“Boulderstrewn” is the home J Harlen Bretz built in the Chicago suburbs in the 1920’s and died in on his 98th birthday. Much of Bretz is still there, and since purchasing Boulderstrewn over 10 years ago the current owner has toiled to resurrect Bretz’s presence on the property.
The owner created a rock garden of many specimens that remain on the property, which had been slowly getting buried. Many monuments Bretz built are still there – a travertine bird bath, a sandstone sundial and a concretion on a pedestal.
Inside the house, besides an updated kitchen, it’s very much the same as during the time of Bretz and Fanny. The basement features Bretz’s still usable cold shower (no hot water just as Bretz liked it) and soap dish (though someone painted the shower white). Bretz’ secret wine cellar room is also still there, though the gate and intricate lock system is gone. Little remnants of his boobytraps are everywhere, as well as old bottles from his winemaking days and a few license plates.
The Garden Cabin with a beautiful stone fireplace he built in the back of the yard for Fanny to do her art is still there, recently fully restored and rescued from sinking into the ground. As you can see in the photos on the AirBnB site the property appears to be in impeccable shape.
The current owner, Peter Doran, no longer lives in the area and is unable to continue supporting the house expenses. So he is considering options from AirBnB to selling the property, and is receptive to interest and other suggestions. If anyone has, or knows of someone who has an interest in or ideas for preserving this bit of Bretz’s historical legacy please get in touch with him at peter.t.doran@gmail.com.