Lincoln Way Stay in Franklin Grove, Illinois, is a meticulously renovated century home showcasing elegant early 20th-century architecture with gabled roofs and Victorian elements. Built in the late 1800s, this historic property spans an impressive 10,000 square feet in the main house alone, offering luxury accommodations across six bedrooms, four floors, and modern commercial-grade amenities, complemented by original outbuildings like a well house and barn. The estate’s recent $3 million renovations include HVAC upgrades, exquisitely designed interiors, and lush outdoor spaces with features such as a water garden and fireside pagoda, all nestled on an expansive plot. Listed at $1,500,000, this iconic Midwestern residence blends historical charm with contemporary comfort, ideal for gatherings or luxury short-term stays.
Front Exterior
A two-story historic home sits at the end of a winding concrete path, nestled within a lush, green landscape. The house features a standing seam metal roof in a muted gray-blue tone, which contrasts with the abundant greenery surrounding it. Windows wrap around the upper floor, providing a panoramic view of the property. A spacious covered porch extends across the front, partially hidden by well-tended garden beds filled with bushes and flowers. Mature trees frame the home on all sides, creating a serene, private atmosphere while dappled sunlight falls across the lawn and leafy plantings. A greenhouse structure is visible to the left.
Garage Exterior
A two-story structure with a modern barn aesthetic, characterized by a metal roof and a row of large wooden garage doors along the first level. Above the garages, a line of windows stretches across the upper story, letting in ample natural light. The driveway is paved with smooth, dark asphalt and curves gracefully around the building. The exterior is painted in muted, earthy tones that blend with the surrounding mature trees, dense foliage, and shrubbery. Potted plants are neatly arranged near each garage entrance, adding a touch of greenery, while the scene is bathed in bright daylight under a clear blue sky.
Entry Hallway
A spacious entry hallway features gleaming natural wood floors and matching wide-trimmed double doors with grid-style windowpanes. The design blends traditional and craftsman details, including heavy wooden columns that subtly divide the room into distinct sections. Off to the side, a simple metal coat rack and a light upholstered bench offer functional entry seating. The walls are painted a clean white, contrasting with the warm wood tones. Further in, a cozy sitting area with two tufted chairs and a small round table rests atop a pale area rug, illuminated by natural light from large windows and glass doors.
Living Room Details
A cozy living room featuring warm-toned hardwood floors and a large cream-colored textured area rug. The stone fireplace with rustic wooden mantel acts as a focal point, flanked by a vintage-style upholstered side chair with a small black side table. A vibrant purple velvet sofa with decorative patterned pillows provides bold color, while a wooden coffee table with metal legs offers a rustic charm. The walls are bright white, adorned with a colorful sunflower painting. Adjacent, light blue cabinetry with glass shelving, mosaic tile backsplash, and a built-in wine fridge add a touch of modern convenience. Ceiling lights with glass shades enhance the inviting ambiance.
Living Room Layout
Spacious living area featuring a warm and inviting layout with polished hardwood floors and a large off-white area rug. The left wall is dominated by a rustic stone fireplace with a wooden mantel and decorative antlers. Contemporary light fixtures with clusters of round bulbs drop from the ceiling, giving a modern touch. Seating includes a vibrant purple sofa, two patterned armchairs flanking a small side table, and a neutral upholstered couch. Against the back wall, a wooden window nook and additional chairs create a comfortable workspace or reading spot. Walls are painted white, allowing colorful artwork and wood accents to stand out.
Dining Room Table
A long, rectangular dining space features a large wooden table surrounded by matching chairs with crisscross backs. The room is lined with light pine wood paneling on walls and ceiling, creating a warm, rustic cabin feel. Recessed lighting and pendant lamps hang above, including a purple centerpiece lamp over the table. Expansive windows on one side bring in daylight, trimmed in dark wood. The stone tile flooring displays earthy tones, with a floral area rug beneath the table. Visible from the open doorway is a cozy living area with armchairs, adding to the inviting, homey atmosphere.
