Historic 1917 Farmhouse in Geneva, Illinois With a Renovated Barn, Saltwater Pool, and Timeless Character on 1.4 Acres
This iconic 1917 farmhouse in Geneva, Illinois, offers a unique blend of century-old history and modern amenities on a sprawling 1.4-acre plot just a mile from downtown. Reflecting classic American farmhouse architecture, the meticulously updated home features a bright family room, expanded kitchen, and an in-law apartment now serving as a spacious primary suite. The property’s highlight is a beautifully restored barn, complete with a full kitchen, sauna, and sport court, paired with a resort-like saltwater pool and pool house addition. Recent renovations include new roofs (2022–2023), mechanicals (2024–2025), and refreshed appliances. Listed at $1,250,000, this timeless estate offers endless possibilities for multi-generational living or entertaining, making it truly one in a million.
Front Exterior
A two-story historic American home with classic white siding and black shutters sits gracefully on a spacious, manicured lawn framed by mature trees. Warm yellow light glows from the numerous windows, contrasting with the twilight sky’s deep purples and indigos. The house features a prominent red brick chimney at the center of its facade and a charming front porch with white railings. To the right, a large barn-style outbuilding with soft exterior lighting and a curved black roof adds rustic charm. Carefully trimmed hedges and a wooden fence complete the serene, timeless atmosphere of the property.
Front Yard at Dusk
A sweeping, lush green lawn extends from the foreground, framed by mature trees with sprawling branches that partially obscure the view. At left, a charming two-story historic home features classic white wooden siding and a prominent brick chimney, emanating a warm, welcoming glow from its well-lit windows. Adjacent to the right sits a large white barn with a distinctive gambrel roof, surrounded by a wooden fence and shrubbery. The sky transitions from day to evening, displaying dusky blue and purple hues, while the overall scene exudes peacefulness and a sense of rural Americana.
Backyard Facade
A two-story historic American home with white horizontal siding is positioned in the center of a lush green yard. The house features black window shutters and a striking red brick chimney. A sunroom with large windows extends from the right side of the home, blending indoor and outdoor living. Manicured green hedges line the home’s foundation, and mature trees frame the yard, providing a serene, shaded environment. The architectural style is traditional, with symmetrical window placement and a gable roof, giving the exterior a classic, timeless charm enhanced by the natural landscaping and spacious lawn.
Backyard Lawn
A wide, open grassy lawn stretches across the image, bordered on both sides by mature leafy trees that cast dappled shadows on the lush grass below. The historic home sits off to the left, featuring classic white siding and a striking red brick chimney. The house has large windows and a screened-in porch area visible along the lower side, embraced by well-maintained hedges. Behind the main house, a traditional barn-style outbuilding with a gambrel roof is painted white to match, surrounded by more shrubs. The overall setting feels peaceful, private, and shaded, offering ample space for outdoor activities.
Entryway Details
A cozy, inviting entryway featuring a wooden front door with narrow glass panels near the top, framed by classic striped wallpaper in shades of cream and muted red. To the left, a small step leads to another room with hardwood flooring and a partially visible interior. Wall-mounted hooks hold a straw hat and offer space for coats or bags. A vintage wooden console table sits along the right wall, topped with a tray and an antique-style lamp with an olive green shade, next to a rectangular mirror. The tile flooring complements the wood trim and adds to the welcoming, nostalgic ambiance.
Stairway Entry
An inviting entryway with a classic staircase occupies the right side, featuring stained wooden handrails and balusters along with light beige carpeting on the stair steps. Soft blue painted walls contrast gently against the natural wood trim of doors and baseboards. A light fixture set in the ceiling provides a warm glow. To the left, a large wooden door integrates seamlessly with the wall. Straight ahead through a doorway is a glimpse of another room with striped wallpaper, a small dark wood table, a table lamp, and a decorative wall mirror, adding depth and character. A large green potted plant sits on the right in a woven basket, adding a lively touch.
Living Room Details
Spacious living room with light blue walls complemented by white crown molding. The hardwood floor is a medium oak tone, adding warmth to the space. Two large cream-colored sofas with light blue accent pillows create a cozy seating area around a glass-topped coffee table. A bay window framed with red-patterned curtains lets in natural light, and a table lamp sits beside the sofa. In one corner, a vintage wooden writing desk displays a glass lamp and green potted plant. An open stairway with wood railings descends to one side, next to an arched doorway leading to another room with striped wallpaper.
Living Room View
Spacious living room featuring pale blue walls, white trim, and glossy oak flooring. A white sofa with light blue pillows sits in the foreground near large front windows dressed with floral-patterned drapes and valances, filling the room with natural light. To the right, a cozy seating nook includes armchairs, a round ottoman, and a side table with a lamp. Centered on the far wall, a brick fireplace with a wooden mantle holds tall candlesticks and a landscape painting. On the left, an ornate wooden armoire stands beside a built-in bookshelf displaying neatly arranged decor and plants, contributing to a traditional, homey feel.
