629 Fair Oaks Avenue

Here is a chance to own the Charles W. Helder House designed by renowned architect Charles E. White Jr. in 1906. White worked in Frank Lloyd Wright's studio for a decade starting in 1905 and designed some celebrated structures, including the famous Cheney Mansion and the Oak Park Post Office. White emphasized more straight lines, right angles and stucco construction to this Prairie style home than the Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie style, making this Charles E. White Jr. home very unique and desirable. Nominated for landmark status in 2011, the home sits in the sought-after Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. With over forty Prairie style oak-framed windows throughout the house, the enormity of light brightens up any room at any time of day. Stepping into the vestibule through the original, solid oak front door, it opens to the reception room and two original Prairie style oak doors that lead into the screened-in veranda with a pine wood floor and a hanging swing. The reception room also opens south to the living room with oak floors, wood-burning insert fireplace and Prairie style windows on three of the four walls. We continue now into the formal dining room with a tray ceiling, built-in China-cabinet and bay style Prairie windows on three walls. The last room on the first floor is the kitchen with its custom-colored cement counter-tops and oak cabinets throughout, with a half-bath off to the side. Walking upstairs we encounter the full bath with European style custom shower. The massive master-bedroom has the same dimensions as the living room below. The second bedroom has bay windows throughout, and the third bedroom has a custom oak double-doored spacious closet. Downstairs we find a full custom-built European-style spa bathroom, including a bubble bathtub, custom shower, three-person sauna and an oak door closet to hide the washer & dryer. Downstairs also has a full-size family room or work-out room and numerous closets and storage spaces. The huge backyard is the perfect space for playing, along with a stone patio that is wonderful for hosting friends, complete with a fire pit. Our 160-year-old Elm tree will shade those hot days from the enjoyment on the patio. Included is also a one-car garage and space off of the alley for two other additional parking spots. The 600 block of Fair Oaks won the 2012 Cavalcade Award, which honors property owners who have done an exceptional job maintaining and improving the exterior of their homes. In addition to its aesthetic feature, this home is part of a community of block parties, as well as offering a short walk to the elementary school and the high school. This architecturally designed home is the essence of what makes Oak Park truly wonderful.