3710 Armstrong Avenue

Whether you collect fine paintings, are an artist yourself, or simply appreciate a home that’s been compared to a work of art, the stunning contemporary residence at 3710 Armstrong Avenue is sure to fit your fancy. It’s a modern, light-filled museum piece, built in 2000 and updated last year by Collins Interiors. Set on half an acre on one of the most prestigious streets in Old Highland Park, this modernistic, 5,090-square-foot manse with four bedrooms and four and a half baths is open, unique, and inviting in every respect. That’s evident from the moment you turn the heavy, Rocky Mountain front-door handle and encounter the gleaming jewel inside. Don’t be surprised if you imagine, however briefly, that you’ve entered an art gallery rather than a single-family home. From its polished oak floors, museum-quality walls, 10-foot-high ceilings, and many double-paned custom steel windows, the residence is tailor-made for a creative and active lifestyle. To the left of the entry, for example, you’ll encounter a huge living room, all white walls and generous windows, with a limestone fireplace. Across the way, behind handsome double doors, there’s a “his-and-hers” office, complete with a copper fireplace, skylight, and built-in wooden cabinetry. It’s not far from a den boasting yet another fireplace and tall, north-facing windows, as well as the beautifully appointed, state-of-the-art kitchen. Think counters and an eat-in island topped with natural stone; a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf range with double ovens; still more custom cabinets; a built-in wine cooler; a coffee bar; and a butler’s pantry. Around the corner from the kitchen, just past the handsome dining room and its grey-linen-covered walls, a staircase adorned with a custom bronze railing leads up to the spacious second floor. There, across the hall from an oversized laundry room, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and en-suite baths, arrayed around a charming sitting area. This section of the home, which might be considered the “kids’ zone,” gives way to the impressive master. It too is marked by walk-in closets, a generous bath (dual sinks, separate shower, freestanding tub), and still another area for sitting and relaxing. Outside, meantime, the lush grounds are distinguished by leafy mature trees, vast expanses of green grass, and drought-resistant plants. There’s also a large, L-shaped swimming pool; a detached carport for two vehicles; ample space for additional storage; and a wonderfully roomy guest house or studio. Its refrigerator, high windows, and stainless-steel sink would make a perfect retreat for the artist in the family. The object d’art known as 3710 Armstrong is located just one block from the Katy Trail and minutes walking distance from the Knox Street shopping and dining district.