Roff Home: Award-Winning 1868 Victorian Italianate Villa

Our historic, award-winning 1868 Victorian Italianate is perfect for rural relaxation and reconnection. When you step onto the five-acre estate, you’ll feel transported back in time. From the original color palette to period-appropriate furnishings to historic photos of past owners back to 1876, you’ll be immersed in history and all of the lives who have called the house home.

2020 Recipient: Landmarks Illinois + Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Preservation

In 2005, John and Valentino bought this house and spent the next 15 years bringing it back to its original character. We’ve created a peaceful, intimate escape from the city. It's so lovely here that we even got married under the old-growth oak trees.

In 2020, we won the annual Restoration Award for Architectural Preservation from Landmarks Illinois.

Now the home is open for you to enjoy.

This 1868 Victorian Italianate villa has been lovingly restored through years of effort. The charm of the time period has been preserved. Floors, doors and windows have been restored to their original detail, the home has been repainted to its original palette, and Victorian furnishings fill the rooms. The home sits on five acres of old growth oak trees and flowing pasture. Escape from the 21st century and step back in time. The house is here for you to enjoy.

GAMES!
You’ll find a selection of games for you at the house:
- CARD GAMES: playing cards, Uno, Phase 10
- BOARD GAMES: Monopoly, Checkers, Chess
- GROUP GAMES: Twister, Connect Four
- PARTY GAMES: Jenga, Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity

RENTING DIRECT FROM THE SUPERHOST OWNERS
When you rent this home, you'll be working directly with the owners, experienced Super Hosts who will be completely focused on your needs for your stay.

ABOUT THE HOUSE & GROUNDS
Our home has ten rooms/spaces and sits on five acres on the edge of town facing the countryside. There is a gas grill at your disposal, and we'll leave you lounge chairs and beach towels so you can take advantage of the summer sun.

A park 500 feet away has tennis and pickleball courts and a baseball diamond. We keep tennis rackets, tennis balls, pickle ball rackets and pickle balls on hand in case you'd like to venture over.

FIRE PIT: If you would like to experience fire while at the house, there is a fire pit in the field behind the house. With some 60 trees on the property, there is generally some wood available to burn.

GOURMET DINNERS (SEE PHOTOS IN PROFILE): Valentino is a chef from Italy, and he’s created several menus of 4-course Italian and Spanish meals for you to enjoy during your stay. They are a great way to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays or to just add something special to your visits.

Dinner options:
- Spanish paella
- Seafood dinner
- Mediterranean beef stew with cheese polenta
- Homemade lasagna

Each dinner comes with appetizers, a first course, the second course listed above, and dessert.

Inquire for for menus and prices.

FIREPLACE: We occasionally get questions about the fireplace. There is one downstairs in the rear parlor. However, it is decorative only. The chimney is capped and it cannot be used.