A tour of our charming old townhome (we occupy the lower level and have access to the creepy basement) in Chicago. When I say old we're talking late 1800's (according to our neighbors)!
We're across the street from a massive cemetery. Homeless people love to wander down our street from the shelter north of the cemetery and sit on our porch and sing to themselves in the middle of the night. But otherwise, the location is pretty great. Within walking distance of Wrigley field, cute cafes and boutiques line our street. We're a mile from the shore/"beach". Shopping in the city (especially with a baby) has proved to be trickier, but I'm close enough to a Target, Trader Joes, Costco, and all the essentials places!
It's not modern but we feel like we got a pretty lucky (central air, washers/dryers/dishwasher, and square footage are all hard to come across winthin budget in Chicago).
Front entry hall...
In the living room looking into the
dining room master bedroom. Those curtains are our bedroom "door". They block out light and noise and offer privacy. Or not.
The first night we slept with our bed/heads in the bay window (that faces that busy street) but after waking up to every honk and conversation that went on outside we shifted things around. It's still loud but we manage some sleep.
Our fireplace. It's kinda pretty. But it's fake.
Baby furniture/toys are starting to take over our lives.
Our tin ceiling.
The hallway that separates the living room and kitchen. Clara's door is to the right off of the living room (more on that later). The bathroom door is on the left of this short hallway.
Only one bathroom. Fewer toilets to clean isn't a bad thing. Although the white tile was clearly a bad call.
Ah, the kitchen. Not particularly good looking but it has all the essentials (minus a garbage disposal).
The door to the right leads to the basement. The door on the left to the spare room (where a lovely futon awaits all welcome guests).
The spare room with the trendy wood panelling.
It's our closet, office, library, ironing room, and guest suite.
To below. We're going to have to get a gate before Clara begins moving or she's going to have a long plunge to take.
And finally, the basement. It's honestly creepy. I'm grateful for the washing machine but I get nervous every time I have to change a load of laundry. The basement is actually huge, but I keep to my dimly-lit little corner. There is also a dungeon-like back entrance from outside with creaky stairs from the basement to each level and the attic. Like out of a horror movie.
Coming soon... Clara's room! It's still under construction, but we'll hopefully finish it within the next few weeks. Baby girl finally has a real crib to sleep in!
