This magnificent mid-century modern home in River Hills, WI, designed by renowned architect James G. Plunkett as his personal residence, is a rare blend of historic artistry and practical family living. Built in the mid-20th century, this house stands as a testament to organic architecture with its dramatic vaulted wood ceiling, walls of glass, and seamless integration with the natural landscape. The open-concept layout creates bright, inviting living and dining spaces perfect for family gatherings, while the updated kitchen preserves the home’s architectural character. Priced at $1,180,000, this residence offers a generous plot in a serene neighborhood, blending timeless elegance, recent renovation, and family-friendly design in a truly unique piece of living history.
Front Exterior
A stunning front view of a spacious American home tucked within a lush forested setting, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The structure features large, wood-framed windows and soft, earthy tones accented by light brown siding and brick foundation. The rooflines are gently sloped, adding to its modern yet warm architectural appeal. Mature trees surround the home, providing shade, privacy, and a tranquil setting perfect for family living. A wide driveway and pathway lead to welcoming steps, while elevated porch railings offer safety for children. The open yard and wooded landscape are ideal for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Sunroom Hallway
A bright sunroom hallway featuring floor-to-ceiling windows provides an inviting transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The natural wood ceiling with exposed grain complements the warm-toned wooden frames around the windows, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere ideal for families. Light gray brick flooring offers durability and easy cleaning, perfect for high-traffic family use. A modern green bench with plush pillows adds comfortable seating for relaxation or putting on shoes. The wide hallway opens up toward a sitting area, giving flexible space for gatherings or play. Serene wooded views outside encourage connection with nature and a peaceful ambiance inside.
Kitchen Island
Spacious open-concept kitchen showcases a dramatic vaulted wooden ceiling with exposed beams, amplifying the rustic charm and warmth. The large central island features a marble countertop with natural veining, complemented by four tan cushioned barstools ideal for casual family gatherings or meals. Light wood cabinetry lines the walls, seamlessly integrating modern appliances and abundant storage. Expansive windows and sliding glass doors provide generous natural light and panoramic views of the surrounding trees, making the space inviting and perfect for families. The cohesive color palette of honey-toned wood, white marble, and touches of brick balances contemporary elegance with cozy, welcoming warmth.
Kitchen Countertop
A spacious kitchen featuring a long marble countertop, perfect for family meal prep and gatherings. The warm wood cabinetry and exposed brick backsplash give the space a cozy, rustic appeal, complemented by the natural wood beamed ceiling above. Large windows let in abundant natural light and offer serene views of the surrounding greenery, making the kitchen a bright and inviting place for families. Stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher and built-in ovens, provide modern convenience, while extensive drawer and cabinet storage keeps the area organized and uncluttered. The open layout ensures easy movement and supervision of children.
Sitting Area View
A cozy and inviting sitting area is showcased with two mid-century modern chairs upholstered in soft blue fabric, arranged on a plush white faux fur rug. The room features warm wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, complemented by exposed beams for a rustic yet refined look. Large sliding glass doors invite abundant natural light and offer scenic views of a wooded backyard, making it perfect for family relaxation or child-friendly play. Wall-mounted shelves display decorative items and plants, while sleek wooden cabinets provide ample storage, blending aesthetic charm with practical family living.
Spacious Living Room
This inviting living room showcases a distinct vaulted wood ceiling with exposed beams, providing a warm, rustic charm. The space features a cozy arrangement of a large, plush white sectional sofa adorned with assorted accent pillows and a soft throw, perfect for gatherings or family relaxation. A light area rug anchors the seating, complementing the hardwood floors. Brickwork around the fireplace adds texture and character, while built-in shelving displays decorative accents and books. The room is brightened by natural light from surrounding windows, and family-friendly details like ample seating and an open layout encourage togetherness. The décor balances comfort and style with natural tones throughout.
Master Bedroom
Spacious master bedroom with vaulted wooden ceilings, soft mauve walls, and large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer ample natural light. A king-sized bed, dressed in crisp white bedding and an assortment of plush pillows, sits centrally between two white nightstands with elegant gold-toned lamps. The wood-finished floors provide a warm, inviting feel ideal for families. Two doorways flank the bed, adding accessibility and a sense of symmetry to the room. This relaxing and functional layout allows parents and children plenty of space to unwind in comfort, perfect for family living and peaceful nights.
Bathroom Vanity
This inviting bathroom vanity area features a smooth white countertop with an undermount sink and sleek matte black faucet, perfect for families seeking low-maintenance, easy-to-clean surfaces. Warm natural wood cabinetry with multiple drawers and classic metal hardware provides ample storage space for toiletries and towels, helping keep the area organized. The wood-paneled walls and ceiling beams contribute to a cozy, rustic atmosphere, while a large mirror above the sink brings in plenty of reflected natural light. An adjacent toilet with an accessible toilet paper holder is visible, reinforcing the bathroom’s practical, family-friendly layout and timeless charm.