Dining Room Details
Central to the space is a large wooden dining table surrounded by six striking blue leather chairs, set atop a floral-patterned area rug. The wooden floor adds warmth, while the classic hutch and sideboard offer additional storage and vintage appeal. Light blue walls are contrasted with a decorative blue and floral border along the ceiling, which is further accentuated by a floral hand-painted chandelier medallion. A glass chandelier hangs above the table, casting soft light. French doors with glass panes open to a sunroom, blending traditional elements with bright, airy ambiance and cozy, welcoming decor.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room with a warm, welcoming aesthetic features light-stained parquet wooden flooring and large picture windows framed in natural wood, flooding the room with natural light. Soft blue slipcovered furniture, including a sofa and armchair with ottoman, creates a relaxed feel, complemented by crisp white accent pillows. A modern abstract painting in cool tones hangs on the white-paneled wall above the sofa. The ceiling is finished with a wooden crown molding that matches the window frames, and a central ceiling fan with lights adds functionality. At the far end, French doors lead into a cozy adjacent sitting room.
Sunroom Seating Area
Warm wood paneling lines the ceiling and walls, complemented by large windows on three sides that fill the space with natural light. The seating includes a rich red leather sofa with plaid pillows, a black leather armchair, and a checkered fabric armchair, arranged around a simple glass coffee table. A wooden TV console holds a flat-screen television, decorative vases, and a clock. Beige carpeting softens the floor, while greenery in a pot and a floor lamp by the window add hominess. The earthy tones and check patterns evoke a welcoming, rustic atmosphere that feels both cozy and timeless.
Family Room Seating
A cozy family room features a warm, rustic aesthetic with knotty pine wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, enhanced by recessed lighting and a modern ceiling fan. Large, white-trimmed windows fill the space with natural light, offering a clear view of mature trees and a neighboring roofline. Centered in the room sits a vibrant red leather sofa adorned with two navy and white plaid throw pillows. Flanking the sofa are a classic dark leather recliner and two elegant lamps with cream shades atop vintage wood side tables. A glass coffee table with metal legs holds stacked books and a small plant, while a wooden media unit with a large television completes the comfortable, inviting look.
Dining Area View
A cozy dining nook features a round wooden table with four matching chairs set atop a neutral carpet, blending seamlessly with the warm honey-toned wood paneling on the walls and ceiling. Large picture windows line the wall, offering an inviting view of the swimming pool and landscaped backyard, with a pool house and patio furniture visible outside. An elegant table lamp sits to the right, adding soft ambient light, while a classic wooden hutch on the left showcases glassware. The space exudes a rustic yet comfortable charm, with natural textures and earthy tones creating a welcoming, lived-in atmosphere.
Kitchen Cabinets
A spacious kitchen features a U-shaped counter layout with wood floors and whitewashed wood cabinets topped with crown molding. The backsplash displays diamond-shaped black accents along a crisp white background. Coordinated white appliances, including a large refrigerator and built-in dishwasher, maintain a clean look. Above the sink, two large double-hung windows bring in natural light and are dressed with black-and-white checked valances, adding a touch of country charm. The countertops, in simple white, offer plenty of workspace. Brass hardware and subtle decorative details create a blend of rustic and classic American style, complemented by recessed ceiling lights.
Kitchen Island Area
This space features an open kitchen layout with a central island and casual dining area. The cabinetry and island are finished in weathered, light-toned wood with gold-toned hardware, complemented by glossy hardwood flooring. Country-style touches include black-and-white gingham valances over the windows and matching tile accents along the backsplash. The roomy island doubles as a breakfast bar, with turned wooden spindle chairs surrounding it. Large windows and a glass door provide ample natural light and views of greenery outside, while recessed lighting and a distinctive ceiling fan add a mix of modern and vintage charm.
Kitchen Workspace
Spacious kitchen featuring light wood cabinetry with a weathered finish and open shelving for airy storage. The dark granite countertops contrast with the pale cabinets and sit atop a large island with integrated breakfast bar seating, including gray and wooden stools. Decorative pendant lamps with stained glass-style shades hang above the island, reflecting warmth. The hardwood floors add richness and warmth to the space. A built-in desk area with shelving offers a dedicated workspace. Checked valances on the windows add a touch of vintage charm, while understated potted plants and framed art provide homely accents.