Dining Area Details
Warm pine paneling lines the walls and ceiling, creating a cozy, rustic cabin atmosphere. The floor features large slate-style tiles in shades of beige, gray, and brown, adding a touch of earthiness to the room. In the center, a wooden dining table is surrounded by matching chairs with cushioned seats, set on a vibrant floral rug with bold, colorful patterns. To the left, oversized windows framed in dark wood allow abundant natural light and offer garden views. The far wall houses a wooden door with a window, accented by soft wall sconces, and to the right, an opening leads to a modern kitchen.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room featuring large wood-trimmed windows that fill the space with natural light and provide a view of a leafy yard. The room is anchored by a plush patterned area rug in light blues and grays. Seating includes an ornate patterned sofa in brown tones, two light armchairs, and two cowhide-upholstered ottomans, all gathered around a round, carved coffee table. The walls are painted white with a soft blue accent, and decorative crown molding and historic woodwork add warmth. An art print in a black frame and a striking modern chandelier complete the elegant yet welcoming aesthetic.
Kitchen Countertop
Bright, spacious kitchen featuring a long, marbled countertop with a double sink and brushed nickel faucet. Under-cabinet storage is painted in soft sage green, harmonizing with blue-gray drawers and vintage bronze hardware. The flooring consists of rich, multicolored slate tiles, adding warmth and texture. Stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher and professional-grade stove, contribute a modern touch. Large bay windows with natural wood frames invite abundant daylight, offering tree-filled views. Overhead, industrial-style pendant lighting and recessed ceiling lights create a welcoming ambiance. Open wooden doorways lead into adjacent living spaces, reinforcing the historic character with dark wood accents.
Kitchen Details
A spacious kitchen with a natural, earthy color palette, featuring a large central island with a marble countertop and beadboard paneling. The floor is composed of multicolored slate tiles in warm brown, ochre, and charcoal tones. Custom cabinetry in soft green-gray lines the walls, complemented by stainless steel professional-grade appliances including a double oven and large refrigerator. Decorative lighting with glass shades hangs above the island. A window with wood trim provides plenty of natural light, while a staircase with wood paneling and a runner leads to another level. The overall design blends historic charm with modern functionality.
Master Bedroom
A spacious bedroom with a prominent silver four-poster bed takes center stage, topped with crisp white bedding and a ‘DREAM’ accent pillow. Warm wooden trim frames the windows and doorway, contrasting with the pale wall colors and hardwood floor. Large windows let in natural light and reveal leafy greenery outside. The wall above the bed features a large, rustic art piece resembling a map, made of distressed wood in two tones. Coordinated bedside tables hold modern lamps, while a colorful floral area rug adds softness and vibrance at the foot of the bed. An adjoining room with sheer curtains and a soaking tub hints at an ensuite bathroom.
Bathroom Details
This cozy bathroom features a large white soaking tub with dark bronze fixtures, set against a striking backdrop of stacked stone with small decorative items along the ledges. The walls are painted a soft, pale yellow, adding warmth to the space. Above the pedestal sink is a wooden-framed mirror with candle-like sconces, enhancing the historic charm. Various potted plants and hanging greenery bring vitality to the room, blending nature with relaxation. The flooring is rich wood, and open shelves provide storage for towels and toiletries. A painting of sunflowers adds an inviting, cheerful accent above the tub.
Rustic Bedroom
A spacious bedroom featuring a natural woven bed frame and clean white bedding. The focal wall behind the bed is clad in weathered wood planks, providing a historic farmhouse feel, while the remaining walls are painted a soft green. Two windows draped with white curtains allow abundant light to fill the space, contrasting beautifully with the dark wood trim and floors. A pair of wooden nightstands flank the bed, each topped with minimalist mounted reading lamps. A geometric, stone-patterned area rug softens the floor, and subtle decorative accents lend warmth and character to the relaxing environment.
Upstairs Landing
A spacious upstairs hallway features rich, dark wood floors and matching wood trim along doorways, windows, and railings, highlighting historical craftsmanship. The walls are painted a soft white, offering a clean contrast to the wood elements. An antique light fixture with a geometric metal frame hangs from the ceiling, adding a touch of vintage charm. A simple but colorful area rug lies at the top of the stairs, complementing the earthy tones. A built-in wooden bookshelf with a display area above holds books and postcards, while a nearby doorway leads into a sunlit adjacent room decorated with stained glass windows.
