Standing before this 1887 Queen Anne Victorian in Decatur, Illinois, you immediately feel the character of a home built with remarkable craftsmanship. The exterior combines rustic stone masonry, red brick, fish-scale shingles, carved woodwork, a dramatic corner turret, and a covered porte-cochère. Spanning about 3,500 square feet across two main levels, the residence sits on a generous quarter-acre lot in the Decatur Historic District. Its aged exterior paint adds to its historic appearance, while the original masonry and architectural details remain remarkably impressive.
The broad front porch welcomes visitors with turned spindles and hand-carved brackets, while the high gables, turret, and arched upper balcony create a striking roofline. The property offers a rare combination of historic architecture and space close to the city center, preserving details that are difficult to find in modern homes.
Inside, the grand central foyer immediately showcases the home’s original craftsmanship. Gleaming oak floors, leaded glass transoms, carved woodwork, and an open staircase create an impressive entrance. Rich quarter-sawn oak wainscoting covers the walls, while oversized solid-wood pocket doors allow the rooms to be separated for privacy or opened for entertaining.
The formal living room features tall ceilings, thick crown molding, pine floors, and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. Built-in pocket shutters remain inside the deep window casings, adding another distinctive historic detail. The adjoining great room measures approximately 18 by 15 feet and includes a second fireplace surrounded by tall double-hung windows overlooking the grounds.
Overall, the home preserves the atmosphere of a grand late-19th-century residence while offering substantial living space. Its original architectural details, spacious rooms, generous lot, and prominent exterior make it a distinctive example of historic Queen Anne design.