Acclaimed architect Hal Yoakum designed this house as a two-family residence in 1948. Twenty years later architect, G. Douglas Gill, was intrigued by its stature and elegance of the design. He purchased the home with the intention of creating a single family residence for his wife and children in coveted Highland Park. The adaptation was so successful that his family would call it “home” for more than 30 years.

During that time, Mr. Gill was careful to blend modern amenities with the graceful French inspired architectural influences that were trademarks of Yoakum. The house was, and is, structurally solid, worth renovating with upper end materials. Commercial grade appliances, electrical panel and windows, a copper sprinkler system with weather sensor, were installed. Not readily available to the average person, these features, along with zoned heating/cooling and plaster walls enhance the energy efficiency of the home.

The house has three fireplaces, built-ins and wood floors throughout. The master bedroom is down stairs and has windows looking to the main courtyard. Another bedroom and 2 studies (one currently used as a yoga studio) are also on the ground level. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas and a secondary kitchen. There are plenty of closets, attic space and a partial basement.

The floor-plan was perfected by Gill, when he created a magnificent, 2 story, atrium as the heart of the house. A wall of commercial glass and multiple skylights were installed and continue to fill the room with bright sunlight. Connecting the formal dining room to the courtyard and kitchen with interior brick walls, floor and planters, makes this space reminiscent of “Tavern on the Green” in New York. With a wet-bar and a wood burning fireplace, it is easy to understand why the Gill family says this “was their favorite room in the house.”

Gourmet cooks may favor the enormous, well equipped eat-in kitchen which is equally as bright, thanks to two skylights and a large bay window. A long center island with prep sink, gas range, indoor grill, and motorized down draft sits adjacent to dual ovens, full sized sub-zero freezer and separate refrigerator. A gathering space of its own, the kitchen includes a full sized desk, a half bath and access to the largest of two entertaining courtyards.

Recently, this 6,060 square foot home was purchased and updated by another owner. With new soapstone-like countertops, refinished hardwoods, updated bathrooms, and light fixtures, it is move-in ready. It sits on a tree lined street where the original homes of the 1940’s have been pristinely maintained rather than destroyed.