1831 Matthew Ct

Thirty-seven miles north of Chicago and seven miles west of Lake Michigan, the Village of Libertyville in Lake County originated in the 1830s.  Home to 22,000, Libertyville has a rich historic past. The built-out modern community is convenient for commuters with Metra service and easy freeway access to Chicago, O’Hare, Lake Michigan and nearby attractions like Gurnee Mills and Six Flags Great America.  Libertyville supports a restored downtown with shops, dining and businesses. Recreation opportunities are many. The Libertyville Sports Complex’s indoor events center, fitness center, driving range and more provides year-round fun for residents.

Homebuyers looking to relocate in Libertyville have several Koenig & Strey listed homes to choose from. Listed through its Libertyville office, these include the updated 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath at 1831 Matthew Court. The remodeling ranges from the new kitchen to the new brick patio in the huge yard. Space is boundless, with a finished basement and bonus room over the garage. The Sam Valadez Group represents the home.

6567 Persimmon Way

The all-brick exterior custom ranch at 6567 Persimmon Way is listed by Jody Keenan. Its 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths are in a park-like setting with extensive landscaping on the outside and millwork on the inside. The spotless home has a private bath for every bedroom and includes its own generator.

See more homes for sale in Libertyville.

5555 S Everett Ave

Jackson Towers at 5555 South Everett Avenue make a significant mark on Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The 19-story condo building was designed by Walter W. Ahlschlager and completed in 1925 in an era of grand lakeside resorts. Many of its units are duplexes with tall arched windows and views south across the park and Lake Michigan. Anchored by the University of Chicago, Hyde Park boasts a diverse mix of shops, restaurants and bookstores and its residents enjoy some of the city’s best lakefront property.

Koenig & Strey agents Pamela & Bill Tuggle of the Gold Coast office have two listings for sale at Jackson Towers.  One palatial duplex features 20-foot ceilings, arches wooden beams and deluxe built-ins. The 3 bedroom, 4.5 bath even has two kitchens and an amazing chandelier. Take the elevator to both floors.

Another condo has 2 bedrooms with high ceilings and plenty of storage in its walk-in closets.  It spaciousness runs through the eat-in kitchen, living room and dining room.  Take advantage of the great location near the lakefront, shops and dining.

See more units available in Jackson Towers.

1938 Hudson Ave

Top Koenig & Strey agent Emily Sachs Wong of the Lincoln Park office has listed a restored 3-level vintage home for sale.

This totally reconstructed 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath at 1938 Hudson Avenue includes a 1 bedroom coach house.  Light and bright with a dramatic 2-story dining room, there is plenty to appreciate from coffered ceilings to vast hardwoods.

Down below the lower level features a play/media room with a custom bar for entertaining. Up top on the roof deck, take in the city view and enjoy a snack from the deck’s built-in kitchen.

1938 Hudson Ave - Living Room

1938 Hudson Ave - Roof Deck

1938 Hudson Ave - Living Room to Kitchen

5055 Half Round Rd

A prominent southwestern suburb of Chicago, the village of Oswego has been recognized nationally as a great place to live. In 2011, Oswego was ranked #58 on CNN Money’s Top 100 Best Towns to live in. In 2009 CNN Money.com recognized Kendall County as the number three county in the US for job growth.

Oswego’s downtown is a restored and enhanced center of historic buildings and homes, as well as shops and restaurants. Other recent projects in the village include the Hudson Crossing Park along the Fox River and the Waubonsee Creek Promenade. Homebuyers looking to relocate to Oswego will find abundant recreation programs through the Oswegoland Park District.  The Fox Bend Golf Course is ranked in the 20 twenty public courses in Chicagoland.

180 Franklin St

Koenig & Strey has several homes listed for sale in Oswego. The coveted Old Reserve Hills subdivision is home to a custom-built 4 br, 3.5 ba at 5055 Half Round Road. Huge and bright with soaring ceilings, the home is also for appreciating the outdoors; the sunroom leads to a paver patio and enormous yard. Patti Murray and Frank Grabowski of the Glen Ellyn/Wheaton office represent the home.

The tri-level at 180 Franklin Street is a spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath represented by Kris Maranda of the Elmhurst office.  The lower level provides an additional family room area and room for an office, a den or a 4^th bedroom.  Its corner lot features a fenced-in yard.

See more home listings in Oswego.

Koenig & Strey volunteers at the Misericordia Candy Day drive

Koenig & Strey agents and staff took to the streets last Friday in support of Misericordia by participating in the organization’s annual Candy Day drive.