Bathroom Vanity Area
A bathroom featuring a natural, rustic aesthetic with light stone tiles covering the walls and shower area. The walk-in shower has a textured pebble tile floor and a built-in wooden bench, with slate-toned framing and a small horizontal window letting in natural light. The vanity area includes a marble countertop, antique-style bronze fixtures, and a dark wood cabinet with iron hardware. Above the toilet, a black metal rack holds neatly rolled towels. A round mirror with an ornate, leaf-patterned gold frame adds a vintage touch, complementing the overall cozy and elegant atmosphere.
Back Porch Seating
An expansive wooden porch runs along the side of the house, offering both shaded and sunlit areas beneath a pale beige overhang. Olive-green horizontal siding lines the exterior wall, punctuated by several evenly spaced windows with black frames that reflect the surrounding trees and yard. A simple dining setup with a dark rectangular table and modern, translucent chairs creates a casual outdoor seating area. At the far end, two classic wooden rocking chairs face outward, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the tranquil view. The porch is bordered by tall trees, lending a peaceful, natural feel to the space.
Foyer Staircase
An inviting entryway with a warm wood staircase leads to an upper landing, featuring an artistically crafted wrought iron railing with organic, vine-like motifs. The walls are painted a soft aqua, complementing honey-toned wood floors and a knotty pine ceiling above the entry. To the side of the staircase, a compact wooden desk with a matching lamp and patterned armchair creates a cozy nook. The oval-glass front door with dark wood trim offers a welcoming focal point, while stained glass panels above the stairs add a touch of historic charm and colorful detail to the bright, airy space.
Home Office Corner
A cozy workspace features a long wooden window bench topped with a potted houseplant and a white classical bust. Three large windows framed in rich, dark wood allow ample natural light, with views of lush green trees outside. The workspace includes a small writing desk with a table lamp, a printer, and wall-mounted maps above, adding a scholarly ambiance. The oak chair at the desk has detailed upholstery. Two area rugs in blue and soft gray provide contrast to the hardwood floors. Warm wooden door and trim details contribute to the room’s historic charm and inviting atmosphere.
Living Room Staircase
A stone fireplace stretches from floor to ceiling in the center of this space, anchored by a white wood stove on a stone hearth. Sunlight streams through tall, arched windows framed in dark wood, filled with leafy green views. To the right, a staircase features a unique wrought iron railing adorned with branch and bird motifs, complemented by a rustic lamp with a tree-inspired base atop a wooden console table. The golden wood floors glow warmly, cushioned by an intricately patterned area rug. The space exudes a cozy yet natural elegance, combining organic textures with modern, rustic furnishings.
Bedroom Corner
A cozy bedroom featuring a single daybed with a decorative black metal frame sits against a soft blue accent wall. Above the bed, framed animal artwork and a white decorative animal head add an eclectic, playful touch. Under the bed, neatly arranged wicker baskets offer extra storage. Large windows with dark wood trim allow abundant natural light, and sheer white curtains soften the view of leafy greenery outside. The warm wood flooring contrasts with a plush, pale area rug that covers much of the floor. A mirrored vanity with a lamp enhances the airy, fresh, and welcoming ambiance.
Bedroom Suite Details
Spacious bedroom features natural wood-paneled ceiling and polished honey-toned wooden floors, complemented by deep purple accent walls. The center of the room hosts a low-profile, contemporary upholstered bed dressed in crisp white bedding, flanked by matching vintage wooden nightstands with modern lamps. Large wood-framed windows, dressed with dark blinds, allow natural light to filter in and overlook leafy greenery outside. Roomy wooden sliding doors and rich molding frame the space, hinting at historic craftsmanship. Subtle woven accents like a wicker basket and chair soften the look, while framed art decorates the walls, adding a touch of personal charm and character.
Rustic Bathroom Vanity
A bathroom with a rustic and cozy feel, featuring a wooden vanity with two vessel sinks and dark metal fixtures along one wall. Above the vanity hangs a large, round mirror suspended from a thick rope, flanked by two industrial-style wall lights. The floors are covered in pebble-style stone tiles, adding an organic touch. The walls are painted a soft, muted green shade, complemented by natural pine wood trim around the double-pane window and matching exposed shelving. Colorful floral artwork and a decorative tissue box atop the toilet bring subtle pops of color and charm to the space.
