332 4th St., Waukegan, IL 60085

"Honey, it's the Dutch Colonial we've been searching for ever since I had those reoccurring dreams about climbing a windmill in wooden shoes." If you've had any desire to wear wooden shoes or plant tulips, you've found the house. Start with the stunning exterior that is so far from a track home you might as well be in Holland. What color is that siding? Who knows, but it's super unique. The covered front porch is inviting. Picture yourself standing at the railing with a refreshing beverage, awkwardly waving like a beauty queen or politician at the neighbors lined up on the sidewalk, wishing they too were on your front porch enjoying a refreshing beverage with you. Or better, wishing you would invite them inside. As you step through the original oak front door into the formal living room, your jaw drops and you notice drool starting to cascade down your chin. Not to worry, it's a normal reaction, and there's a floor matt to catch it at the door. What you're looking at is the formal living room with unblemished, vintage woodwork, newly refinished thin plank floors installed in 1915, and a jaw dropping staircase (hence the drool) that was carefully hand crafted by a slightly portly, middle aged Dutchman (not verified, but sounds good) from lumber delivered in a horse drawn wagon. You wanted unique. Head right into what we'd call your family room. Maybe it becomes a formal library with two overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace where you read classic Thoreau or Fuentes and sip aged brandy at room temperature from an antique snifter. Or play video games on your iPhone with a Coke, whatever you'd like. It's still a cool room with lots of windows, including the fancy diamond framed window at the end. When dinner is served, you can make your way to the next room, your formal dining room. Bay window, built in shelves, original flooring and woodwork. The perfect setting to indulge in two-for-one pizza with a side of garlic bread and dipping sauce. Need an extra soda, the kitchen is right there. Need to purge that extra soda? A super convenient half bath is steps across the hall. Those brilliant Dutch. Speaking of the kitchen, here you won't find crusty old cabinets and a wood stove for meals. No, old is cool except when it comes to computers and kitchens (and maybe pet alligators). Here you have clean, beautiful white Shaker style cabinets, accented with a stunning subtle gray swirl laminate countertop. Like to wear rubber gloves and scrub baked cheese off your dishes all evening? Then you will not appreciate the built-in convenience of an automatic dishwasher situated nicely right of the sink. Lots of storage and good flow through this large, functional kitchen. "Oh, look honey, a back hallway to the attached garage!" Yes Frank, your significant other will never have to get wet dragging in 37 bags of groceries through the rain, including the 19 semi-soft avocados you requested for weekend guacamole. Nice. Trek up the previously mentioned jaw-dropping staircase to 3 sizeable bedrooms, all with beautifully finished vintage wood floors, period hardware on the doors, and so much natural light, you again thank the Dutch for their colonial design (not sure if the Dutch really created the design, but go with it). Note the wide hallway at the top of the stairs that allows many sleepwalkers to pass each other in the night without a frightful collision. The door that appears to be just a boring linen closet is actually a secret stairway to a fully floored attic. Yes, an attic were you might find a dusty, ancient Ouija board and.... well, you know the rest. The second-floor bathroom is a place to sit for as long as it takes and just stare at the beautiful oversized ceramic tile, perfectly installed accent border, new vanity, brushed nickel fixtures or the empty tissue holder... What? No TP? Who didn't refill that? Backyard big and ready. This will sell quick, so get your wood shoes on and see it before the tulips and this house are gone!