The 28th annual Misericordia Candy Days took place April 26 and 27 throughout the entire Chicagoland area. Koenig & Strey volunteers were part of more than 7,500 distributing Jelly Belly candy in return for contributions at every level. The Jelly Belly Candy Company made a contribution of 1.2 million packets of Jelly Belly candy as they have for the past 11 years.

Text MIS to 25383 to donate $5

The donations from Candy Days help Misericordia toward their goal of raising approximately $15 million every year to support the organization’s residential, vocational, therapeutic and recreational programs for 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Misericordia is a not-for-profit corporation providing help for those in need since 1921.

There is still time to help.  Text MIS to 25383 to donate $5. The Jesse Marymont and Lauren Rafferty Families will match all donations texted this year.

37W356 Woodgate Road

Located about 40 miles west of Chicago in the Fox River Valley, the suburb of St. Charles is home to over 32,000 residents. Part of a small tri-city area along with neighbors Geneva and Batavia, St. Charles also features an abundance of parks and trails, as well as a downtown area that boasts a variety of unique shops, award-winning theater, and many fabulous dining options. Ranging from estate homes to the more modest fare, housing in St. Charles is largely made up of single-family homes, with a wide range of pricing available to suit the needs of almost any prospective homebuyer.

40W330 Francis Bret Harte Street

One such St. Charles property is Woodgate Estate, a stunning six-bedroom single-family home sited on approximately 26 acres, with a five-acre Japanese garden. Located at 37W356 Woodgate Road, and represented by Debra Dobbs of Koenig & Strey’s Lincoln Park office, this traditional home seamlessly blends modern splendor with its surrealist atmosphere to give one an all-encompassing sensory experience!

Also available is four-bedroom semi-custom single-family home located at 40W330 Francis Bret Harte Street. Represented by Stephen Haas of the Glen Ellyn office, features here include crown moldings, wood blinds, gorgeous hardwood floors, master suite with tray ceilings, Juliet balcony above the great room, hearth room, and much more.

42W227 Silver Glen Road

Or try the well-maintained two-bedroom home nestled on a two-acre lot at 42W227 Silver Glen Road. Represented by Donna Connell, this single-family home features beautiful wood floors, updated kitchen and baths, newer doors and windows, a newer tear-off roof, basement with a finished room, and a great workshop area.

View all St. Charles residential properties currently available.

3005 N. Oakley Avenue

Located on the north side of Chicago, North Center is one of the city’s official community areas, as well as a charming urban neighborhood with quiet residential streets. Home to popular sub-neighborhoods such as Roscoe Village and St. Ben’s, North Center is served by three CTA Brown Line stops, and offers easy access to the area’s many great dining and shopping options. A variety of housing in available in North Center, running the gamut from 20^th Century Victorians to new construction condos and townhomes, with something that will surely appeal to almost any prospective buyer.

1800 W. Roscoe Street

One available North Center property is the fabulous, all-new six-bedroom single-family home located across from Bell School at 3726 N. Claremont Avenue. Represented by Cadey O’Leary of Koenig & Strey’s Webster Avenue office, this brick and limestone home sits on an extra-wide 31-foot lot, and features an open floor plan flooded with light, gourmet kitchen, top appliances & finishes, crown molding, a lower level, finished deck with fireplace, a mud room, and a 2+ car garage.

3726 N. Claremont Avenue

Also available is the incredible five-bedroom single-family home just three blocks from Hamlin Park. Located at 3005 N. Oakley Avenue, and represented by Sophia Klopas of the Gold Coast office, features in this approximately 4,600 square foot home include a master suite with cathedral ceilings, formal sitting room with fireplace, full family room with fireplace, massive kitchen, lower level rec room with fireplace, and a 23-foot wide garage with deck.

Or try the rarely available two-bedroom loft at 1800 W. Roscoe Street. Represented by Derek DiSera of the Lincoln Park office, Unit 221 at historic Pencil Factory Lofts features a large, private deck, newer cherry kitchen, marble bathrooms, hardwood floors throughout, fresh paint, an in-unit washer/dryer, and so much more!

View all North Center residential properties currently available.

421 Meadow Dr

For homebuyers looking in the Chicago suburbs, Schaumburg provides a dream checklist; comfortable homes on quiet streets, excellent schools and plentiful parks, pristine nature preserves and a variety of art and entertainment.

