Crib Chatter

I used to live in California and loved the Spanish style house architecture there.  When I moved to Chicago I thought my dream of owning my own spanish hacienda was dashed and I would have to buy a brick bungalow or a tudor.

Much to my surprise, the 1930s spanish architecture (which was the peak period for building in that style) didn’t completely bypass the Chicago area and there is still a chance to get my spanish dream.

All that is missing is the palm trees.  (Not sure the big pine tree in the picture above is the kind of tree you’d want near a Spanish Hacienda after all.)

Such a spanish beauty is available right now in Beverly – the small enclave on the south side of Chicago that was the first Beverly Hills (when cows were still roaming in California).  It is so named because it is actually the hilliest part of Chicago (and the highest point in the city.)  It is also famous for its architectural variety.  From the Ridge Historical Society:

The community is rich in examples of Stick, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Tudor, French Provincial, Prairie, Craftsman, Italian Renaissance, Neoclassical, Art Moderne, International Style, Ranch and Contemporary houses.

And, of course, the spanish hacienda.

9021 S. Leavitt: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, doesn’t seem to have a garage but has a carport.  It was recently de-listed and listed again.  It has been on the market for forever.

And yes, obviously, it needs some renovation.  But look at the spanish tiles in the bathroom and kitchen!  This is what a “real” spanish style home in California would have.

• Currently asking $598,000
• There are no sales records going back the last 10 years

I’m assuming most buyers are turned off by the renovation and, yes, maybe even the spanish tiles themselves.  The spanish style is not common in the Chicago area. It’s too bad.  These homes have real “style.”

Also, the $598,000 price tag seems a tad too high for Beverly (and a house in this condition.)  But maybe that’s just me.  (And also maybe why it hasn’t sold in seemingly forever.)