501 N. Main St., Tuscola, IL 61953

Designed by prominent architect George Ramey, this home has been in the family of the original owners since 1925. The beautiful Georgian exterior hints at the stunning original interior. The Oak-paneled entry leads to an oversize living room with oak-beamed ceilings. French doors everywhere allow the entire first floor to be as open as any 21st-Century floorplan. The lovingly cared-for interior features original door hardware and light fixtures throughout. NEW in 2018: The ENTIRE brick exterior has been tuckpointed this year. That's a $28,000 maintenance item that most older homes have not had done. NEW copper guttering and downspouts frame the clay tile roof, which was NEW in 2015. The tile is an exact reproduction of the original Ludowici Imperial style, made from the original molds. New central air was carefully integrated into the design to avoid any distraction from the pristine period interior. Hot water heat provides clean, even heat without the dryness of forced air. Unlike most “historic” homes, this residence provides modern conveniences we come to expect in newer homes. The kitchen, NEW in 2016, was designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home while accommodating a dishwasher, garbage disposal, modern lighting, and lots of storage topped by granite countertops. Each of the four bedrooms has its own closet, with the larger two bedrooms featuring double closets. The baths still have the original white subway wall tiles and black-and-white mosaic floor tiles. The attached garage was a rarely-seen amenity in 1925. A full basement and attic provide additional storage and access to mechanical systems. An early 1960s Cold War update includes a basement fallout shelter with cots, water storage, and chemical toilet.