A $250,000 all-black house in Illinois is going viral for its gothic look, but the owner says it was unintentional (2024)

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A property listing for an all-black house on sale for $250,000 in Lincoln, Illinois, is going viral after being branded the "goth" house.

The property was first listed on Realtor.com on December 17 but received viral attention after appearing on the Instagram page Zillow Gone Wild — an account dedicated to unusual property listings in the US that has over 1.3 million followers.

The Instagram post, shared on December 20, had received over 94,000 likes at the time of writing.

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The octagonal property was purchased on August 5 for $75,000 by the real-estate agent Seth Goodman, 34, who told Insider he renovated the property but didn't intend for it to be all black at first.

Goodman told Insider he planned to paint only the shingle roof black but later committed to the color scheme throughout the house, with the help of local contractors.

"Although some may view it as dark, it is not once inside, given all of the natural light and overhead lighting," Goodman told Insider, adding that he was "absolutely not" a goth.

"It is simply a unique peaceful property, in my opinion," he added.

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The property listing describes the two-story home as a "mysterious black octagon shaped home on an expansive secluded 0.52 acre lot."

The property was originally built in 1993, Goodman said, adding that he was keen to keep its unique shape and build upon its quirkiness.

He said the neighbors were initially taken aback by the makeover but, for the most part, they were positively shocked: "It definitely cleaned up the overall appeal and gave everyone something to talk about."

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The residence spans just over 1,500 square feet and is complete with a three-car garage.

Goodman said he believed the secluded location and large garage added to the mystery of the home.

"From the side street, all you can see is the three-car garage," he said, adding that passersby couldn't see enough of the house to figure out what the building is.

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Inside the home, a black and white theme spans two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan living and dining room. It has a spiral staircase, a kitchen, and a utility room, Goodman said.

Its original design was quite "neutral and dated," Goodman said. It relied on a white and beige color scheme, with brown for the sides and roof.

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The property has a lot of distinctive trimmings such as neon signs, a gas log fireplace, French doors, laminate flooring, and a galley kitchen with granite countertops.

Goodman told Insider that since the listing went live, the house has garnered a lot of worldwide interest thanks to its unique appearance.

He said: "Too many homes are the same — why not stand out or be different?"

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A spiral staircase in the open-plan lounge and dining room leads up to the main living loft, which has "soaring cathedral ceilings" and three skylights, according to the listing.

The listing adds that the upper floor is equipped with a private tiled bath with "a double vanity," as well as a tiled walk-in shower.

"Sleek, sexy, and undeniably unique is this midwestern showstopper," the listing says.

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Goodman said there were a lot of windows in the house, as well as gray and white detailing, to ensure the home didn't feel gloomy.

"There's tons of natural light given that windows are all around on both floors, as well as the overhead skylights," he said.

The kitchen, bathrooms, and utility room all have white trim and charcoal-gray cabinetry. Goodman said he chose to add light to the space.

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Goodman said there were no downsides to living in an entirely dark home, adding that it was great for a good night's sleep.

When asked if there were any limitations to the black house, he said: "None at all."

"If you love your sleep, there is no place more peaceful to do it," he said.

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Goodman said that the home was a perfect buy for one or two people who want low-maintenance living.

Goodman said the striking house would be "an absolute gem" for anyone looking for a relaxing home.

"It's easy to come and go and live in total peace and comfort," he added.