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Lake Forest,IL 60045
Key Details
Property Type Single Family Home
Sub Type Detached Single
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 7,280 sqft
Price per Sqft $1,029
MLS Listing ID 12468415
Bedrooms 5
Full Baths 6
Half Baths 3
Year Built 1907
Annual Tax Amount $87,822
Tax Year 2024
Lot Size 2.500 Acres
Lot Dimensions 127x 104x264x399x138x191x178
Property Sub-Type Detached Single
Property Description
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 for Helen Poole Thompson, 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.
Location
State IL
County Lake
Area Lake Forest
Rooms
Basement Unfinished,Full
Interior
Interior Features Wet Bar,Historic/Period Mlwk,Special Millwork
Heating Natural Gas,Forced Air,Geothermal
Cooling Central Air
Flooring Hardwood
Fireplaces Number 6
Fireplace Y
Appliance Range,Dishwasher,High End Refrigerator,Disposal,Wine Refrigerator,Range Hood
Laundry Upper Level
Exterior
Garage Spaces 4.0
Roof Type Slate
Building
Lot Description Corner Lot
Dwelling Type Detached Single
Building Description Brick, No
Sewer Public Sewer,Storm Sewer
Water Lake Michigan,Public
Level or Stories 3 Stories
Structure Type Brick
New Construction false
Schools
Elementary Schools Sheridan Elementary School
Middle Schools Deer Path Middle School
High Schools Lake Forest High School
School District 67 ,67, 115
Others
HOA Fee Include None
Ownership Fee Simple
Special Listing Condition List Broker Must Accompany