With a famous shopping district including Woodfield Mall, dozens of office towers and hundreds of high-tech businesses more people commute into Schaumburg than out.  The town’s location at the intersection of I-90 and I-290 makes for easy travel to or from Chicago or other suburbs.  Schaumburg has an award-winning park district and is home to the Schaumburg Golf Club, rated 4 stars by Golf Magazine.

Koenig and Strey has several homes for sale in Schaumburg, among them the raised ranch 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath at 421 Meadow Drive, a Frank Lloyd Wright-style on a half-acre lot. Topping out at 3,400 square feet, comfort runs throughout the home from the eating area with fireplace to the great room with its fireplace and panoramic views of the property. Come and go as you please from the lower level’s separate entrance. The Sam Valadez Group represents the home.

1216 Indian Hill

The split-level 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath at 1216 Indian Hill is also on a half-acre. Represented by Jackson Sanderson of the Libertyville office, the home’s updates range from new paint inside and out to the new garage door and driveway. Enjoy the walkout lover level with its wood-burning fireplace and office. The whole house fan keeps things cool.

See more available homes in Schaumburg.

Photo by Michael Kardas

The Millennium Art Festival returns to the heart of downtown Chicago for its fifth year from May 31^st to June 2^nd.  At Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, more than 175,000 people visit the area daily for work or play at the Art Institute, Cultural Center or nearby Millennium Park. Chicagoans and tourists patronize and love this big city weekend show. Admission is free and easy listening live music takes place throughout the weekend. The event is open from 11 am to 7 pm each day.

Source: Amdur Productions

A world-renowned place to play and shop, the area is also a prime place to live. Festival visitors who like the area should consider these Loop and New Eastside homes listed for sale.

30 Brittany Dr

McHenry County is home to numerous golf courses, among them the popular Chalet Hills in Cary. A Ken Killian-designed masterpiece, the 18-hole course has been honored by Golf Digest with a 4-1/2 Star rating for public golf courses in the state of Illinois. With spectacular views and a country club feeling, Chalet Hills specializes in shotgun outing packages and hosting special events. Its pro shop, practice facilities and bar/grill round out the facilities.

30 Brittany Dr

For golf lovers, living amongst this popular course could be dream made possible by Koenig & Strey. A custom executive 2-story at 30 Brittany Drive on the 12^th tee is represented by Rich Kujak of the Schaumburg office.  At over 8,000 square feet the luxury seems to never end. Besides 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths, there’s a vast in-ground pool to enjoy when not on the links. The 4-car attached garage tops out with an 18-foot ceiling, a workshop and space for the golf cart.

900 N. Kingsbury (bottom left)

Located on the bank of the Chicago River, Domain Condominiums is the domestic portion of a mixed-use, landmarked building at 900 N. Kingsbury in the River North neighborhood of Chicago’s Near North Side. Formerly home to the Montgomery Ward Catalog House, Domain was converted in 2002 to feature 292 loft-style residential units, with building amenities that include 24-hour door staff, a rooftop deck, running track, dry cleaners, health club, as well as restaurants and bars.

Represented by the team of Nancy Hearon and Janet Fitzpatrick of Koenig & Strey’s Lincoln Park office, lofts at Domain are available to both rent and purchase. Unit 827 and Unit 1012 are currently for sale and rent respectively, both of which feature stunning views, two bedrooms, stainless kitchens, private terraces, in-unit laundry, and hardwood floors, not to mention a fabulous location near a diverse array of restaurants, the Riverwalk, and Ward Park!

View all Domain Condominiums loft units currently available.

4812 S Woodlawn

Home buyers looking for an exclusive address can’t do better than the same neighborhood as the leader of the Free World. When he’s not in Washington, the Kenwood district in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood is home to President Obama at 5046 S Greenwood Avenue.  The neighborhood’s large lots and eclectic mix of architecture (everything from elaborate Italianate to Prairie-style homes) make it unique from the rest of Hyde Park. The proximity to the lakefront and the University of Chicago are among many other attractive features.

Koenig & Strey has several listings for sale in Kenwood through its Lincoln Park office. The deluxe Victorian at 4812 South Woodlawn is on an extra wide and deep lot typical of the neighborhood.  Space continues within the 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath home through the pro-designed kitchen, extra-large master suite and lower level guest suite.  The back yard is made for activity at all ages – featuring a tree house, vegetable garden and basketball court. The home is represented by Emily Sachs Wong.

