While not exactly frozen in time, this sixty-year-old house in suburban Chicago has survived largely intact due to the fact that it has been continuously occupied by the original and current owners. Modifications are largely confined to furnishings and decor; the house itself is remarkably unscathed since its construction. Thanks to its recent listing on Zillow, we can all admire the many iconic mid-century attributes of this rare survivor…

The sleek lines of the exterior’s side elevation hint at the wonders within. Subtle changes in the masonry at each side of the garage door suggest that the garage may have originally sported two smaller overhead doors.

The front door is downplayed, but not insignificant.

A centered knob with a stylish square plate distinguishes the front door as seen from the vestibule. Fluted glass obscures the view in the expansive windows.

The furniture may largely date to the 1970’s, but the paint colors and distribution on the walls are pure mid-century! The vestibule is to the right.

Looking toward the dining area.

The built-in china cabinet is sleek and sophisticated in comparison to a more recent, freestanding, piece of similar function.

A desk from the 1920’s or ’30’s joins more contemporary furnishings at the far end of the living room.

The spacious family room appears to have received the most recent furniture updates (1990’s?). The wood ceiling gleams as if new.

A newer refrigerator pays homage to the original and pristine stainless steel appliances which remain. A recessed outlet for a wall clock languishes above the Chambers oven.

Drawer hardware and receptacle cover plates — along with wallpaper and flooring — appear to date to the 1970’s. A battery-operated clock above the range replaces the original corded clock above the oven.

A stylish light fixture and Breuer chairs, both c. 1970, update what may be the original dinette table.

Glorious!

Even the sink appears to be original.

The bathrooms are fascinating. The lucite knobs of the cabinet doors are delightfully modern.

Glass blocks were fun mid-century when used thoughtfully as seen here. When revived (and overdone) in the 1980’s they lost a lot of their appeal.

A masculine version of the bath above.

Lucite doorknobs!

This paneled room could be a bedroom or office. I’m guessing the Eames Bikini chair is an original furnishing…

The rear of the house as seen from the expansive back yard. More photos may seen in the listing on Zillow.

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