Oak Park’s 1896 Simpson Dunlop estate takes a dip in price

The renovated mansion was designed by notable local architect E.E. Roberts

By Sara Freund Dec 7, 2017, 10:13am CST

Photo: Simpson Dunlop estate in Oak Park — Photos by Coldwell Banker Residential via Estately

While not originally from Chicago, Eben Ezra Roberts or E.E. Roberts, was closely associated with the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School of architectural design. He designed around 200 homes in Chicago’s Oak Park suburb after moving and opening up shop there in 1888. He didn’t always stick to prairie-style, he incorporated various design elements, which can be seen here in the Queen Anne-influenced Dunlop estate created for brothers Simpson and Joseph Dunlop in 1896.

The home offers many Victorian characteristics such as a wrap-around porch and high gables, but does without the ornate lines that traditionally define the classic style. Situated on an approximately one-acre lot in Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, the property also includes a stand-alone coach house, a vegetable garden and a lush, heated conservatory.

Since the 19th century, the six-bedroom mansion has understandably gone through a major renovation. It features upgraded living space and bathrooms, a funky midcentury modern kitchen with heated floors, several cozy fireplaces and a rich mahogany-stained library. Other enviable features include a basement bowling alley, dedicated wine room, and an unfinished, although inspiring, cathedral-like attic space which highlights the home’s cross-gable construction.

After hitting the market in February, the home has also receive a minor price cut. The property was just re-listed a day ago at $2,100,000—down from its previous asking price of $2,250,000.