1930 Tudor Revival house in Peru, Illinois - $679k
Iconic Tudor Revival house for sale in Peru, Illinois. Built in 1930 by the owner of Westclox, this unique historic home features hidden bunkers under the children's beds, glass-walled bedrooms, tactile fire escape doors, and a disaster-ready basement with 24-inch concrete walls. Set on 1.7 acres, it offers original woodwork, a butler's kitchen, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, and 5,184 square feet. $679,900.
House overview
Built in 1930 by the owner of Westclox in Peru, Illinois - who built Big Ben in London - this home carries a fascinating history. As one of the wealthiest families in Peru, the home featured a direct line to the Peru Fire Department.
Built right after the Lindbergh kidnapping, the owner constructed hidden bunkers under the kids' beds where the nanny could hide them if the home was ever broken into. The home also featured a butler's kitchen.
The basement was built with 24-inch concrete; if the family needed to retreat to the basement to live during a disaster, it was fully prepared with rooms, a fireplace, and a kitchen.
The children's rooms featured glass walls to their bedrooms to control ventilation and cold air in order to keep tuberculosis at bay.
In case of a fire or smoke, if you felt your way down the hallway, the smooth doors indicated a closet, while ornate doors led you by touch directly to an exit.
Estate and grounds
Welcome to one of Peru's most iconic residences - a breathtaking Tudor-inspired estate tucked away in the highly sought-after Grove Addition. Rich in history, timeless in design, and impeccably maintained, this extraordinary home is nestled beneath a canopy of mature trees on an impressive 1.7-acre cul-de-sac lot, offering a rare combination of privacy, character, and space.
From the moment you arrive, the craftsmanship is unmistakable:
Meandering paved walkways
Inviting patios
A slate roof
Copper gutters
Leaded glass windows
A handcrafted wood garage door
Together, these elements create a storybook setting that perfectly complements the home's distinguished architecture. The expansive backyard offers endless opportunities for entertaining, recreation, or the addition of a dream pool while maintaining the peaceful, park-like setting.
Interior living space
Inside, over 5,000 square feet of living space showcases historic elegance blended with thoughtful modern updates. Rich original woodwork, solid wood doors, intricate crown molding, unique lighting, numerous custom built-ins, soaring 9-foot ceilings, and two staircases reflect the exceptional quality rarely found today.
Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the home features:
An elegant formal dining room
A spacious living room
An inviting family room
Each room offers beautiful views and direct access to the expansive outdoor patio.
Kitchen and upper level
The gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a wine cooler, and a generous walk-in pantry. It is complemented by a fully appointed butler's kitchen, making hosting effortless.
Offering five-plus bedrooms and exceptional flexibility, the home also features a convenient second-floor laundry room, a cedar closet, and a remarkable 70' x 40' unfinished attic ready to become a home office, fitness studio, media room, additional bedrooms, or whatever your vision desires.
Building features and updates
Built with remarkable durability, the home features 24-inch concrete flooring between levels, a whole-house generator, updated electrical and plumbing within the past three years, existing ductwork ready for central air installation, and a three-car garage.
Historic homes of this caliber rarely become available. Combining architectural significance, modern conveniences, and an unforgettable setting in one of Peru's most desirable neighborhoods, this is more than a home - it's a legacy waiting for its next chapter.
House details
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Interior area: 5,184 sqft
Lot size: 1.71 Acres
Year built: 1930
Style: Tudor Revival
State: Illinois
Price: $679,900
Photos and info: Zillow
Contact: Tammy Barry, Homesmart Realty Group IL
Tel: (815) 252-3113
Email: tammybarry95@gmail.com
Address: 2221 Twin Oak Rd, Peru, IL 61354
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House plans
