The House
The Property
Marquette Park House is tucked into the end of a quiet street that opens into Marquette Park’s oak savanna.
Literary aficionados will be particularly delighted to spot Nelson Algren’s cottage directly across the way where he hosted his 17-year affair with Simone de Beauvoir - a love story currently being made into the movie An Ocean Apart starring Matt Dillon and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
The newly renovated dwelling features an open living-kitchen-dining room plan with large windows that bring the park into the house.
The magical path to the beach begins with a paved park trail from the house through the woods, past the Prairie-style Marquette Park Pavilion, to a lagoon island over two bridges - one suspension, the other inspired by a Japanese Shinto Shrine - through a picnic folly, and across a dune to the sandy lakeshore.
The Interiors
The interiors feature contemporary and collected furniture, rugs, and accessories. The living room includes a sleek full-size sofa-sleeper by Danish manufacturer Softline, as well as cozy swivel chairs inviting outdoor views and indoor conversations.
Repurposed from an Indiana branch bank conference room to complement our custom built-in banquette, the walnut dining table and leather chairs are manufactured by Dunbar when celebrated mid century designer Edward Wormley was its director - a relationship which spanned over three decades and produced one of the most relevant contemporary design archives in history.
The three bedrooms each offer a distinct decor, and the new bathroom features limestone tile and plenty of drying racks for bath and beach towels.
The kitchen is ready for cooking, entertaining, and easy clean up, with a dishwasher, hybrid K-cup/drip coffeemaker, pots, pans, prep utensils, and dining settings and glassware for up to eight people.
The Art
We’re excited to highlight amazing art throughout the house and grateful to currently feature photographs and woodblock prints by Miller Beach natives Raymar Brunson and Corey Hagelberg, ceramic sculpture by Gina Lee Robbins from Indianapolis, as well as paintings and a site-specific mural by Chicago-based artists Leslie Baum, Andy Hall, Janice Elkins, and Rob Funderburk - our dear friend who actually got married at the Aquatorium in Marquette Park!