Just sold for $574,900. Missed opportunity! Check the woodwork! Circa 1906 in Illinois.

Ever feel like modern homes are missing a bit of soul? Step inside a living piece of Bloomington history. Built in 1906 by the renowned Paul Maratz, Historic Graves Grove is a sprawling masterpiece that has been preserved by only three families over the last 119 years. Sitting proudly on three-quarters of an acre right in the heart of town, this is the first time this home has ever been offered on the open market—and it even comes with the original 1906 building receipts and correspondence.

Vital Stats

• Address: 1111 E Grove St, Bloomington, IL 61701
• Sold For: $574,900
• Total Square Footage: 5,088 sqft (Over 4,000 finished sqft)

The Exterior & Curb Appeal

The moment you pull up to this estate, the grand presence of the turn-of-the-century craftsmanship takes your breath away. The timeless combination of classic brick and stucco framing tells you immediately that this home was built to last for generations.

Features

• Historic Architecture: Masterfully designed and built by legendary craftsman Paul Maratz.
• Generous Lot: Set on a rare, sprawling 0.75-acre urban lot.
• Timeless Materials: Low-maintenance, ultra-durable historic brick and stucco exterior finish.

Main Entrance & Common Living Spaces

Cross the threshold and prepare to have your breath taken away by the sheer scale of the jaw-dropping, original woodwork. The grand front hallway features a striking fireplace built with the exact same stones used for the historic Miller Park entrance, which was being constructed at the exact same time. Moving between rooms feels like a grand event, thanks to six magnificent sets of original wood pocket doors.

Features

• Historic Stonework: Front hall fireplace utilizes rare, local stones matching the iconic Miller Park gateway.
• Exquisite Woodwork: Flawless, pristine original crown molding, trim, and grand staircase details.
• Architectural Art: Stunning, custom family crest stained-glass windows that flood the rooms with colored light.
• Flexible Layout: Six intact sets of massive pocket doors to easily open up or close off spaces.

Kitchen & Dining Area

Designed for an era of grand hosting and elegant suppers, the dining and kitchen areas blend historic scale with absolute utility. Whether you are hosting a formal holiday dinner or a casual Sunday brunch, the natural flow of these rooms makes entertaining effortless.

Kitchen & Dining Features

• Grand Scale Dining: Easily accommodates massive dinner tables for large family gatherings.
• Hosting Flow: Positioned perfectly adjacent to the main living areas and the screened porch.
• Warm Ambiance: Multiple fireplaces throughout the main level to keep dinner guests cozy.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

With plenty of room for family and guests alike, the main sleeping quarters offer grand proportions and deep architectural character. Large windows pull in beautiful views of the historic neighborhood, and the layout provides excellent privacy.

Retreat Features

• Four Substantial Bedrooms: Located on the main upper level with expansive floor plans and deep closets.
• Two Full Bathrooms: Conveniently situated to serve both family life and guests comfortably.
• Historic Views: Upper-level windows look out over the mature, leafy canopy of East Grove Street.

Special & Bonus Levels

The surprises don’t stop on the second floor. Head up to the third level to find a massive, fully finished attic that easily serves as a fifth bedroom, a secluded home office, or an epic media room.

Bonus Level Features

• Finished Third Story: A expansive, versatile space functioning perfectly as a 5th bedroom or private studio.
• Documented History: Storage spaces that house the original building receipts and letters from 1906.
• Three Cozy Fireplaces: Strategically placed throughout the home’s levels for ultimate comfort.

Outdoor Space & Local Attractions

The backyard is your own private park, stretching an entire block from Grove Street all the way back to Olive Street. Spend your mornings on the screened-in back porch listening to the peaceful cascade of the fully reconditioned, original 1906 fish pond. Plus, you are just a couple of blocks from Washington Elementary School and minutes from downtown Bloomington.

Outdoor & Location Features

• Block-to-Block Lot: Expansive backyard runs all the way from Grove St. to Olive St.
• Water Feature: Reconditioned original fish pond with peaceful, running water.
• Modern Garage: An extra-large, newer 3-car garage with tons of storage space.
• Unbeatable Proximity: Located just blocks from Washington Elementary and a short commute to Peoria (40 miles) or Champaign (50 miles).

Conclusion

Opportunities like 1111 E Grove Street happen once in a lifetime. You aren’t just buying a 5-bedroom home with over 4,000 finished square feet; you are buying an untouched legacy, unmatched structural integrity, and a park-like sanctuary right in the middle of the city.

Ultimate Selling Points

• First Time Ever on MLS: A truly rare chance to own a home held by only 3 families in 119 years.
• Incredible Space: 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, and over 4,000 finished square feet of jaw-dropping woodwork.
• The Best of Both Worlds: Historic 1906 character paired with a newer, extra-large 3-car garage.

From Zillow

HISTORIC GRAVES GROVE—NEVER BEFORE ON MLS! For the first time in 119 years, an absolute architectural masterpiece is available to the public. Built in 1906 by the legendary Paul Maratz, this jaw-dropping 5,088 sqft estate sits on a massive 0.75-acre block-to-block lot in the heart of historic Bloomington. Meticulously loved by only 3 families, it boasts pristine original woodwork, 6 sets of pocket doors, 3 fireplaces (including a front hall fireplace matching the Miller Park entrance!), and breathtaking family crest stained glass. Features 4 massive main-level bedrooms plus a fully finished 3rd-story attic/5th bedroom. Relax on your screened porch overlooking a private, park-like backyard complete with a fully reconditioned original fish pond, or tinker in the newer, extra-large 3-car garage. Just blocks to Washington Elementary! Centrally located for easy regional travel—only 45 minutes to Peoria, under an hour to Champaign, and a straight shot to Lake Bloomington for weekend getaways. Original 1906 blueprints and correspondence included. Don’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime!

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