An article by guest columnist and top producing broker, Janet Owen of Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff
Janet Owen specializes in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, DePaul and Michigan Avenue/Streeterville neighborhoods, and she has sold over $600 million in residential single family homes, condominiums and cooperatives, including several BGD&C properties.
As more people are choosing to move to the city when they become empty-nesters, and more and more young families are choosing to stay in the city, outdoor living and dining spaces are now a “must have” and seem to be on everyone’s wish list. From the smallest balcony to the most expansive lawn, these al fresco spaces are being lovingly transformed into charming and idyllic areas for living.
This beautiful Lincoln Park Tuscan residence, designed by BGD&C Custom Homes, has the most stunning outdoor living rooftop space in the city, with an outdoor kitchen, an imported tiled swimming pool and an incredible unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend the family’s annual Summer movie night where a large screen and several chaise lounges (and even a popcorn maker!) create the perfect place to watch a movie. This is an unsurpassed outdoor living and dining space for the family and their friends to thoroughly enjoy.
The owners of the Lincoln Park Mediterranean Home wanted to scale back the size of their residence in order to accommodate more space for outdoor living. Their collaboration with BGD&C Custom Homes accomplished that goal perfectly. A series of 10’ double doors access the elegant wide stone terrace, which is truly an outdoor extension to the family great room. With retractable European awnings to shade the sun if desired, this terrace is truly a wonderful place to dine al fresco. The owners most definitely make living outdoors a priority and dining outdoors a regular event.
Tucked just near the back of the home is a kitchen garden for these avid chefs and a grilling area. With almost two thirds of their wide lot devoted to exterior spaces, this lovely home is unlike any other and gives a truly different perspective to outdoor living and dining.
- Architecture: BGD&C Custom Homes
- Design/Build & Construction: BGD&C Custom Homes
- Landscape Design & Install: Scott Byron & Co.
- Photos: Tony Soluri