Built in 1915 by Ida Studebaker and Louis Kuhns, this stunning Greek Colonial Revival in South Bend, Indiana, blends timeless elegance with thoughtful modern updates. Priced at $2,499,999, the home offers 12,120 square feet on a 0.89-acre lot. Designed by Austin and Schambleau, its symmetrical façade, columned portico, and dormer windows echo classical beauty. Recent renovations include restored chimneys, balustrades, and a designer kitchen—preserving charm while enhancing comfort.
Grand Estate Grounds
This overhead view reveals the home’s formal, landscaped grounds—framed by trimmed hedges, curved driveways, and mature trees. A central brick walkway creates a dramatic approach to the house, bordered by sculpted bushes and a lush lawn. The symmetrical design reflects the home’s Colonial roots, offering space for entertaining or peaceful solitude. These manicured outdoor spaces enhance curb appeal while providing a grand setting for this historic residence’s timeless architectural presence.
Where is South Bend?
South Bend is located in northern Indiana, near the Michigan border and about 90 miles from Chicago. Known historically for the Studebaker Company, the city now thrives with culture, education, and revitalization. It’s home to the University of Notre Dame, attracting visitors for academics, sports, and historic architecture. With riverside parks, local dining, and museums, South Bend offers a rich blend of heritage, community charm, and modern Midwestern appeal.
Elegant Front Walk
Approaching the home, you’re greeted by classic symmetry—wide stone paths, elegant planters, and vibrant greenery. The red brick walkway draws the eye toward the front door, flanked by tall trees and neat garden beds. The entrance is both inviting and stately, with soft natural lighting and seasonal blooms enhancing the overall charm. This elegant forecourt balances grandeur and warmth, setting the perfect tone for the distinguished interiors that follow.
Classic Portico
Under the covered porch, the home’s detailed Colonial design comes alive. Fluted columns, dentil molding, and original leaded sidelights surround the grand black entry door. The brick herringbone flooring adds depth, while warm wooden rocking chairs create a welcoming atmosphere. Restored architectural elements bring both beauty and function. This timeless portico offers a relaxing retreat with a view of the front gardens—a graceful transition from outdoor serenity to interior refinement.
Grand Foyer
The grand foyer welcomes with a sweeping staircase and glowing hardwood floors crowned by an iron lantern chandelier. Crisp white trim, classic balusters, and traditional moldings frame this light-filled space. An open view leads to the formal dining room, revealing a painted ceiling and crystal chandelier. This entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home—elegant yet livable, where historic architecture meets modern luxury in every thoughtfully preserved detail.
Sunroom Study
Bathed in natural light, this serene sunroom doubles as a sophisticated study. Large grid windows wrap around the space, offering peaceful garden views and an airy atmosphere. The green porcelain tile flooring adds a historic touch, while a limestone fireplace anchors the room with warmth. Elegant furnishings, including a drafting table and antique-style desk, make this a tranquil and inspiring workspace—ideal for creative pursuits or quiet reading amid classic charm.
Formal Dining Room
This regal dining room blends grandeur and artistry, featuring a showstopping ceiling mural by Italian artist Cesare Maccari. A sparkling crystal chandelier cascades above the polished wood table, while golden drapes frame large sunlit windows. The warm taupe walls and white millwork add classic elegance, enhancing the room’s luxurious ambiance. Perfect for formal entertaining, this space embodies old-world sophistication paired with timeless architectural craftsmanship and breathtaking artistic details.
Refined Living Room
With rich wood accents and a stately carved mantel, this formal living room radiates traditional elegance. Warm camel-toned walls and crisp crown molding frame the limestone fireplace, creating a refined focal point. French doors open to the adjacent sunroom, allowing for seamless flow and natural light. The room is filled with antique furnishings, layered rugs, and classic art, all combining to create a warm and inviting place for conversation and relaxation.
Cozy Library Lounge
This inviting library lounge offers a stylish retreat with a modern flair. Dark built-in bookshelves surround a large television, while recessed lighting and layered textures add warmth. Deep-toned furniture, including leather seating and a plush charcoal rug, creates a cozy yet refined ambiance. Unique artwork and metallic accents reflect personality throughout. Ideal for reading, movie nights, or casual entertaining, this room perfectly balances comfort, function, and contemporary charm.
