The Ultimate Bungalow Returns: A 4-Bedroom at 5501 W. Cullom in Portage Park
This 4-bedroom brick bungalow at 5501 W. Cullom in Portage Park came on the market in September 2020.
If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2009 where we called it the “ultimate bungalow” given its amazing interior features.
You can see our 2009 chatter here with interior pictures.
Built in 1926, it’s on an oversized corner lot measuring 36×125 and has a 2-car garage.
In 2009, we got some insider info from a tipster on the house:
The listing says it has french walnut walls, traycery ceilings, carved woodwork and stained glass.
The lower level has a 1950s lounge, a wine cellar, a walk in meat smoker (which apparently still works) and a full shuffleboard court in the basement floor.
It was built in 1926, according to a tipster, allegedly by an attorney to the mob who deeded the house in his girlfriend’s name with the intent to use it as a home “outside” of the city.
For those of you inclined to figure out appreciation, it apparently cost $12,000 to build when other homes in the neighborhood cost $3500 due to steel I beam construction, all face brick and floor joists every 12” on center.
The kitchen and baths were remodeled in the 1950s in the art deco style, in which they remain today.
Since 2009, there have apparently been some renovations, to the basement, because there is no more 1950s lounge or full shuffleboard, and to the kitchen.
There’s a recreation room along with a family room, laundry room and utility room now in the basement.
And the listing says nothing about a wine cellar or walk-in meat smoker. It’s unclear if those remain.
The kitchen has been remodeled sometime since the 2009 listing and has white cabinets, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances except for a red oven.
The primary bedroom is on the main floor along with a full bathroom.
Three other bedrooms are on the second floor, along with a full bathroom.
There’s also an enormous 28×25 room that is just listed as “storage” on the second floor.
The half bath is in the lower level.
The house still has the art deco style baths, the stained glass, the moldings, ceilings, walnut paneling and chandeliers.
It also has central air.
The house has a garden, a deck and a small balcony off one of the bedrooms on the second floor.
This bungalow has come on the market at $575,000.
Is this house still the “ultimate” bungalow?
Rizwan Gilani at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.
5501 W. Cullom: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3405 square feet, bungalow
- Sold in January 1995 for $293,000
- Sold in December 2002 for $525,000
- Sold in April 2010 for $580,000
- Sold in November 2011 for $522,500
- Originally listed in September 2020 for $575,000
- Currently is still listed at $575,000
- Taxes of $10,336
- Central Air
- 2 fireplaces (decorative)
- Bedroom #1: 16×13 (main floor)
- Bedroom #2: 15×13 (second floor)
- Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
- Bedroom #4: 11×11 (second floor)
- Living room: 24×17 (main floor)
- Dining room: 18×13 (main floor)
- Kitchen: 17×10 (main floor)
- Foyer: 14×13 (main floor)
- Sunroom: 20×12 (main floor)
- Breakfast room: 14×12 (main floor)
- Mud room: 7×5 (main floor)
- Storage: 28×25 (second floor)
- Family room: 21×17 (lower level)
- Recreation room: 38×25 (lower level)
- Laundry room: 25×14 (lower level)
- Balcony: 9×5 (second floor)
My husband grew up 2 doors down from this house. I always loved it.
based upon google street view, the 28’x25′ storage room is attic crawl space…
Did Jan Terri live here?
Too bad they destroyed the basement time capsule it was a work of art. Where as the Handcock unit reeked of Coke, this one reeks of Aquanet, Old Style, Pall Malls & Virginia Slims in the best possible way.
While they did a nice job with the kitchen epically the coffered ceiling – ties in nicely. I’d have a hard time trading the classic sink, stove and sidewall exhaust
Anyone know the oven mfg?
The bathrooms are f’m awesome. The black and pink w/ the leather door(?) might be the greatest bathroom of all time. Gives me much inspiration
“Anyone know the oven mfg?”
https://www.bluestarcooking.com/cooking/ovens/
The blue, uh, star logo should be a giveaway. (yes, you have to go to the walkthru to see it clearly)
Thanks tfo
This is such a nice, solid looking house. I feel like something my late 1960s house is going to break simply because I’m looking at this listing.
I would be making an offer tonight if they had preserved the walls in the basement. This place rocks. . and you get to be walking distance to one of the greatest outdoor pools (hopefully it opens next summer) . . where Mark Spitz qualified for the 1972 olympics…..
Big crack in the sunroom floor though Wonder whats up with that. Visible in the walk through.
Absolutely beautiful, with wonderful vintage details, beautiful paneling in the living room, and exceptional vintage baths with glass tile in perfect condition. Even the garage is solid and beautiful.
The crack in the sunroom tile may be due to normal settling over time, but I’d definitely want to know the cause.
Very good deal for the price asked.
“Big crack in the sunroom floor though Wonder whats up with that. Visible in the walk through.”
and why is there a floor drain in the middle of the room. doesn’t look like this was once an outdoor porch.
“why is there a floor drain in the middle of the room”
Doesn’t look like a drain–it appears to be directly above a disused ceiling box in the basement. I would guess it is this:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-solid-brass-floor-outlet-1812536700
“Doesn’t look like a drain”
gotcha – should have looked closer on the walk through. even that is an odd location for an outlet.
Contingent
Thanks for the update Keewee.
That was fast but it’s unique.