4812 S Woodlawn back yard

The three-level townhome at 4571 South Oakenwald has a grandiose floorplan for its 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Its approximately 2,800 square feet is adaptable to entertaining or everyday living.  The sunrise-facing rear deck is a treat and the 2-car garage and private driveway are commuter convenient. Shiree Booker represents the property.

See more listings in Kenwood.

39 Barbados Dr

Located southwest of the Chicago suburbs in the Illinois River Valley, Lake Thunderbird is a hot spot for families looking for a weekend getaway or a retirement home in a peaceful setting. The thriving and growing community in Putnam County has almost 500 homes on over 1900 lots. Many folks are year-round residents, long term campers or lot owners who want to take advantage of the many wonderful amenities. The two-floor clubhouse is surrounded by sporting opportunities such as tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts, a swimming pool, boat slips and picnic facilities with a large playground. Other features include parks and nature trails, boating and fishing.

8 East Walnut Dr

Koenig & Strey has homes for sale within the Lake Thunderbird Association through Cindy Gannon Buchholz of the Glen Ellyn/Wheaton office.  A gorgeous view of the main lake greets you from the first floor master bedroom at 39 Barbados Drive. Airy and light, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath is the ultimate in lakefront living with an open living area and soaring 2-story ceiling. The finished rec room walks out to the yard and lake.

Own the story-book log home in the woods at 8 East Walnut Drive. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath is tops in serenity with park-like surroundings and a grand stone fireplace in the wood-beamed family room for comfort.  The upstairs bedrooms and full bath provide plenty of accommodation for your guests.

2363 Preston Ln

Chicagoland homebuyers seeking the quiet and space of the northwest  suburbs can find both in the Village of West Dundee.  With a population near 8,000, the village dates back to the mid-19^th century and has grown over the years through annexation of smaller subdivisions.  A restored quaintness to its older homes and commercial buildings flavors the area. Approximately 37 miles from Chicago, West Dundee is abutted by the Fox River and plenty of surrounding forest preserves.  The nearby Spring Valley Shopping Center has a wide variety of retail.

Koenig & Strey has several homes for sale in West Dundee through its Schaumburg office. The custom 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath at 2363 Preston Lane is elegantly appointed inside and out. With over 3,500 square feet of luxury from the bright sun room to the finished walkout lower level, the magnificent home is ready to entertain.  The secluded, park-like back yard comes with a dream in-ground pool. Linda Zielinski represents the home.

2646 Carrington Dr

Bright and high-ceilinged, the premium lot 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home at 2646 Carrington Drive is pro-landscaped with underground sprinklers for the best lawn. The wide-open plan and stunning see-through fireplace in the great room are set to impress. The first floor hardwood floors shimmer. Mark Bousquet represents the home.

See more homes in West Dundee.

Pencil Factory Lofts at 1800 W. Roscoe Street

Located at 1800 W. Roscoe Street, Pencil Factory Lofts is a concrete loft building in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of the North Center community area on Chicago’s north side. Once home to an actual pencil factory, this converted building now features 139 residential units, as well as a rooftop deck, exercise room, dry cleaners, party room, and an outdoor patio. Pencil Factory Lofts also boasts a great location, with all the shops and restaurants of the intersection of Roscoe and Damen nearby, not to mention the short walk to the CTA’s Brown Line.

One available unit at Pencil Factory Lofts is the updated two-bedroom with a large private deck. Represented by Derek DiSera of Koenig & Strey’s Lincoln Park office, Unit 221 features a newer cherry kitchen, marble bathrooms, hardwood floors, fresh paint, in-unit washer/dryer, as well as standard Pencil Factory Lofts features such as 12-foot ceilings, large factory windows, exposed brick, and architectural pillars.

View all Pencil Factory Lofts’ units currently available.

58 Overlook Drive

Incorporated in 1928, the village of Golf spans about half of a square mile in Cook County, roughly 17 miles northwest of the Loop in downtown Chicago. Home to approximately 500 residents, Golf is just south of its better-known neighbor, Glenview, and offers a great location for commuters, with easy access to both I-94 and I-294, as well as its own Metra stop. Primarily a residential area, opportunities to buy in Golf are at a premium, making the chance to own one of its luxury estate homes all the more appealing.