Attic Bedroom
A cozy attic bedroom with a sloped, vaulted ceiling painted white, creating a bright and airy feel. The bed sits against a feature wall made of warm-toned wood planks, accented by built-in lighting and industrial metal details. The bed is topped with Southwestern-style bedding in teal, tan, and red patterns. A rustic wooden trunk sits at the foot of the bed. The natural wood flooring is complemented by a blue geometric area rug and a white shag rug in the seating nook, which holds a classic wooden armchair. Warm, ambient lighting and soft textiles add to the inviting atmosphere.
Bedroom Focal Point
A cozy bedroom featuring a black metal bed frame with white bedding and a bold blue blanket. Two decorative pillows, one adorned with bird illustrations, rest at the head of the bed. The light green shiplap walls and exposed wooden ceiling beams create a rustic-cottage ambiance. A whimsical owl painting hangs above the bed, while delicate table lamps with botanical patterned shades sit on each side atop slender metal side tables. A light, textured rug softens the wooden floor, and a wide wall-mounted mirror enhances the room’s brightness and sense of space. Natural light streams in, highlighting these charming details.
Bathroom Entryway
Warm, honey-toned knotty pine covers the floors, walls, and ceiling, creating a cozy, cabin-like feel in this small hallway. Two sliding barn doors are used: one with solid wood and iron hardware opening into a bathroom, and another featuring frosted glass. Inside the bathroom, a window lets in natural light, highlighting sage green walls and a patterned pebble tile floor. An old-fashioned white toilet and utilitarian metal towel rack give a nod to vintage style. An exposed light fixture and a simple framed painting provide subtle accents, while the sloped ceiling adds architectural character.
Bathroom Shower Area
This bathroom features a corner glass-enclosed shower with chrome hardware and built-in shelving for toiletries. The walls are painted a calming light green, complemented by a natural pine tongue-and-groove ceiling that gives the space a rustic charm. An ornate white-framed mirror hangs above a pedestal sink fitted with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, adding a touch of vintage elegance. A hexagonal tile backsplash in neutral tones is installed beneath the mirror. Wildlife artwork, including a bison photograph and an owl painting, enhances the cozy, nature-inspired décor. A small wooden table with lower storage and stone-tiled flooring complete the inviting look.
Cozy Guest Bedroom
Warm wooden elements define this inviting guest bedroom, with a tongue-and-groove pine ceiling and matching trim creating a rustic yet polished cabin feel. Two metal-frame beds, dressed in crisp white linens and textured beige throws, are set against opposite walls. A vintage-inspired area rug with soft blue and tan patterns lays between them. The floor is wood-look tile, enriching the cozy atmosphere. A window with diamond-patterned glass adds architectural interest and diffuses natural light. Subtle artwork and minimal accessories, including a simple luggage rack and wooden bench, give the room a relaxed, uncluttered character. Exposed white brick and hooks add historic flair.
Bathroom Vanity Area
A small bathroom space featuring a dark wood vanity with a white marble countertop. Above the sink is a vintage-inspired framed mirror, flanked by two classic sconce light fixtures on the wall. Light green and gray subway tiles line the walls, transitioning seamlessly into hexagonal floor tiles in soft neutral tones. A large window with white blinds allows natural light to brighten the room, while a tall leafy plant in a white planter provides a pop of green. Accents include framed wall art, a white toilet, a striped shower curtain, and a towel rack with plush beige towels.
Basement Lounge Area
A cozy basement space with stone-clad walls and a low, white ceiling punctuated by recessed lighting. The room features light wood-look tile flooring and a large traditional red-patterned area rug. Two mismatched armchairs—one in a floral upholstery, the other in a blue and red plaid—are arranged to face a sizable flat-screen TV mounted on the far wall. Black metal pipes form a garment or display rack on the right side, while a vintage-style standing lamp emits warm light, complementing the earth tones throughout. The overall ambiance blends rustic charm with practical comfort and understated modern touches.
Dining Area
A spacious dining area blends rustic and modern elements, featuring a large wooden dining table paired with a mix of blue-patterned and wooden chairs, set atop a geometric-patterned rug. The walls are painted a soft green, contributing to a cozy atmosphere. To the left, a built-in oak cabinetry with glass doors displays dinnerware and glassware, adding historic character. The right side includes a modern kitchen with white paneled cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Pendant lights with woven and glass designs hang from the ceiling. Wide-plank wood floors unify the space, and French doors with dark trim let in abundant natural light.
Listing Agent: Rebecca Hazzard of Re/Max Of Rock Valley via Zillow
