Unique artist-owned ‘Moon Gate House’ in Edgewater lists for $1.1M

The highly customized home features an eclectic blend of Art Nouveau and Asian design influences

By Jay Koziarz Aug 21, 2018, 3:59pm CDT

Situated in the historic Magnolia Glen district of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, this 1910 North Side two-flat turned single family home certainly stands out from the pack.

Known as the “Moon Gate House” for its Chinese-inspired circular entranceway, the brick structure manages to be eye-catching yet still quintessentially Chicago from the curb. The real magic of the former two-flat, however, lies in its highly-customized and eclectic interior.

The inside of the home was a labor of love for current owner and artist Michael Popilek and his late wife Julie Barringer. The couple spent countless hours hand-crafting architectural details inspired by various designs from around the world, listing agent Steve Northey of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group tells Curbed Chicago.

Notable features include a wood and leather-wrapped foyer with a stunningly detailed Art Nouveau-inspired staircase, reclaimed 1890’s oak pocket doors, and a dining room lined with Chinese canvas scrolls woven together to create a single mural. The newly updated chef’s kitchen sports high-end stainless appliances and a small balcony overlooking a landscaped rear garden.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom Moon Gate House at 1264 W. Elmdale Avenue is currently listed for $1.1 million. “This home is truly a work of art that will speak to its next owner,” added Northey.