A century-old brick manor that’s located in one of Lake Forest’s most sought-after neighbourhoods returns to the market. The five-bedroom home sits on 2.5 private acres near Lake Michigan, blends classic architecture with modern updates, and is listed for $6,995,000. Built in 1907, it also features a unique backyard surprise rarely found in Midwest estates.
Renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw designed the home, helping define the look of Chicago’s North Shore in the early 1900s. Today, the 7,280-square-foot manor still feels grand, thanks to careful renovations that keep its elegance while making it comfortable to live in.
Striking a Balance
According to listing agent Marina Carney of Compass, the property strikes a rare balance between formal entertaining and intimate daily living. The current owners, she said, were intentional about creating spaces that feel welcoming rather than imposing, even as the home has hosted events as large as weddings. The flexibility of scale, she added, is one of the estate’s defining characteristics.
Inside, period details immediately set the tone. The grand entry hall is finished with limestone floors that lead into a series of richly appointed rooms. Among the most notable features is a wood-panelled living room imported from France, its craftsmanship lending warmth and Old World character. Six fireplaces are distributed throughout the home, reinforcing the sense of architectural continuity and comfort.
Over the years, the sellers undertook a renovation that enhanced the home’s original bones while updating its functionality. A slate roof was added, and the original kitchen was reimagined as a billiards room and bar, an elegant nod to classic entertaining spaces. A porch was constructed above the garden room, allowing direct outdoor access from the primary bedroom and extending the home’s connection to the grounds.
The interior also features custom millwork, extensive built-in cabinetry, and hand-scraped pine floors crafted by Van Krumpen Woodworks. An upstairs office provides a quiet workspace, while the bathrooms have been modernised with white marble finishes that complement the home’s historic aesthetic.
The chef’s kitchen features a lighter palette, with soft blue cabinetry and an oversized island that anchors the space. An adjacent eat-in area overlooks a patio designed for al fresco dining, reinforcing the home’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow. The formal dining room can accommodate up to 18 guests, yet its proportions remain intimate rather than cavernous, an intentional design choice that reflects the home’s overall philosophy.
A Standout Folly
While the main residence alone would distinguish the listing, the grounds elevate it into truly rare territory. Behind the house, set within a rose garden and overlooking the pool, stands an architectural curiosity: a full-scale replica of a Massachusetts folly inspired by master craftsman Samuel McIntire.
Constructed on the property in 2010, the structure recreates the historic Derby Summer House, originally built in 1794. Far from being a purely ornamental feature, the folly is a fully functional, geothermal-powered building complete with a kitchenette, bathroom, and second-floor living space. The sellers used it as both a home office and a painting studio, though it could easily serve as a yoga retreat, guest pavilion, or creative workspace.
The folly also plays a central role in the estate’s landscape design, visually anchoring the pool area while adding a layer of architectural storytelling to the grounds. It is the type of feature more commonly found on historic European estates than in suburban Illinois, underscoring the property’s uniqueness.
The gardens themselves carry a lineage nearly as distinguished as the home. The original landscape was designed by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nichols, later reinterpreted by renowned British garden designer Rosemary Verey. In more recent years, the grounds have been meticulously maintained by landscape architect Craig Bergmann, ensuring that the gardens remain both historically sensitive and visually compelling.
Beyond the Folly
Beyond the formal gardens, the estate includes a pool, a tennis court, and a one-bedroom coach house that offers flexibility for guests or staff. Parking is ample, with both an attached two-car garage and a detached two-car garage discreetly integrated into the property.
Location further enhances the estate’s appeal. Despite its privacy, the home sits just three blocks from Forest Park, which provides access to a Lake Michigan beach and a network of scenic walking paths along the shoreline. The town centre of Lake Forest is approximately a 15-minute walk away, offering shops, dining, and commuter rail access to Chicago.
All the Things in the Right Places
All in all, the property represents a rare union of architectural heritage, landscape artistry, and modern comfort. In a luxury market increasingly defined by new construction, this Lake Forest manor stands apart as a carefully preserved piece of history, one that has evolved thoughtfully over time while retaining its original sense of place.
The estate offers “all the things in all the right places,” combining community access with the level of privacy typically reserved for far more remote properties. For buyers seeking a historically significant home with distinctive grounds and a story woven into every detail, the listing presents a singular opportunity just below the $7 million mark.
