Private Manor With Curated Gardens and Replica of Samuel McIntire’s Massachusetts Folly Listed for Nearly $7 Million.
Beautiful brick home in Lake Forest, IL, originally designed by an architect Howard Van Doren Shaw with a stunning Massachusetts Folly in the backyard, it just hit the market for $6,995,000.
Built in 1907, the five-bedroom manor located on 2.5 acres of privacy near Lake Michigan has many period details.
“It’s got its own style and it’s really glamorous,” says the listing agent Marina Carneyof the Compass. “The house is designed for entertaining, but it’s not overwhelming. The vendors specialize in intimate gatherings, but they’ve done weddings there, too. You can make it as big or as small as you like—that’s what’s interesting about it.”
Historic highlights of the 7,280-square-foot residence include a wood-paneled living room imported from France, a grand entry hall with a limestone floor, and a garden room overlooking the south lawn.
“The woods are rich and lovely,” says Carney. “The sellers added a slate roof when they remodeled the home. They also took the original kitchen and turned it into a den and bar. They also put a deck over the garden room so you can walk out of the master bedroom.”
Other impressive details include built-in cabinetry, hand-crafted pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks, custom millwork, loft office, and six fireplaces.
“The bathrooms have been updated and are all white marble now,” she adds.
The chef’s kitchen has blue cabinetry and a large breakfast island. The restaurant overlooks a patio designed for al fresco dining.
“The dining room can seat 18 guests, but it doesn’t feel too big or overwhelming,” says Carney.
One of the most amazing features of the building can be found in the back of the house: a replica of Samuel McIntireMassachusetts Folly, built here in 2010.
Set amidst a rose garden, the building was designed to replicate the historic Derby Summer House in Danvers, MA, built by McIntire in 1794.
“It’s a hot building with a kitchen and a bathroom,” Carney noted. “In the living space on the second floor, think home office, think studio, think yoga retreat. It’s visually calming and reinforces the pool. The seller used it as an office and painting studio.”
A beautifully designed, picture-perfect original site created by Charles Platt again Rose Standish Nichols and was later reimagined by a garden designer Rosemary Vereywhile “carefully maintained” by Craig Bergmannaccording to the list.
Also found on the extended property are a pool, tennis court, and a one-bedroom coach house.
There is also an attached two-car garage and a two-car detached garage.
“This home has everything in all the right places,” Carney said. “It’s three blocks from Forest Park, with gated access to the beach, and great lakeside walks. And it’s a 15-minute walk to downtown. It has all these great public amenities, yet it’s as private as you want it to be.”
