 2 blocks from Oak Park River Forest High School, 3 blocks from Ridgeland Commons Pool and Paul Hruby Ice Rink. See Turf report and map attached for detailed surrounding amenities. VIRTUAL LIVE TOURS AVAILABLE!