Property Details

Highlights

20th-century craftsmanship

Designed in 1907 by Howard Van Doren Shaw 

Renovated in 1989 by Colfax and Fowler

Paneled wood living room, imported from France

Limestone floors in the entrance hall

Original French doors

Custom cabinetry and hand-scraped pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks

Outdoor Living

2.5 beautifully landscaped private acres

Original landscaping by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nicholas

Current landscaping reimaged by Rosemary Verey, maintained by Craig Bergmann

Replica of Samuel McIntire’s Massachusetts Folly summerhouse, complete with kitchen, 1/2 bath, and a versatile second floor

Tennis / Sport Court

Pool

Features

Five bedrooms

Six full bathrooms and two half bathrooms 

Six fireplaces

One-half bath in the Folly

7,700 square feet of living space

Coach house with a living room, bedroom, bath, kitchen, and  two-car garage

A quintessential Lake Forest Manor with storied legacy and timeless elegance perched on 2.5 acres along Lake Road, this iconic Lake Forest estate offers a rare blend of architectural pedigree, historical significance, and modern refinement. 

Originally designed in 1907 by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the home stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The original landscape was masterfully envisioned by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nichols, later reimagined by celebrated garden designer Rosemary Verey, and meticulously maintained by Craig Bergmann. The result is an extraordinary harmony between house and garden, where every view is artfully framed.

Inside, the 7,700 sq ft residence is rich with character and sophistication. Signature features include a paneled wood living room imported from France, limestone floors in the grand entrance hall, and a stunning garden room with panoramic views of the south lawn. Original French doors, restored with brass cremone bolts, offer historic charm with modern functionality. A comprehensive renovation in 1989 by Colfax and Fowler introduced thoughtful additions, including a billiards room, family room, and an attached two-car garage. The kitchen, breakfast room, and butler's pantry were fully updated with custom cabinetry and hand-scraped pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks, blending warmth with luxury. Upstairs, the second floor offers five bedrooms, an office, and five bathrooms, all elegantly updated to maintain a timeless appeal. 

In 2010, Liederbach and Graham added a stunning architectural feature: a replica of Samuel McIntire's Massachusetts Folly, complete with a kitchen, 1/2 bath, and a versatile second-floor living space ideal as an office or studio. Overlooking the inground pool and tennis court, the Folly is equipped with geothermal heating for year-round comfort. 

Completing the estate is a charming coach house with an additional two-car garage, living room, bedroom, bath, and kitchen-perfect for guests or extended family. This is more than a home-it's a legacy property, meticulously maintained and thoughtfully enhanced for modern living. A true once-in-a-lifetime offering in Lake Forest.

Elegant interior with a black and white checkered marble floor, yellow walls, white columns, and a luxurious chandelier. A console table with a marble top, decorative painting, a large vase with a lamp, and two antique chairs are arranged symmetrically against the wall. An staircase with a patterned carpet and a black railing rises on the left side, while a white door with gold hardware is on the right.
Room with green patterned wallpaper, a snooker table with three green lamps overhead, a painting on the wall, and a sideboard with lamps and a plant. An adjoining room with checkered wallpaper and chairs is visible through an open doorway.
Elegant bedroom with floral decor, four-poster canopy bed, floral armchair, chaise lounge, and antique furniture.
White two-story house with black shutters, surrounded by lush green trees and blooming hydrangeas, with a stone pathway leading to a covered archway at the front.
History