Splurge vs. Steal: Luxury Living In Chicago, Illinois

 

From world-class museums and epic shopping down the Magnificent Mile, to its Michelin Star restaurants and spectacular sports, there’s a lot to love about the Windy City. Which is precisely why we decided to take a closer look at Chicago real estate in our latest Splurge vs. Steal. Here we pin two exquisite properties against one another, each with excellent neighborhoods and amenities but with price points that are miles apart. Which one would you choose, the Lincoln Park Splurge or the West Ridge Steal?

Splurge: Fabulous Lincoln Park Home On A Quiet Street To Oz Park For $4.995M

For a cool $5 million you could set up shop in this ultra-luxe brick residence in sought-after Lincoln Park! Mere steps to neighborhood shops and restaurants, and ideally perched on a one-way street leading to Oz Park, this six bedroom, five-full-and-one-half-bathroom stunner lets you live large.

We love the first level with sweeping, light-filled rooms. The home, which was originally built in 1886, affords a whopping 7,100 square feet, marked by historic touches like a wood-burning fireplace and charming bay windows.

The gourmet kitchen comes well-appointed with custom maple cabinetry, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, six-burner Thermador range with grill, SubZero refrigerator, and a large built-in banquette. A custom-built workspace and large butler’s pantry add to the ease of use for effortless entertaining.

Nearby, French doors lead to a gracious dining area that is perfect for making memories around the dinner table at the holidays.

When it’s time to unwind, this incredible master suite is the cherry on top! It comes complete with a wood-burning fireplace, walk-in closet with laundry, and bay-windowed sitting room with built-in bookcases.

The spa-like master bath is the crown jewel! It comes clad in designer tiles and fixtures with a giant steam shower, separate soaking tub, and dual vanities.

There’s even a home theatre, recreation room, exercise room, and two-car garage which the listing says comes with “a loft for storage or play space, and certainly could be enlarged to accommodate as many as seven cars.”

Head to the oversized family room at the top level of the home or enjoy the outdoors in your very own private courtyard and patio — this Chicago beauty covers all the bases.

You will be hard pressed to find anything like this in the city, which makes our Chicago pick a worthy splurge.

Emily Sachs Wong of Properties East Lincoln Park has listed 2217 N. Burling Street, Chicago, Illinois for $4.995 million.

Steal: Impressive Designer Showcase In West Ridge For $2M

For less than half our splurge, you could live a bit further north in this Chicago West Ridge estate, built in 2006. The 10-bedroom, nine-full-and-three-half-bath property looks like a designer showcase spanning 11,000 square feet.

Inside, an elegant foyer with 12-foot ceilings welcome you home. This is met by gorgeous tile inlay floors, sparkling chandeliers, a classic staircase, and extensive custom millwork. There’s even a private elevator to whisk you to the floor of your choosing!

According to the listing: “Each room is thoughtfully adorned with its own stunning designs and finishes.” One look at the photos and the attention to detail is obvious. And there are so many rooms to entertain! Each living area has its own custom appointments, from coffered ceilings and built-ins, to luxury wall coverings and gleaming hardwood floors.

For those who love to cook, the eat-in chef’s kitchen comes fully equipped with everything you need to prepare your next culinary masterpiece. Here you will enjoy double sinks, ovens, and dishwashers, an oversized marble island, ample custom cabinetry, and a built-in fridge.

At the end of a long day, nothing beats this master suite! It comes with two spacious walk-in closets, its own laundry room, and an inviting spa bath.

Four additional bedrooms, all en suite, are located on the same level. But that’s not all.

There’s a bonus, and it’s not the eye-catching powder bath or the elongated hallways suitable for art.

The property also has a finished basement with 10-foot ceilings, full kitchen, recreation room, and an expansive guest suite with three bedrooms and a laundry room.

And outside, an oasis awaits! We cannot believe how far a couple million bucks will go in this desirable Chicago neighborhood.

Colin Hebson of Dream Town Realty has listed 3126 W. Wallen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois for $2 million.