James Dunton Estate Has $615,000 Price Tag

A house built in the 19th century that still stands today is an amazing find but add five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, original woodwork and fixtures, you'll find the James Dunton Estate. 

Dunton, who’s the son of Asa Dunton, founder of Arlington Heights, built the home in 1869, located at 619 N. Arlington Heights rd.

The house is walking distance to downtown Arlington Heights, which is full of restaurants, shopping areas and the . 

• View Additional Photos of the Home

Caroline Starr, realtor at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, said the Dunton House has a rich history. The house does need some work but Dorcas Thompson, owner of the home, would like to see it restored to its original integrity, Starr said.

The Victorian-style home went through a kitchen and furnace update in the 1960s but remodeling is welcomed, Starr said. 

The home has 4400 square feet on the first and second floors and features a full third story attic accessible by full a staircase. Starr said the basement of the home mirrors the first floor, making the home close to 8,000 square feet. 

According to the Arlington Heights Historical Society, residents living at the home during the Chicago fire of 1871 were able to see Chicago burn 22 miles away by standing on the roof at the rear of the home. 

Dunton lived in the home until 1885 and it was later home to a former mayor and school superintendent. After the turn of the century, Dr. Janet Gunn, a graduate of Northwestern University and the first woman doctor in Arlington Heights, owned the home. 

• Read Full Property Detail of the home

The Dunton Home was listed on June 19 for $615,000, Starr said.

Starr said a California couple has shown interest in the property, with the idea of turning the historical home into a bed & breakfast inn.

However, Thompson would like to sell the home to an individual because there is still sentimental attachment, Starr said. "She would like to see someone do something great with the house," she said.

Interested in the property? Call Caroline Starr at 847-222-5000

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