406 W Illinois Street

Historical. Adorable. Affordable. This State Street home has been loved & extremely well cared for, with detailed maintenance & records going back over 100 years! Built in 1890, this very special home is being offered for the first time in 43 years! Quintessential home with lovely Cape Cod cottage-look & curb appeal, quite unique to this area, that has a very interesting history. In 1926, Dr. Bernbaum, from New Hampshire, bought 406 W. Illinois & decided to remodel to resemble his fine summer home in New England...adding the front parlor, fireplace, chimney, foyer, front/back porches & closed basement entry. He also added the double Cape Cod windows in the dining room & walk-in pantry w/open shelves (that his home economic wife insisted on!) To complete the look, he had a professor in architecture design the gateway & fence, and then ordered the front porch pillars, door ensemble, & fireplace mantle to be made and shipped from Boston! Outside is a rich, beautiful, manicured garden with lovely plantings. Four decades ago, she fell in love with this home while taking her daily walks. She wasn't even looking to buy a home...but when she saw the sale sign, she knew she had to have it. Inside is absolutely precious & great care has been taken to preserve the original features & provide only quality updates. Attractive mason fireplace with a lovely full mantle is the focal point in the large living room. Central dining room with ceiling fan & large windows. Spacious, updated kitchen with all custom Amish cabinets, & large picture window over the kitchen sink. Updated bath (house only had an outhouse until 1923). Very efficient use of space with 2 bedrooms, a front/back entry area & great basement storage. Large closets. Tons of natural light pouring through the many large windows. Central AC. One-car garage. Updated 240 amp electric. Roof 2016 (complete tear off). Exterior paint 2020. New electric water heater 2021. Gorgeous original hardwood floors, doors & built-ins & trim. Gated and fenced back yard. Broadband accessible. West Urbana is a wonderful community where friendships blossom & neighbors interact, many who have also lived there for decades! Located in the highly sought after "Grid 56" location, close to the University, Leal School, the Farmers Market, the Co-op food store, & Urbana Free Library. Low taxes/utilities. Make no mistake, this is not just another house...it's a home! Don't miss the opportunity to call it your own. Call to schedule your private showing today!