I could feel this bewitching Lake Forest estate casting its spell over me from the moment I stepped beneath its suspended iron canopy.
To call this Howard Van Doren Shaw masterpiece breathtaking would be an understatement, as every nuanced detail of its ten-thousand square feet is not only pristine, but exquisite in its design and décor.
Shaw, the famed architect who designed this manor home in 1909 for a prominent grain and stock trader, did so in the refined English Arts & Crafts style that he is renowned for. The historic property has all the grace and charm of its earliest beginnings and yet has been updated with every modern convenience…updates that whisper, not scream.
My photographs don’t begin to do this gorgeous home justice, but I’m certain they’ll at least give you an idea of its magnificence. Take note of all the little details. From the barrel ceiling with plaster relief moldings in the entry foyer to the incredible views of the grounds and formal gardens that can be seen from every room, this home is truly amazing. And did I mention the Christopher Peacock Kitchen ? Stunning. Hope you enjoy!
A home for the ages, indeed!
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Special thanks to Nancy Adelman of Griffith, Grant & Lackie for facilitating the first in my series of Home Tours.
Images 1, 7, 10 via JS Eckert Photography
13 Comments
This is truly a spectacular piece of historic art real estate… Your photos
only enhance this majestic home and are stunning. When can I move in
“Old Sport”?….
HaHa! Yes, The Great Gatsby is exactly what I was channelling as I walked through this jewel. Astute observation ;)
Wow, what a stunning home!
So beautiful!
Beautiful house Mary! You didn’t know Roys and mine looks very similar to this? ( Just kidding). When we moved to Charlotte, we were looking at historic homes, but you have to have time and $ to renovate to even keep it in its proper period. Love the last picture and the garden.
xx jess
Ha! Thanks for making me smile!
These are amazing captures of this incredible place. Perhaps I’m just missing it…but where is this? Sorry to be so clueless…
Hi Robin,
This home is located along Chicago’s North Shore in a town that’s near and dear to my heart ( I happen to live here :) ) – Lake Forest.
Oh gosh Mary, it is gorgeous but it still has the welcoming and cozy comforts of a home. There is another house that I adore. The home that was used for Something’s Gotta Give. Have you photographed that one?
Oh, I love that home, too, Glenda! It’s so beautiful! I’ve never had a chance to photograph it but I have been to Savannah, where it’s located, and I absolutely love it there! My current home has a similar exterior, though the interior is more formal than the beach house in the movie. Next time I visit Savannah, I will definitely check out this house!
I hope you take photos. I would love to see them!
Oh I would love to entertain in this kitchen ;-) Thank you for sharing!
Who wouldn’t love to live in a plc like this Mary? Absolutely breathtaking x
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