Bathroom Vanity
Warm wood paneling and a large stone wall create a rustic yet inviting atmosphere in this bathroom vanity area. The countertop features a sleek, white surface over dark wood cabinetry, offering plenty of storage for a family’s needs. A wide, well-lit mirror stands above the sink, which has modern matte-black fixtures, blending contemporary style with cozy, natural materials. The window beside the vanity brings in soft natural light and includes a woven shade for privacy, making it practical for daily family routines. Brown tile detailing and exposed ceiling beams enhance the earthy, nature-inspired design that feels safe and comfortable.
Stairway Landing
A warm, inviting stairway landing featuring a rustic brick accent wall and natural wood ceiling panels, creating a cozy and timeless atmosphere. The carpeted floor offers a soft surface, ideal for families with children who value comfort and safety. Two globe wall sconces frame a round wood-framed mirror, adding brightness and visual interest to the space. Sturdy wooden railings line the stairway for additional safety. The closet doors on the right, painted a mellow golden hue, provide ample storage and help keep the space organized. Neutral colors, mixed textures, and thoughtful architectural details blend function with style.
Bedroom Corner
A cozy bedroom features a neatly made twin bed dressed in crisp white bedding and accented with a light blue pillow and a pale mint throw. Natural light streams through a large window, complemented by two bedside tables with modern, hammered-metal lamps. The room’s standout feature is its vibrant red louvered closet doors, adding a playful pop of color against the soft ivory walls. Above the bed hangs an eye-catching vintage art poster, infusing personality and charm. The warm, rustic wood-planked ceiling creates a welcoming ambiance, while plush carpeting underfoot and neutral tones throughout ensure a comfortable, family-friendly retreat.
Bedroom Retreat
This bedroom features a cozy yet modern design, ideal for families seeking a peaceful sanctuary. A soft, neutral carpet covers the floor, making it comfortable and safe for children. The bed, dressed in a textured white comforter and patterned blue pillows, offers a bright and inviting centerpiece. Symmetrical black nightstands flank the bed, each topped with a striking blue ceramic lamp and a simple beige shade. The wood-paneled ceiling adds warmth, complemented by a tan accent wall behind the bed. Soft white walls and abstract blue artwork complete the calming, family-friendly space perfect for relaxation.
Bathroom Vanity
This bathroom features a clean and functional layout ideal for families, with a modern blue vanity topped with white marble and gold fixtures adding an elegant touch. The vanity is paired with a rectangular mirror and a sleek pendant light for bright, practical illumination. A white toilet sits next to a wooden open shelf, providing both storage and room for decorative plants or family essentials. The walls are painted a soft golden-yellow, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while the wood-toned floors contribute to the contemporary yet homely appeal. The bathtub with frosted glass doors ensures privacy and safety for all ages.
Dining Nook
Cozy dining nook featuring a round wooden table surrounded by four light brown, modern leather chairs, arranged atop a patterned neutral area rug. The light tan wall is accented by a minimalist wood shelf holding botanical art prints, adding inviting warmth. Overhead, a contemporary circular chandelier casts soft, even light on the space, which opens smoothly into a spacious family room. The adjacent family area boasts comfortable seating arranged for conversation, soft carpeting for family activities, and calm light gray walls. The thoughtful, open layout and neutral color palette make this space both welcoming and highly functional for families.
Wooden Deck Retreat
A spacious wooden deck stretches along the side of the house, bordered by sturdy wooden railings that make it safe and inviting for families with children. Sliding glass doors run the length of the exterior wall, offering seamless indoor-outdoor living and ample natural light. The deep, earthy brown wood flooring pairs beautifully with the forest backdrop, blending the home into its surroundings. Overhead, a slanted wooden roof provides partial shelter while exposed beams add a rustic touch. Surrounded by mature trees, the deck is perfect for outdoor dining, playtime, or relaxing while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Backyard Exterior
A serene, wooded backyard view frames the unique exterior of a family-friendly American home. The house features a blend of brick and cream stucco with dark wood trim, evoking a warm, inviting aesthetic that feels nestled within nature. Distinctive rooflines with gentle curves create visual interest, while large windows offer ample natural light and picturesque woodland views. Two raised wooden decks extend from the house, providing safe outdoor play areas for children and relaxing spaces for gatherings. A gentle slope covered in leaves and mature trees creates both privacy and a natural play environment, making the space ideal for families to enjoy year-round.
Listing Agent: HIGHMARK Real Estate – Jay Schmidt Group* of Keller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore via Zillow