One such Golf property is the spectacular five-bedroom estate home located at 58 Overlook Drive. Built in 1948, and represented by Martha May of Koenig & Strey’s Glenview office, this luxury single-family home has been meticulously renovated to achieve the feel of an authentic Cape Cod / Nantucket retreat, and features exquisite appointments throughout, superior amenities, spacious and comfortable living spaces, a flowing floor plan with 4,234 square feet, not to mention an amazing location right off the edge of the 15^th fairway at Glen View Club. Truly the ultimate in modern luxury and convenience!

View all Golf residential properties currently available.

231 Galway Street

Located approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago in Lake County, and just 15 miles south of the Wisconsin border, the village of Grayslake is home to over 20,000 residents. In addition to the College of Lake County and the Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake also offers its residents a wide array of outdoor activities for all seasons, as well as excellent schools, and access to Chicago via the Metra. Although the area does feature some condo and townhome residences, housing in Grayslake is predominantly composed of single-family homes, several of which are currently available.

299 McMillan Street

One such property is the four-bedroom single-family home located at 231 Galway Street. Represented by Mary Wilkin of Koenig & Strey’s Libertyville office, features in this home include a family room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, kitchen with quartz counters, basement with wet bar, master with tons of closets, a new furnace, new carpet, and hardwood floors.

Also available is the updated three-bedroom tri-level represented by Carrie Goldstein. Located at 299 McMillan Street, this single-family home features contemporary décor, as well as improvements such as a new furnace, air conditioning, water heater, updated stainless steel appliances, and much more! A home warranty is also included.

2416 Stallion Court

Or try the beautiful two-bedroom Mustang Model that’s situated on one of Saddlebrook Farms’ premier lots. Located at 2416 Stallion Court, and represented by Kathryn Freese, this recently upgraded single-family home includes newer paint and hardwood floors, a spacious kitchen, walk-in closets, a deck, 2+ car garage, and a private back yard with view of the woods.

View all Grayslake residential properties currently available.

“Since 1961, Koenig & Strey has built a reputation as a leader in luxury real estate, consistently representing some of the most sought-after homes on the market,” Koenig & Strey President and CEO, Nancy Nagy said. “Gracious Living is another terrific aspect of our nationally renowned Properties of Distinction luxury marketing program.”

The first edition of the seasonal online magazine launched on April 16, 2013 and will feature a modern, mobile-friendly layout that looks just as stunning on a tablet and smartphone as a computer screen.

“Properties of Distinction is one of the world’s leading luxury marketing programs because it leverages our half-century strong relationships with exceptional brokers, luxury media outlets and leading real estate networks,” Koenig & Strey Director of Luxury & Development, Caitlyn Terrell said. “Gracious Living is a prime example of how Koenig & Strey sets the standard for upper bracket representation within the luxury real estate marketplace.”

Discover all facets of luxury living, as advised by Koenig & Strey’s top-tier real estate experts. View our premier edition by visiting www.GraciousLivingMag.com. Subscribe while there to receive this seasonal publication as new editions are published throughout the year.

Take the above video tour with Karen Ranquist of the Lincoln Park office and learn more about this unique home.

1499 S. Wedgewood Avenue

Nicknamed the “City of Destiny,” Des Plaines is a Chicago suburb that’s home to over 58,000 residents, as well as the newly-built Rivers Casino. Adjacent to O’Hare International Airport, Des Plaines offers a fabulous location for those who commute, with easy access to I-90 and I-294, not to mention its Metra and CTA trains. Its excellent schools also make this an attractive destination for families, as does the wide range of prices that can be found on single-family homes in the area.

428 Bellaire Avenue

One available Des Plaines single-family home is the luxurious four-bedroom residence located at 1499 S. Wedgewood Avenue. Represented by Sam Valadez of Koenig & Strey’s Libertyville office, this newer-construction home features approximately 4,000 square feet, unique architectural detailing, a two-story foyer featuring a split staircase, formal living room, separate dining room, master with huge walk-in closet, a huge basement, and so much more!

697 Greenview Avenue

Another option is the half-acre wooded retreat located at 428 Bellaire Avenue. Also represented by Sam Valadez, this three-bedroom single-family home features an eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances, huge second-floor master suite, family room off kitchen, cedar deck, and back yard, as well updates to the roof, siding, electric, and plumbing.

Or try the completely updated, immaculate two-bedroom single-family home represented by Pattie Murray of the Wheaton office. Located at 697 Greenview Avenue, this home includes new features such as a chef’s kitchen, two full baths, furnace, air conditioning, windows, roof, hardwood floors, crown molding, fresh paint, and a huge two-car garage.

View all Des Plaines single-family homes currently available.