On the cover of our Summer 2026 issue is the home of Nik & Kim Groothuis of Casey, Illinois.

“Where Simple Living Prevails in a Town of Magnitude”: In Casey, Illinois, a town known for its monumental landmarks, Nik and Kim Groothuis thoughtfully designed a Cape Cod–style home around the antiques they have gathered over decades. As longtime collectors and proprietors of Greathouse of Country, their commitment to simple living feels deliberate in a town known for its magnitude.

Inside this issue, you’ll find four additional home tours that dive into antique collections and the stories behind them, including the homes of: 

Scott and Cindy Kappes of Freeport, Illinois

Jim and Jennifer McKelvie of Campton Hills, Illinois

Fred and Gail Gersch of Midlothian, Texas

John Stys of New Hartford, New York

Standout features include: 

Before 1776:Homes That Stood Before the Republic

Historic Hues: The Colors that Shaped Early American Homes

Antiques: A Thriving Industry Hill & Bek:  Somewhere Off the Beaten Path

Artisan Spotlight: Of Cloth & Hand: The Work of Angela Hillstrom

A Connection to Founding Father Paul Revere