Designer Kitchen
Thoughtfully remodeled by renowned designer Mick De Giulio, this stunning kitchen blends modern convenience with timeless craftsmanship. Custom white cabinetry with mirrored interior lines the walls, while a central island offers ample prep space beneath statement pendant lighting. Hardwood floors and beamed ceilings add warmth, complemented by a professional-grade LaCanche range, SubZero fridge, and Wolf appliances. Glass-front cabinets and open shelving keep the space light, functional, and beautifully organized.
Breakfast Nook
Charming and practical, the breakfast nook features a custom-built-in banquette with hidden storage paired with an intimate dining table and upholstered chairs. Elegant lighting and warm wood accents give the space a cozy feel, perfect for everyday meals or casual gatherings. Surrounding cabinetry includes a SubZero wine fridge and glass display cabinets, blending function with sophistication. It’s a welcoming spot that connects seamlessly to the kitchen and adjacent living area.
Side Entry Hall
This charming side-entry hall combines historic character with thoughtful updates. A vintage wooden bench and rustic wall sconces create a welcoming moment, while French doors allow sunlight to pour in. The textured wall covering and framed antique print add depth and warmth. Natural-toned tile flooring flows into the next space, where a few steps lead to the main interior, blending traditional design with transitional elegance in a cozy, well-lit corridor.
Bedroom Sitting Area
Refined and restful, this sitting area within the primary bedroom exudes quiet luxury. An upholstered tufted chair with matching ottoman sits before a delicately carved fireplace, crowned by a stately portrait in a gold frame. Classic furnishings in rich woods and soft textiles enhance the warmth, while tall windows are dressed in muted drapery. It’s a peaceful corner for reading or unwinding, combining timeless grace with serene, personal comfort.
Primary Bathroom
This newly renovated primary bathroom is a sanctuary of elegance and function. Custom white cabinetry with detailed trim lines on the walls, topped with a warm, polished stone countertop. A freestanding Kohler Memoirs soaking tub rests beneath a glittering chandelier while mirrored panels reflect the soft light. Refined hardware, a vintage-style rug, and tasteful wall sconces add to the timeless sophistication. It’s a luxurious retreat that artfully balances tradition and comfort.
Guest Bathroom
With classic white subway tiles and refined gray trim accents, this guest bathroom embraces vintage charm. A pedestal sink, chrome fixtures, and hexagonal floor tiles keep the design clean and timeless. Glass shelving and a wall-mounted towel rack offer practical elegance, while a single window provides soft, natural light. The overall feel is crisp, bright, and refreshingly simple—perfectly maintaining the home’s period character with tasteful, modern touches throughout.
Laundry & Gym
This spacious lower-level room combines practical functionality with wellness in mind. On one side, sleek white cabinetry and full laundry amenities provide ample workspace for household tasks. Opposite, a home gym is outfitted with cardio equipment and free weights, all set atop a durable carpeted floor. Drop ceiling tiles and recessed lighting keep the space bright and clean. This multi-functional area is efficient, organized, and perfect for daily routines.
Attic Bath Retreat
Tucked beneath a vaulted ceiling, this cozy attic bath feels like a hidden spa retreat. A freestanding soaking tub is the centerpiece, perfectly framed by beadboard-paneled walls and a central window that lets in soft daylight. Minimalist sconces and subtly built-in storage doors maintain a clean, streamlined look. The white-on-white palette enhances the serenity of the space, making it a quiet escape designed for long, peaceful soaks and total relaxation.
Finished Basement Suite
The finished basement offers a versatile bonus room, currently staged as a wellness retreat. A wood-paneled infrared sauna is the focal point, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Neutral-toned carpet and painted brick walls create a soft, cozy feel, while open ductwork and modern lighting maintain an industrial edge. Whether used as a craft space, meditation zone, or storage area, this flexible lower level invites creativity and quiet retreat.
Covered Side Porch
This gracious covered porch is a standout feature of the home, offering a beautifully shaded space framed by stately columns. A wood-paneled ceiling with a central fan adds warmth and texture, while French doors open directly to the interior. Black wrought-iron seating invites conversation, and vibrant potted flowers infuse the space with color. It’s an ideal setting for relaxing or entertaining, blending timeless architecture with a welcoming, garden-inspired atmosphere.
Listing Agent: Weichert Rltrs-J.Dunfee&Assoc. Via Zillow