Midcentury modern home with “scotch and music” room and indoor fountain asks $199K

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Location: Racine, Wisconsin

Price: $199,900

“This is a natural house for natural people in which to be natural,” said architect John Randal McDonald, who designed this house in 1953 for his expanding family, after they outgrew the first McDonald residence that he built in 1949.

Located in Racine, Wisconsin, the three-bedroom has two bathrooms and measures 2,600 square feet over three stacked levels to create a dynamic home that surprises at every turn.

Expertly incorporating midcentury modern design elements like a broad, sloping roof, large windows, open living spaces, built-in furniture, and a mix of materials like mahogany, limestone, and glass, the dwelling was constructed within a “mature neighborhood” and was still able to hold its own as an example of modern design: “I designed it as a challenge to prove that a home like this can be built in a settled neighborhood, still being adapted to modern American life,” McDonald said.

The top floor—which is considered the ground floor—marks the main entrance, and also contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a balcony, which McDonald used as a study or a reception room to meet clients. Five steps down from here leads to the mid-level comprising a great room with a large limestone hearth, whose stone details extend throughout the room, a water feature, and glass expanses.

On the other side of the fireplace stack are the kitchen—updated with stainless steel appliances but whose woodwork appears to be original, and a small dining area. Five more steps below this level are a “scotch and music” room, utility room, laundry, workshop, storage, bathroom, and a family room.

Located at 1001 Russet Street, it’s offered at $199,900. Have a look.

Courtesy of Laura and Kim Seiler