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Comfort And Elegance along Lake Drive
This home is a part of Milwaukee`s great history built by one of Milwaukee`s great families. It`s a five bedroom Tudor, originally built for the Froedtert family in 1927. Approaching the home from the corner of Henry Clay and Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay via a long, circular drive that drifts under a canopy of shade trees, one is struck by the immense yet comfortable atmosphere and welcoming presence of this property.
Standing in the entrance foyer, one will appreciate the theme of the interior`s decor. Look upward at the ceiling and view the flourishes and delicate motifs set in the moldings, revealing the builder`s attention to detail. The ceiling design in the larger entrance hall matches the one found in the foyer. The edge of the ceiling is lined with repeating column designs and flower motifs. From the foyer, enter through a wooden archway decorated with carved floral patterns and leading into the great room. To the right, rich-looking dark wood floors stand as a foundation for the special touches found in the home`s fine craftsmanship and detailed artistry. On both sides of the archway in the great room, two electric candles are set in the wall. Wooden ceiling moldings and support beams match the color and feel of the archway. They also feature carved, decorative motifs similar to those seen at the top of the entrance archway.
The great room is elegant without seeming ostentatious. Wood, stone, and metal are used in artful designs that accent the pristine feeling inspired by the design of the entire home. Leaded glass windows are found throughout the home, including a large bay set just beside the great room that currently houses a baby grand piano. The large bay windows bathe the piano in sunlight. The indoor window frames on the far wall are made of gray stone that forms a seamless connection to the wood ceiling moldings, and the upper windows have stained glass designs resembling Grecian columns, pottery, and rich foliage radiating a soft, colorful hue. Recessed wood shelving sits on the far wall to the right of a large stone fireplace. The stone fire surround is laced with carved vine and floral accents, interspersed with geometric patterns. Electric candles on both sides of the fire surround complete the decor, augmenting an overall theme found throughout the home.
Walking through the great room towards the back of the house, one feels invited to step into the soft, comfortable living room area. The view from the living room is phenomenal a pristine backyard met by a well tended garden descending toward the lake. Lake Michigan is fully visible beyond the garden from the living room. The delicate hue of the marble floor, yellow stucco and earthy stone walls magnify the plenitude of light cascading through the numerous leaded glass windows. In addition, the near wall houses a beautifully carved stone fireplace. The fireplace sits between entrances leading to the great room and to the main hallway. Both walkways sit beneath large, rough-hewn wooden support beams.
Here, leaded glass doors open onto a cozy outdoor patio. The patio is surrounded by a thick, waist-high stone wall that wraps around the multi-toned stone floor, leaving a generous opening into the backyard. An afternoon can be well spent here soaking up the sun and the gorgeous scenery.
A large wooden entryway sits between two recessed book shelves leading into the luscious, dark wood paneled dining room. The top of the paneled walls feature intricate wood carved decorations that merge with angled, golden plasterwork. This is highlighted by a grapevine and green leaf motif, complete with lightly colored purple grapes, with the adjoining ceiling done in a complementary soft white. The breakfast nook through the doorway to the left enjoys the morning view of Lake Michigan. It`s decorated with light-colored wallpaper embossed with powder blue diamond patters and winding green leaves at the corners.
A stone fireplace sits beside generous windows. An ornate five-candle chandelier hangs just above the breakfast table. It`s the perfect room to sit with family, both elegant and casual enough to feel at home in.
The spacious, full-service kitchen is ready for large and small culinary endeavors. The amenities allow for meal preparation during large, formal events. It`s also a great space to prepare dinner for the family. Built-in cabinets provide space for pantry items and cookbooks, while the large island in the center of the kitchen allows plenty of space for cooking. The large tiled, earth-tone flooring will be easy to maintain, while ample light from the windows lends the room an easygoing atmosphere.
When the evening comes to a close, retire to one of the five bedrooms featured in the home`s upper level. The large master bedroom is furnished with a white marble fireplace with marble fire surround and mantle. The fire surround`s carved floral decoration adds a pristine, vintage aura to the room, while the wonderful ceiling motif lends a romantic feeling. The master bath has marvelous lavender-hued wall and floor tiles that complement his and her marble sinks. Natural light flows into the room enhancing the glow from multiple lights near the mirror. A stand-up shower is large enough to be its own enclave and is adjoined by a separate bathtub. A huge closet area beside the master bath offers plenty of room for storage, and is decorated with fine wall designs featuring images of birds and foliage over white walls.
Through the hallway just off the master bedroom are two smaller bedrooms. Pale salmon-colored walls and large leaded glass windows offer views over the backyard and Lake Michigan. These comfortable, well-lit rooms are both suitable for children. Toward the end of the upper-level hallway is a larger bedroom with distinctive amenities. A stone and tile fireplace with blue tiled decorations on the fire surround complements a brown hearth. The rest of the room has rich hardwood floors and a private bath. There are numerous leaded windows that brighten this bedroom, showcasing the delicate floral patterned wallpaper and the arched wooden ceiling beams. A metal chandelier completes the decor.
Just beyond this bedroom through the hallway sits a well-furnished office. There is also a spacious room that may be used as an upstairs recreation area. This room is large enough for many children and young adults to play games, enjoy movies, or visit among friends and family. This multipurpose room may also serve as a convenient second office space.
There is additional recreation space in the basement. A downstairs hallway with large, earth-tone tiles connects all the rooms. Two private mid-sized rooms can be used as studio space or for whatever you might imagine. Further down the hall, past another bathroom and a large laundry room with tiled floor, one encounters a full bar and space for a ping-pong table. With a state of the art home theater system, this private little getaway is well suited for an evening of play.
This home balances artistry and craftsmanship with a casual feeling that will inspire family life. Imagine entertaining guests in formal style. The spacious dining room will accommodate many people for dinner. One might then socialize with friends in the great room and then retire to the patio for after-dinner festivities. Take an evening stroll through the large backyard and relax beside the quiet garden overlooking the lake. During the week, enjoy living in a cozy, comfortable setting with space for everybody in the family. This balanced living space allows one to enjoy the best of both worlds. |
