Music festival season is in full swing in the Midwest, with Lollapalooza bringing dozens of acts from around the world to Chicago’s Grant Park this weekend.
From legendary bands like The Red Hot Chili Peppers to modern icons like Billie Eilish – both of whom are headlining at Lollapalooza this weekend, – music superstars have crafted a reputation for embracing a flamboyant and extravagant lifestyle. And their luxurious living spaces often reflect their larger-than-life personas with high-end finishes and out-of-this-world amenities. After all, rock stars push boundaries with their style and creativity, so it comes as no surprise that their living spaces occasionally do the same.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be rock star to live like one. The following is a selection of local homes that are on the market right now, offering amenities that can help the Flea, Kendrick or Carly Rae in all of us create the perfect haven to relax and unwind. Read (and rock) on.
1. Music Room – 50 E Cedar Street Chicago, Illinois 60611
Creating music is at the core of every rock star’s life, so having a place to sit down and play whenever inspiration strikes is a must. And the music room in this timeless greystone mansion in the heart of the Gold Coast is the perfect place for creativity to flourish.
Set at the top of a grand staircase, the room has classic features, including built-in bookshelves (to store multiple Grammys), and a reclaimed architectural arch from Thailand. The vintage look is quite the juxtaposition from the ‘bottles with models’ lifestyle, but isn’t that so Mick?
The six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath residence offers two living rooms with matching detailed gas fireplaces and large south facing windows that bring in generous natural light. The home also has a large, professionally landscaped backyard, a rarity in the Gold Coast.
The lower level offers an apartment with a kitchenette, full bath, and a private entrance, a great place for your entourage to crash.
2. Bar Lounge – 4500 Downers Drive Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
For better or worse, the rock star life has always been tied in some way to the consumption of alcohol. But what was once a reputation for out-of-control excess has lately become something more refined. In fact, in recent years a number of musicians from Bob Dylan and Snoop Dogg to Blake Shelton and Nicki Minaj have lent their names to various wine and spirits ventures.
You can also live like today’s rockers through your appreciation of adult beverages, and best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. This Irish-themed bar in Downers Grove, which is big enough to accommodate all your A-lister friends and then some, is the perfect place to get started. Several seating areas, an arcade alley, billiard space, a climate-controlled wine cellar and an 11’ full-swing golf simulator make it the ultimate entertaining space.
The five-bedroom, five-and-three-half-bath home spans over 10,000 square feet, with an elevator to take guests between the three floors. The chef’s kitchen features a 48″ Dacor range, two SubZero refrigerators, two beverage refrigerators, a pantry, an island with prep sink, and multiple dining areas.
3. Outdoor Oasis – 104 Longmeadow Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093
Rock stars need nature as much as they need the limelight, so an outdoor oasis is a must-have amenity to truly savor the life.
This waterfront mansion is one of only 14 homes surrounding one of Winnetka’s best-kept secrets: Lake Longmeadow. With 111 feet of lakefront access and a floating dock, the outdoorspace at this property is also adorned with apple and peach trees, a vegetable garden, and a large patio with a cozy fire pit offering views of the serene natural surroundings.
Indoors, stand-out features in this almost 13,000 square-foot home include a sauna, a vintage-style theater, a bar and a temperature-controlled wine cellar with a separate private tasting room. The home was recently renovated by award-winning architect, Karl Straussburger, and has seven bedrooms, eight-and-a-half baths and a piano room with a fireplace.
4. Personal Gym – 118 E Erie Street #25A Chicago, Illinois 60611
Headlining sets at music festivals, Superbowl halftime shows and worldwide tours require some serious physical stamina – and plenty of hours in the gym, which is why every rock star needs access to a private fitness room.
Living in this condominium at The Ritz-Carlton Residences gives you access to a fitness center with state-of-the-art Peloton and Technogym equipment. It’s the perfect size for personal training. And if you need a break after a tough workout, just a few feet away is a spa with a massage room and steam rooms. Other building amenities include a cinema, butler service and The Landmark Club, a lounge for residents.
A short elevator ride to the 25th floor takes you to this two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence that has been thoughtfully designed with an open-concept living/dining area that’s great for entertaining. Large windows provide an abundance of natural light, while a balcony presents the perfect place to quietly work on your guitar chops and enjoy views of the lake and skyline.
5. Large Wardrobe – Elburn, Illinois 60119
DJ Khaled is said to have more than 10,000 pairs of shoes in his sneaker collection. Cardi B has a bit of an addiction to Birkin bags. Needless to say, a massive closet is a necessity for today’s rock stars. If your wardrobe has taken on a life of its own, then perhaps the closet in this far-west-suburban Elburn home hits the right note for you.
With skylights, an abundance of storage and an elongated island, the closet is fit for any rock star. The cheetah print carpet even matches Steven Tyler’s pants! The primary suite boasts several other amenities, including a fireplace, wet bar, balcony access, its own laundry room and a vanishing television behind one of the mirrors.
The home offers six bedrooms, seven full baths and two half baths spread across nearly 12,000 square feet. The six-car garage provides ample parking for Rolls’ and Lambos, while the pool, hot tub, fireplace and large covered patio and grill area present a peaceful spot to enjoy the fresh air.
No matter where you live or what your budget, with a little effort and creativity, just about any home can offer a little slice of rock’n’roll heaven.
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