5519 Old Poag Road, Edwardsville IL

Description

Set on 2.19 wooded acres in Edwardsville, this one-of-a-kind contemporary
residence was inspired by the forms of Midwestern barns and silos, resulting
in two tower-like structures connected by interior bridges and arranged
across four levels. Cedar siding complements the natural setting, with
mature trees, landscaped grounds, and a lotus pond surrounding the home.
At the center of the interior, a soaring cedar ceiling with exposed cedar
beams and skylights rises nearly 40 feet above the main living spaces. Maple
flooring, extensive custom woodwork, and repeated architectural details
carry throughout, including beveled built-ins, railings, and window and door
trim. Ziggurat-inspired stair-step forms appear in the shelving, fireplace
surround and other architectural elements. An iconic Ingo Maurer Floatation
Pendant Lamp with tiered Japanese Washi paper shades hangs above the
living area.
The main/lower level features the kitchen, living room, dining room, powder
room, and hot tub room. The living and dining areas are anchored by a
monumental wood-burning fireplace and 40-foot brick chimney with
integrated display shelving. Three sets of sliding glass doors open to the
lotus pond, while additional sliding doors from the living room lead to the
pool. The kitchen includes Saltillo tile flooring, a center island, and a window
backsplash overlooking the wooded grounds.
The entry level includes a bedroom, full bath, and den with custom built-ins.
The third level features the primary bedroom with an antique built-in cabinet,
along with another bedroom and full bath. A fourth bedroom occupies the
uppermost level. All four bedrooms feature sliding glass doors, reinforcing
the home’s connection to the landscape.
Outside, a 40-foot rectangular swimming pool is framed by limestone walls
and a newer wood deck with built-in seating. A covered bridge walkway
connects the two-car garage to the lower level. The unfinished basement
offers generous ceiling height, windows, and a full bath with a shower,
providing excellent potential for additional finished living space.
The property also includes an exceptional collection of creative spaces. A
two-level ceramics studio offers a generous production space below and a
dedicated gallery or showroom above. An anagama-style wood-fired kiln,
built into the hillside, was designed for large-scale collaborative firings and
has welcomed ceramic artists from around the world. A separate glass
studio, constructed of cement and metal, was built for glasswork and
includes a furnace, glory hole, and annealer.