Ferris Bueller Home Can't Find a Buyer

The spectacular mid-century modern home that was featured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off is for sale.  Designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid in 1953, the home is considered "architecturally significant". Now, I know you've been wondering what to do with that extra $1.6M you've got laying around so I thought I'd help you out.  And please invite me to your house warming!

We wish, right! Well, the house is actually for sale but it's been on the market for over a year.  Are we surprised in this economy?  Yes and No. While we all know the economy is and has been crap for years, there are still (somehow) people out there with plenty of money and this home is iconic.  Seems like someone would snatch it up, no?

An article this morning on CNBC.com gives some reasons why it may not be moving.  #1 Economy/Bad market in this price range.  #2 Updates.  Many buyers want updates for the kitchen and bath.  #3 Space. While the home is 5000+ sq. ft. most of it is taken up by the main room. It's not a "family friendly" home.

Reasons, Shmeasons! The home is magnificent and I'll take it.

About this property (as described on Sotheby's):
The Ben Rose Home-site of the famous movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', cantilevered over the ravine, these two steel and glass buildings, which can never be duplicated, have incredible vistas of the surrounding woods. This is a unique property designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid, both notable architects of the 20th Century. Estate Sale Sold 'As Is' No disclosures! This is an amazing architectural treasure.370 Beech, Highland Park, Illinois
Bedrooms: 4  Bathrooms: 4
Interior: 5,300 Sq Ft. / 492 m²
Style: Contemporary
Property Type: Single Family Home
Unique Features:
3 car garage
Staff quarters

Streamlined and sexy from the front.  Beautifully minimal.

Clean and open.  Look at that wood-beam ceiling!

Floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in. 

Love the white, long kitchen.  

So stark yet warm and comfortable.  

Incredible open space.  Love the floors here and how the room is entirely encased in glass.

Cooking in the trees? Amazing. 

See the listing here on Trulia.  

Toot Toot ... Rhan Vintage Features

I work so hard on my vintage shop and dedicate so much time to it that I feel good about an occasional toot of my own horn.  So, Toot Toot!  

Rhan Vintage was recently featured......

Featured on Etsy Finds; this is a mid century modern swag frame for a hanging lamp.  It's super cool looking as-is but could be restored to it's original purpose as a hanging lamp.  Click here to see the listing and check out the last picture, which shows what it should look like. 

My Eames-inspired mid century chair was featured in the "One Man's Junk" article on Etsy Storque Blog.  Check out the chair in my shop here. 

And a nice little feature about organization on Design By Cassandra included my gold tone apple box.

Thanks for listening and checking out my recent features.  It makes me smile and makes all the hard work worth it!  There's nothing more rewarding than seeing my finds recognized and placed in appreciative homes with other vintage-lovers. 

Brasilia Dresser and More Weekend Finds

After driving around with the Brasilia dresser and mirror in my Explorer for 4 days I finally unloaded it today.  I'm seeing it in the day light in all it's glory today and boy, it's a mess.  Three of the drawers have been painted black and the surface of the dresser is trashed. I will need to sand the entire dresser and stain it so it all matches. Okay, quite a job, but it's still worth it.  The two night stands are completely painted black so they'll need to be stripped, sanded and stained too.

Here is the dresser in my garage.   It's the "Triple Dresser" with a hidden center row of drawers.  One of the handles is missing but I do have it, thank goodness.

This is the photo I received from the seller.  As crappy as it looks I could tell it was Brasilia and knew I wanted it.  The mirror is pretty fantastic!!

The night stands are still up at my Mom's house.  I'll get them this weekend.  Here is the picture the seller sent to me.  Pretty bad huh?  

On a more positive note, this is what they will look like when I'm done with them: 

I'm not crazy about the style of the night stands. I wish it was this style: 

So, I think I'll refinish them and sell the set of 2.  I'm keeping the dresser, if I can fit it into my entry and use it as a credenza.  We'll see how it looks.

Here are other items I picked up that weekend from thrift stores.  My dining room has been taken over. No sunshine today so I can't photograph anything.  What a mess! 

I scored some cool stuff: a retro cork lamp, retro cut out lamp with light-up center, standing globe, wall clock, 1950's desk lamp, a 60's floor cushion, some starburst dinner ware, atomic magazine rack, small home decor, kitchen canisters and more.  Now, just need to clean them up, photograph and post.  Yeah, it's a lot of work.  

Saturday Pickin'

Saturday was spent up on the Central Coast with my Momma.  After securing the Brasilia dresser set I was able to relax and enjoy, and shop some more!  I left the Brasilia night stands at my Mom's until next weekend - so I could pack my truck with more stuff.  Plus, I couldn't see out my back window!  It was a great weekend of vintage hunting.

One of my favorite thrift stores was packed to the brim Saturday. Check out the sign.  30-50% off got me excited, but wait, it reads "All Used Merchandise".  Huh?

Just how I like it; packed with everything and the kitchen sink, literally. 

Cute mid century cabinet.  It would have been $6 with the sale but it was marked SOLD.  Dang it! 

My cart ...

Scored a couple of cool lamps including a gigantic retro cork lamp. 

Then off to a Goodwill. My Mom bought this mid century hutch for $29.99!

A quick walk through an Antique Mall. Why do I do this to myself?  I can't pay retail!

Ernest John Coffee Pot $125

My dream china set: Franciscan's starburst design

Update on Brasilia set: Dresser and mirror is still in my truck!  We need to organize the garage to make room.  I'll have the night stands next weekend and will post the set together.