It is not common to be surprised in this industry. The traditional character of North Suburban real estate is large family rooms, 9' ceilings, and basic dollar/square foot. When it comes to housing, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to your peers. North central real estate (for the most part) is about the same. Sure, that home has stainless appliances & granite tops; that one has Pergo flooring. A big "WOW" may be a screened in porch or finished basement.
To all of us who have fallin' into the production character that drove the residential construction and urban explosion of the 90's, may I introduce you to Golden Hill. Sure, the residents of Golden Hill would rather I keep this under my hat...but I just can't keep this secret. It is a charismatic community that has a developed life and style (not created lifestyle).
Golden Hill is a neighborhood that does not thrive on "Home Tours". When a home becomes available - it usually sells quickly. Most of the homes here were built in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. They all come with resumes like - "Bill Hudnut was here" , "a Supreme Court Justice is there"(not to mention those that are confidential). When I entered the area I think I spoke with "Miss Daisy" from the movie "Driving Miss Daisy". During the conversation I caught a glimpse of Forest Gump running down the lane.
The true delight of Golden Hill is not it's resume, it is it's homes. As presumptuous as their occupants, the homes don't have character - they are characters. Each home stands apart in design and purpose. One of the most surprising attributes of this truly historic area is that some of the homes are affordable (notice the word some). Areas within the homes are labeled like ballroom, vestibule, and quarters. You don't have to drive hours to visit historic homes. You just have to head to 38th Street on the way to the colts game!
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