Bathroom Vanity Area
Compact bathroom with retro charm, featuring cream-colored tile on the lower walls contrasted by vivid blue paint on the upper walls and ceiling. The frosted glass window brings in diffused daylight above a classic toilet, with a chrome towel bar mounted on the wall. The vanity features wood laminate cabinetry, a white countertop, chrome faucet, and an oval sink. Decorative details include a small potted plant, rolled towels, and hand soap. A large mirror with a white frame reflects the light from a modern wall sconce, adding brightness and a sense of spaciousness to the small room.
Upstairs Landing
A small upstairs landing area with soft blue-green walls, white trim, and neutral light carpet underfoot. To one side, a simple stairway with a dark wood handrail descends to the lower floor. Two doorways are visible: ahead, a bedroom with a wooden four-poster bed, wood flooring, and a large window with sheer curtains, plus a deep blue armchair; to the right, a closed white door set in crisp white casing. The ceiling is white, and the space feels calm and airy, capturing a subtle historic charm through classic color tones and traditional details.
Bedroom Seating Area
This is a cozy, upstairs bedroom featuring a sloped ceiling and soft gray paneled walls. The queen-sized bed sits beneath a pair of windows dressed in sheer, cream-colored curtains, with a matching striped bedspread and pillows. Each side of the bed has a wooden nightstand, one with a mid-century mirror and a leafy green plant. A wooden bench stands at the foot of the bed. On the right, a windowed wall hosts an air conditioner and a comfortable plaid loveseat in soft yellow and cream. Warm sconce and lamp lighting complement the welcoming, homey atmosphere.
Kitchen Breakfast Bar
A cozy kitchen corner features a wooden breakfast bar with two black stools placed beneath it, set against a backdrop of soft grey walls and ceiling. Three windows let in natural light, adorned with light grey ruffled valances. In the background, a white stacked washer and dryer unit seats beside a window, and a small wooden dresser adds warmth. The countertop is lightly accessorized with a lamp and a tray. The floor is a rich, polished dark wood, offering warm contrast to the light neutral palette of the cabinetry and walls. To the right, a doorway leads to a stairway and hallway.
Bathroom Vanity
A compact bathroom featuring a white vanity with a single sink and polished silver faucet, topped by a mirrored medicine cabinet with six globe vanity lights above. The space feels bright and airy, with all-white walls and cabinetry complemented by sleek hardware. Natural light pours in through a window dressed in gray half curtains, offering privacy while still allowing daylight. A towel ring with a neatly folded white towel adds a touch of softness. Subtle decorative touches include a minimalistic botanical artwork in a wooden frame above the toilet and a small green plant accent on the tank, maintaining a clean and fresh ambiance.
Bathroom Vanity
Spacious bathroom featuring a long marble countertop with double sinks and polished chrome faucets. White cabinetry lines the walls, complemented by gold-tone hardware for a classic, elegant look. A large mirror extends the length of the vanity, reflecting the soft yellow walls and enhancing the room’s brightness. Built-in shelving above the bathtub displays framed seascape photographs and small plants. The bathtub is encased in marble, set beneath a curtained window with blue floral valance, inviting ample natural light. Recessed lighting in the ceiling adds a modern touch, while the white tile floors tie together the room’s airy, traditional feel.
Twin Bedroom Details
A spacious bedroom with two twin beds arranged along adjacent walls, each bed dressed with black and turquoise bedding and decorative pillows. Pale gray walls and white trim create a bright, clean backdrop, complemented by natural light from two large windows dressed with dark gray curtains. A white dresser with modern hardware sits between the beds, topped with a lamp and small decorative accents. At the right, a light wood desk with a black leather chair provides a workspace, completed with a modern lamp and small plant. Warm-toned hardwood flooring adds an inviting touch to the room’s overall calm and contemporary feel.
Patio Entrance
Expansive brick patio with hexagonal paving stones leads up to a bright row of floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. White siding and a deep eave roof characterize the house’s exterior, softly illuminated by vintage-style wall lights. Lush potted ferns and yellow flowers enhance the welcoming atmosphere, complemented by hanging baskets and neatly trimmed shrubs. To the right, a cozy seating arrangement features a white wicker table and chairs, inviting relaxation. The setting is shaded by mature trees, with warm ambient lighting and hints of color from the interior visible through the large windows.
Poolside Patio
A spacious outdoor area featuring a large rectangular swimming pool surrounded by light concrete decking. On one side, there is a house with a dark mansard roof and rows of floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, bordered by white frames. Several planters with flowers and potted shrubs accent the exterior, bringing color to the scene. Near the patio doors, a blue and white outdoor dining set offers a spot for relaxing or eating poolside. Mature trees create a natural leafy backdrop, offering privacy and shade, while additional seating areas are scattered throughout the brick-paved patio, evoking an inviting and elegant atmosphere.
