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On the House: Chicago Mid-Century Modern Comes With Life-Size Playhouse

In an era of tiny-house dreams, a house built inside a larger home sounds like utopia—especially if you’re contending with a Chicago winter.

And for buyers not yet sold on cramming their family into a tiny house, we’ve found a Windy City wonder offering the opportunity to experience tiny-house living without leaving the confines of a larger home.

Located in the basement of this 5,000-square-foot home built in 1957 on Chicago’s North Side—listed in May for $1.1 million with Philip Barone of @properties—is a 200-square-foot playhouse.

The sweet playhouse boasts mint-green shutters and a creamy white exterior, with matching flower boxes for a bit of basement curb appeal.

And if you think this playhouse is a plastic replica of a home, think again. In addition to front and back doors, it features a kitchen with wood cabinets and a sink, plus professional-grade lighting throughout. Curtains and valances cover every window. A miniature “Mona Lisa” painting hangs above a wooden crib holding baby dolls.

The playhouse was built by a professional woodworker, according to this article in which the original homeowner’s daughter reminisces on one of her father’s greatest gifts to her and his five other children.

The main house itself is in perfect condition, and a well-preserved example of Mid-Century Modern architecture.

Highlights include a wraparound wooden bar on the lower level where you can serve guests pink squirrels and crank up the record player.

The eat-in kitchen features an island with suspended cabinetry above (and glass doors on the cabinets) along with updated stainless-steel appliances. Each of the four bedrooms is designed to allow natural light, and a wall of windows keeps the living room feeling sunny.

Three original fireplaces are in great condition and ready to crackle at the first snowfall. And when winter arrives, the attached two-car garage minimizes outdoor time during frigid temperatures.

The home’s 18,000-square-foot lot is a rare find in the city, and ideal for budding gardeners or a household with dogs who need room to roam. A covered patio serves as a spot for hanging out with family and friends.

And once you’ve exhausted your options for hanging out with the adults, you can always retreat to the amazing home within a home in the basement. It’s a retreat unlike anything we’ve seen!

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