Sasha Adler's journey to acquiring her dream home, a historic 19th-century townhouse in Chicago's Lincoln Park, was as serendipitous as it was determined. After falling in love with the property at first sight, she faced the disappointment of seeing it disappear from the market. However, her unwavering conviction that it was destined to be her family's residence led her to craft a heartfelt letter to the long-time owners, coupled with a full-price offer. This persuasive combination ultimately secured the property, embarking on a meticulous renovation process that respected its historical integrity while infusing it with contemporary elegance.
The townhouse, a fusion of two 1800s row homes, boasted a prime location within walking distance of her children's school, preserved architectural elements, and ample outdoor space. A unique feature was the ability to house all family bedrooms on a single floor, an uncommon luxury in such a property. Despite exceeding her initial budget, Adler's vision for a 'forever home' outweighed financial considerations. Her "manifesting" approach, including displaying the house's exterior photo in her office and frequent drive-bys, culminated in the personal plea that resonated with the previous owners, who had lived there for 35 years and were having second thoughts about selling.
With the property secured, Adler, a renowned designer, commenced a year-long renovation that, though initially projected shorter, saw her family moving in for the final six months. This period fostered a unique bond with the tradespeople, who became an extended part of their family. The renovation focused on enhancing the home's classic structural elements, meticulously restoring historical details, and integrating a curated mix of modern, custom-made, and antique furnishings. The kitchen and bathrooms underwent complete overhauls, while the original wide-plank floors were painstakingly hand-scraped. Windows overlooking the rear garden were enlarged to bathe the breakfast room in natural light, transforming previously dim areas. Adler, known for her exacting standards, faced the challenge of being her own toughest client, but relied on the frank advice of her design director, Alison Wilcox, to ensure every decision was permanent and impactful. This included tackling the basement level refresh, a task she admits she would not want to postpone.
Every corner of the renovated home reflects Adler's distinctive aesthetic, adorned with her preferred patterns and color palettes. It's a living showcase of her design philosophy, serving not only as a cherished family abode but also as an inspiring space for potential clients. Beyond the aesthetic achievements, the house embodies a vibrant family life: her eldest daughter enjoys lunchtime walks home from school, her son engages in basketball games in the backyard, and her youngest finds ample space for her Barbie collection. The home also perfectly accommodates both grand and intimate social gatherings for Adler and her husband, Greg.
Shortly after settling in, the Adlers received an intriguing letter – a photo of another young family, accompanied by a note expressing a profound interest in their home and inquiring about its ultimate sale price. Sasha Adler's immediate response to her husband, Greg, was unequivocal: "There's no number." She emphasized that they hadn't yet fully savored their new surroundings, expressing a hopeful desire for many more years in their meticulously crafted and deeply personal sanctuary.