Retro Diner Lounge
A spacious room with black and white checkered tile flooring, evoking a vintage 1950s diner atmosphere. On the left, a black leather couch sits beside a small table with a classic lamp and red telephone. The central feature is an authentic-style soda fountain counter with red chrome stools and a retro Coca-Cola advertisement on the front panel. Blue vinyl diner booths with white tables line the windowed wall, offering views of a pool and patio outside through large sliding glass doors. The room is well-lit with recessed lighting and pendant lights above the counter, and finished with clean white walls and red trim accents.
Billiards Room
A spacious recreation room features a classic pool table with a blue felt surface positioned at the center atop bold red carpet. The walls are painted crisp white, accented by a narrow red chair rail running along the perimeter. On the left, cue sticks are neatly organized on a wooden rack mounted to the wall. A patterned armchair with playful circular motifs sits by the far wall, facing large sliding glass doors that fill the space with natural light and open to a brick patio outside. Ceiling lights and a silver ceiling fan add to the comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Bathroom Vanity
A spacious bathroom features a bold red countertop atop white cabinetry with polished chrome handles. The sink area is complemented by a large rectangular mirror, with a black-and-white Chicago-themed artwork propped against the wall beside a blooming orchid in a glossy planter. Overhead recessed lighting bathes the room in a gentle glow, while the checkerboard black-and-white tile floor adds a retro touch. A wall-mounted tissue box and a whimsical classic car-style toilet paper holder bring in quirky personality. Crisp white walls and upper cabinets provide a clean look, making the red surface and monochrome floor the standout design elements.
Indoor Basketball Court
A spacious gymnasium area features a pale hardwood floor marked with basketball court lines. The walls are painted white, and tall, slanted ceilings are accented with exposed beams and inset lighting. Three large vertical windows and several wooden double doors line the right wall, providing entry and natural light. The basketball hoop is mounted on a reinforced wall with blue padding underneath. On the left, a small exercise nook holds gym equipment and a storage rack. The color palette emphasizes whites, light woods, and muted tones for a modern, airy atmosphere. The room feels both functional and inviting for sports activities.
Backyard Pool Area
A large in-ground swimming pool sits at the center, surrounded by a wide, pale concrete deck separated by reddish hexagonal pavers. Two blue and white lounge chairs are placed along the left side, with landscaped garden beds and greenery running beside the house and fence. The white-painted house, with horizontal siding, features large multi-pane windows and a central glass door leading from the patio to the house. Two small seating areas with white-painted metal chairs and tables enhance the space, evoking a relaxed atmosphere. Lush green trees provide gentle shade, and abundant landscaping frames the scene.
Patio Seating Area
Wicker patio furniture, including a love seat, two armchairs, and a small side table, is arranged in a circle on a red brick patio that curves into a lush backyard. The seating is topped with plush cushions in crisp blue and cheerful yellow, adding vibrant pops of color against the white wicker. The table hosts a decorative summer sign, a vase of colorful faux flowers, and a lantern. Surrounding the patio are well-kept lawns, mature trees with overhanging branches, and a backdrop of thick shrubbery and wooden fencing, creating a private and inviting outdoor living space.
Exterior Barn View
A large white barn structure stands as the focal point, characterized by its steeply pitched roof and vertical siding. The barn features a set of stairs leading up to a wooden-railed landing, with a row of modest rectangular windows just beneath the roofline. Mature trees surround the building, their green foliage forming a natural canopy overhead. A weathered wooden fence encloses part of the area, blending with the rustic theme. In the foreground, a well-kept lawn is bordered by a winding brick walkway, a classic black lamppost, and a red fire hydrant, giving the scene a quaint, historic American charm.
Backyard Pool Area
A large rectangular swimming pool sits at the center, its clear turquoise water reflecting ambient evening lights. Cream-colored concrete surrounds the pool, with a diving board at the near end. On the left, two reclining lounge chairs with blue cushions rest on a patterned brick patio, adjacent to the house featuring classic white siding and warmly lit windows. On the right, additional seating—wicker chairs and a small table—creates a cozy, inviting nook. Mature, leafy trees border the yard, providing shade and privacy, while garden beds accent the peaceful setting. The space radiates comfort and is ideal for relaxation and entertaining outdoors.
Backyard Patio
A spacious backyard patio illuminated at dusk, bordered by lush trees and well-tended shrubs. The stone paver flooring adds texture and blends naturally with the surrounding greenery. Comfortable white wicker outdoor furniture with blue and tan cushions creates a relaxing seating area. The area is partially shielded by a mature tree, enhancing the serene atmosphere. In the distance, the house lights cast a warm, welcoming glow through large picture windows, revealing interior spaces. A sparkling pool lies between the patio and the house, while the word ‘SUMMER’ decorates a low stone wall in the foreground, emphasizing a leisurely, inviting aesthetic.
Listing Agent: Katie Hemming of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate via Zillow
