This Prairie-style Arts and Crafts classic is a bona-fide piece of Nebraska Sandhill’s History. Built in the 1920’s by Christopher Abbott, who, at the time, was the wealthiest man in Nebraska and the largest landowner in the State. No expense was spared in the construction of this architectural masterpiece. Christopher Abbott ranched over 250,000 acres of the pristine Nebraska Sandhill’s. He also owned 10 banks and three lumber companies, and imported the finest materials for construction of this 5,175 square foot home.

The home was built by architect George Beringhof, who was also the architect for stunning courthouses, churches, and numerous Carnegie Libraries nationwide, including those located in Chadron and Beatrice. Other prominent projects in Nebraska included Lincoln High School in Lincoln, NE, the Miller & Paine building in downtown Lincoln, and Security Mutual Insurance building, now called CenterStone. Beringhof was a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, and was enamored of the Arts and Crafts residential building style that was iconic to the era. Architectural treasures in this home abound.

The living room features a coved beam ceiling borrowed from the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. It also features original Batchelder tile on the floor and the fireplace. Estimates procured from the current Owner over ten years ago state that, in 2006, the tiles themselves would fetch $175-$200 for the 2” tiles, $25-$30 for the 1” tiles. The Batchelder fireplace, itself a fine work of art, is estimated at $60,000 disassembled. The living room and adjoining billiards room (or “solarium”, as referenced in the original blueprints) feature large windows surrounded by glass blocks which allow natural light to fill the rooms. A glass block wall at the far end of the living room is lit from the hallway behind, filling the room with a warm glow in the evening. The chestnut French doors between the rooms feature original beveled glass. In all, the rooms are large, spacious, and filled with light. The glass blocks featured in every room of the house, the 103” mirrored wall, and the copper-backed, flesh toned mirror hanging over the fireplace were all from Pittsburgh Plate Products, the premier manufacturer of fine architectural glass at the time. The glass blocks are excellent insulation against the cold winter wind, and in combination with the mirrored hallway reflect an atmosphere of hospitality and cheer to all who enter.

The den was the original office of Mr. Abbott. The walls are paneled with high-raised Italian Walnut. The built-in walnut bar and gun cabinet feature beveled glass. The room is airy and well lit by the same large windows with glass blocks featured throughout the home. The den is a masculine room, yet refined in its materials and workmanship, thoroughly befitting of a man running an empire within its confines! One can imagine the men gathering here in rich leather chairs partaking in fine cigars and snifters of the finest brandy.

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