We are proud to share that The Bauer Mansion, a home exclusively marketed by Monarque Group, has been selected as a winner in the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2022! The HGTV Ultimate House Hunt is a month-long online promotion held annually on HGTV.com showcasing incredible real estate listings. More than 1.1 million votes were cast to determine the winners among 77 finalists in eight categories: Amazing Kitchens, Beachfront Homes, Countryside Retreats, Curb Appeal, Downtown Dwellings, Homes with a History, Outdoor Escapes, and Waterside Homes.
The Bauer Mansion received the most votes of all finalists in the Homes with a History category, highlighting its appeal to HGTV.com’s dedicated audience of home enthusiasts all over the country.
A Home with History
This impressive Naperville estate was built by John C. Bauer in 1904. He hired the Brin Concrete Block and Tile Co. of Chicago to construct the Victorian Style Home which was by far the largest and most expensive residence in the area at the time.
The estate was constructed in stages starting in the 1890s with the original coach house to the north of the main home. That structure was much later converted into a single-family home and is no longer part of the estate. The main home has had only 4 owners. Over the years, it has been referred to as both the Bauer Mansion and the Case Mansion, two prominent Naperville families that were long-time caretakers.
John C. Bauer was a self-made success in the printing business with the Chicago Times. In his 20's he started his own business venture that became known as the Horse Review - a weekly publication. Mr. Bauer purchased the "farm" in Naperville to build a prominent residence to enjoy his success in the country along with the acquisition of a number of greenhouses. He then became involved in growing flowers for the market. The back of the home had a large conservatory that was eventually removed by the Case family when it fell into disrepair. Many of the original iris cultivated by Mr. Bauer can be enjoyed around the circular fountain in mid-May.
The second owner of the Mansion was Herbert W. Rumsfield, an executive for the Western Shade and Cloth Co. which made custom awnings in Chicago and the surrounding areas. The third owner was the prominent Case Family who for two generations lovingly cared for and restored the Mansion.
When the current owners purchased the home in 2014, much of the land had been sold off including the land that houses the beautiful and iconic circular fountain. Issac and Stachowiak tirelessly worked to acquire the two .33-acre lots to the south and succeeded in purchasing them. Now the grounds extend 1.6 acres.
A New Era
Over the past 8 years, the owners have updated, renovated, and refreshed every room of the Mansion as well as rejuvenated and enhanced the spectacular grounds. Their vision to make this property into a spectacular modern family home has brought new life to this historic treasure for the 21st century.
Of the many impressive updates, some highlights include:
- The grounds to the north of the home have been designed for the home hobbyist with fenced, raised garden beds, a new heated gardening house, and a fully automated hen house where feathered residents produce fresh eggs daily.
- New interactive-themed kids’ rooms with connecting tunnels and adjoining ensuites with automated sliding mirrored doors designed for maximum fun.
- Redesigned all-new third floor with kitchenette, new bath, and two guest rooms. The original ballroom has been converted into a recreation space with new luxury vinyl planking flooring.
- A sunroom addition with an opened wall between family rooms and the original screened porch. Some updates include an added steel beam, heated floors, a new radiant heat fireplace, and a fully retractable glass wall that disappears above the ceiling, opening to a bi-level composite deck with a professional-grade outdoor kitchen and sweeping views of the grounds.
- The rebuilt center staircase preserves original millwork, newel posts, and handrail, plus an added hidden-door coat closet underneath.
- Two spacious offices, featuring two half baths and a beverage center to accommodate work-at-home and entertaining needs.
We have been truly honored to represent the sale of this incomparable Naperville home and are so happy that HGTV’s fanbase loves and appreciates it as much as we do.
The Monarque Group Specializes in Naperville Real Estate and Naperville Luxury Homes. Contact us to learn more about your distinctive home. To view the listing and all winning properties, visit: www.hgtv.com/ultimatehousehuntwinners
