If you have a big family and love to entertain, Recon Construction’s soon-to-be-finished, nearly 7,500-square-foot Hinsdale home, designed by local architects Culligan Abraham, manages to be grand but not ostentatious in the least. Windows galore provide abundant natural light from the basement to the third floor and on all sides of the home; the custom cabinetry and millwork is of the highest quality and craftsmanship; and the magnificent spiral staircase that rises from the basement up to the second floor is truly an engineering feat and bold statement of its own.
With a degree in building construction management from Michigan State University, Dennis Colleran, owner of Recon Construction, spent the past 20 years gaining invaluable experience in the building trade. While heading up construction projects for a large apartment developer, Dennis tackled everything from complete interior renovations, outdoor siding, windows, roofing, and new landscape installation, to building new custom clubhouses, pools, office centers, and fitness centers for large apartment complexes and gated communities. In 2008, he established Recon Construction.
Given his experience, it’s not surprising that Dennis had a vision when he set out to build a custom home in the heart of Hinsdale. With five children of their own, Dennis and his wife understand what kind of home an active family that hosts many gatherings for family and friends needs. Everything in the home at 428 North Vine Street is designed and built to large scale—the peaked Dutch colonial roofline that accommodates huge windows; the bar and butler’s pantry situated strategically at the center of activity on the main floor; and the feeling of spaciousness that flows from one room to another. The home incorporates the high-end amenities that discriminating homeowners desire, while maintaining a warm family atmosphere.
Enter the front door through the courtyard area in front into the living room and formal dining area that gracefully incorporates a four-season sunroom perfect for a cozy seating area or a grand piano. The limestone fireplace on the opposite wall marries the living room with the formal dining room, which boasts paneled doors and walls that blend seamlessly together. Off to one side of the living room is a large room that can serve as a study, library, or in-law suite with its own full bath, French doors, fireplace, and two private patios.
Walk through the dining room to the entertaining hub of the home, where the bar and butler’s pantry offer a view of the spiral staircase (built by Roseland Stair Works) juxtaposed by a three-story high wall of windows. The kitchen beyond is nothing short of stunning with custom cream-colored de Giulio cabinetry,
top-of-the-line appliances such as Wolf and Sub-Zero, a variety of countertop materials including the massive Quartzite-topped island with a custom-designed de Giulio sink and a handmade tile backsplash. The tongue and groove ceiling is complemented by the 5¼ inch walnut floorboards below. Just enough dark stained wood, including that of the enormous custom refrigerator door front, balances the light airy feeling of the room. A sunny breakfast nook adjacent to the vaulted ceiling family room with granite fireplace and a generous and well-designed mudroom between the garage and kitchen make this back half of the home self-contained for everyday living.
Travel upstairs via one of the two handsome dark wood varnished staircases to five bedrooms, each with its own full bath. Enter double doors to the master suite with its own fireplace, second floor outside bluestone terrace, all-marble bath with steam shower, and a freestanding-footed bathtub that fills from above. The built-in dressers and bookshelves in some of the bedrooms add character and efficiency to the rooms. A fully finished charming third floor makes for a perfect playroom, study, or guest suite.
Descend two stories to the large basement with full-size bar, fireplace, heated radiant floors, and insulated media room outfitted with a stage and wired for a state-of-the-art home theatre. An enormous window well turned into a terrarium brings in both light and foliage so that it doesn’t feel like a lower level at all.
Outside, bluestone pavers, an expansive patio with outdoor fireplace, and side porches tucked here and there around the exterior of the home extend the living and entertaining. In addition to the two-car attached garage is a separate one-car garage in back with its own ample storage space above.
As an added bonus for families, the home is located very near to Burns Field, a nine-acre park that features six tennis courts, paddle tennis, basketball courts, playground equipment, picnic areas, and an ice rink in winter.
Dennis Colleran and Recon Construction have certainly made a mark with this fabulous new home that promises many wonderful memories for the family that occupies it.
For more information, contact Dennis Colleran at [email protected] or 630-417-1131, or Peggy Smego, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, at [email protected] or 630-455-8186.
—Elaine Doremus
