Private mansion with manicured gardens and a replica of Samuel McIntire’s Massachusetts Folly is for sale for almost $7 million
An elegant brick estate in Lake Forest, Illinois, originally designed by an architect Howard Van Doren Shaw with a surprise Massachusetts Folly in the backyard, recently hit the market for $6,995,000.
Built in 1907, the five-bedroom mansion sits on 2.5 acres of privacy near Lake Michigan and features many historic details.
“It has its own unique style and has a real shine,” says the real estate agent Marina Carneyfrom Compass. “The house is set up for entertaining, but not overwhelming. The vendors focused on intimate gatherings, but they have also hosted weddings there. You can make it as big or as small as you want, that’s the charm of it.”
Historic highlights of the 7,280-square-foot home include a living room with wood-paneled walls imported from France, a grand hall with limestone floors and a garden room overlooking the south lawn.
“The woodwork is rich and opulent,” says Carney. “The sellers added a slate roof when they renovated the house. They also took the original kitchen and turned it into a billiards room and bar. They also added a veranda on top of the garden room so you can leave the master bedroom.”
Other impressive details include built-in cabinets, hand-scraped pine floors from Van Krumpen Woodworks, custom millwork, an upstairs office and six fireplaces.
“The bathrooms have been updated and are now all white marble,” she adds.
A chef’s kitchen features light blue cabinets and an oversized breakfast island. The dining area overlooks a patio designed for al fresco dining.
“The dining room seats up to 18 guests, but doesn’t feel too large or overwhelming,” says Carney.
One of the most stunning features of the property can be found in the backyard: a replica of Samuel McIntire‘s Massachusetts Folly, which was built here in 2010.
Set amidst a rose garden, the building was designed to replicate the historic Derby summer house located in Danvers, MA, built by McIntire in 1794.
“It’s a geothermal structure with a kitchenette and a toilet,” Carney notes. “On the second floor living space, think home office, think studio, think yoga retreat. It’s visually soothing and anchors the pool. The seller used it as an office and painting studio.”
Beautifully designed, the original landscape of the picture-perfect property was created by Charles Platt And Rose Standish Nichols and later redesigned by garden designer Rosemary Vereywhile being “carefully maintained” by Craig Bergmannaccording to the list.
The expansive lot also features a swimming pool, tennis court and one-bedroom carriage house.
There is also an attached two-car garage and a detached two-car garage.
“This house has all the stuff in the right places,” says Carney. “It’s three blocks from Forest Park, which has a beach entrance, and there are beautiful walking trails along the lake. It’s also a 15-minute walk to town. It has all these wonderful community amenities, but is still as private as you want.”
