17 N Pennsylvania Ave, Belleville, IL 62220

This home has over 100 years of life lived in it! It was designed by Otto Rubach, a renowned architect, and was commissioned by a prominent Belleville business owner, who was also the son of the mayor of Belleville in the early 1900s. It is a Craftsman Style home constructed in an architectural style popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, with low roof lines, overhanging eaves, exquisite craftsmanship, and many windows with lovely natural light and distinct views to the outside. It has 1 ft thick walls, built using the pressed bricks from the original owner's own brick company. This home has zoned-style heating with a new A/C & furnace installed in 2017 and a fresh set of vent-free gas logs. When you enter this home you will be amazed by its charm - you'll say "Wow!" as you take in the original woodwork, expansive rooms, high ceilings, huge brick fireplace, built-in book cases, and gorgeous front windows with a crafted window seat. From here, large pocket doors lead you to the dining room where more built-in bookcases are showcased. Just off the foyer are french doors that lead to a cozy den or office space. There are gorgeous original wood floors throughout and nearly 11 ft. ceilings on both levels. A gorgeous multi-landing grand staircase leads you to the upper level where you'll find 3 bedrooms - a master bedroom suite with private access to second story enclosed porch with windows all around - great for sitting and enjoying both a sunny or rainy day! The master bath adjoins the master bedroom and another full bath serves the other bedrooms on this level. The 2nd and 3rd bedroom are very large and have two exterior walls with windows for great natural light. The 4th bedroom, originally the servant's quarters, has been converted to a second floor laundry room making laundry and chores a breeze. (This space could be very easily converted back to a bedroom, and the laundry moved to the basement, where a second set of laundry hookups awaits.) A second staircase leads from this space to the kitchen area. Access to the third level is just up a staircase where the kids can enjoy a unique conditioned (heated and cooled) space, great for watching movies or for playtime. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning on the huge front porch enjoying the view of the "best street in Belleville" and in the evenings head out back to barbecue and enjoy the fenced private back yard with brick patio & enormous shade trees. The brick carriage house garage is accessed from the rear alley and from the backyard and is a great place to park your vehicle and store your yard equipment. This beautiful home is registered on the Belleville Historic Register and is truly, truly a magnificenct home.