Storied 1907 Lake Forest Manor in Illinois With French-Imported Paneled Living Room, and Original Gardens by Charles Platt
This iconic Lake Forest, IL manor, listed at $6,995,000, was designed in 1907 by Howard Van Doren Shaw and stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural elegance and historical legacy. Set on a picturesque 2.5-acre plot along Lake Road, the 7,700 sq ft residence boasts features such as a French-paneled living room, limestone entrance, and panoramic garden room, harmoniously integrated with gardens originally planned by Charles Platt and enhanced by Rosemary Verey. Comprehensive renovations in 1989 and a notable architectural folly addition in 2010 have updated the property while preserving its storied charm. With multiple bedrooms, guest accommodations, a coach house, pool, and tennis court, this home represents a rare fusion of heritage and luxury.
Front Entrance
A stately historic home features a sweeping front drive clad in fine gravel, encircled by manicured hedges and mature trees. The architecture blends classic red brick walls with large windows and white trim, while lush green ivy climbs across the façade and columns. The left side showcases a charming annex framed by French doors, white pillars, and trellises wrapped in greenery. Dormer windows punctuate the roofline, and generous shrubbery lines the base of the home, enhancing its grandeur. The overall aesthetic is elegant and timeless, evoking the appeal of a grand country estate.
Garage Facade
Neoclassical white garage structure features prominent square columns and ornate crown detailing across the roofline. Two manicured espaliered trees are trained vertically across the facade, lending a refined, symmetrical greenery against the crisp white walls. Low, perfectly trimmed shrubbery lines the base, complementing the smart appearance. The driveway is covered in fine, golden gravel, adding texture and contrast to the stark building. Mature trees and lush garden plantings frame the background, giving the area a stately, serene ambiance. The overall effect combines historic architectural style with meticulous landscaping for a formal, elegant exterior presentation.
Poolside Garden
A rectangular swimming pool sits at the center of a lush, symmetrical backyard, bordered by neat red brick decking. Four evenly spaced trees with dense green foliage frame the walkway, casting dappled shade over the vibrant green grass. Ornate metal chairs and a matching small table provide seating areas around the pool, creating an elegant, inviting ambience. In the background, a white historic home partially covered in ivy serves as a stunning focal point. A sun umbrella and relaxation loungers complete the tranquil, classic garden setting, emphasizing comfort, leisure, and refined landscaping.
Living Room Fireplace
A grand living room centered by an ornate wood-paneled fireplace dominates the space, with intricate crown molding and carved mantle details. Two large windows on either side of the fireplace are topped with cream drapes, allowing natural light to filter through. The room exudes warmth with rich wood paneling and a palette of creams, blues, and floral patterns. Overstuffed cream sofas and a floral-upholstered armchair are accented by bold floral throw pillows. Antique wooden tables, blue and white porcelain lamps and vases, and a classic desk add to the historic, traditional ambiance. Framed artwork and gold-toned table lamps complete the elegant, timeless aesthetic.
Living Room Details
A grand living room features rich wood-paneled walls and ornate trim, creating an atmosphere of vintage elegance. The focal point is a dark marble fireplace surrounded by antique framed art and flanked by built-in shelves filled with books and ceramics. Soft beige armchairs and a matching sofa with fringed trim sit atop a neutral area rug, while a deep red couch and floral-patterned chairs add color. Delicate side tables hold lamps and decor items. Tall windows framed by heavy cream drapes allow ample natural light, complemented by warm lamps. French doors open to a sunlit patio area, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
Dining Room Cabinetry
Warm wooden paneling with intricate carved details creates an inviting and elegant atmosphere. The built-in corner cabinet features arched shelving displaying ornate decorative plates and ceramics, all hand-painted with colorful patterns. Soft gold lighting comes from an ornate wall sconce and a table lamp with a floral porcelain base and pleated shade, illuminating the cozy ambiance. Cream-colored curtains hang beside tall French doors, adding a touch of refinement. Classic framed landscape paintings adorn the wood-paneled wall, and the edge of an upholstered mahogany chair and a round table with a dark finish can be seen in the foreground.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room featuring rich, wood-paneled walls and intricate crown molding. Elegant built-in cabinetry displays an array of blue and white porcelain plates, complemented by soft lamp lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The central fireplace serves as a focal point with its ornate mantle, surrounded by framed artwork. Two cream-colored sofas and matching armchairs with floral patterned cushions and a dark wooden coffee table are arranged for conversation. Large windows with billowing curtains and French doors offer a view to a sunroom and lush green garden, enhancing the classic, historic feel of this space.
Living Room Details
Elegant living room with high ceilings, white paneled walls, and large French windows allowing natural light to fill the space. An ornate white fireplace is topped with a gilded mirror, flanked by wall sconces with soft yellow lamps. Green drapes frame the tall windows, complementing the patterned green carpet and traditional area rug with floral designs. The seating includes a striped armchair, a plush gold chair with fringe, a bright coral accent chair, and a floral sofa. Vintage artwork, fine wood furniture, and a crystal chandelier contribute to a refined, historic ambiance with a rich, curated aesthetic.
Living Room Fireplace
A grand fireplace with ornate white molding and a gold-framed mirror serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by classic wall paneling. Warm wood furniture, including a pair of antique chests and a glass-fronted cabinet, flanks the fireplace, each topped with a gold lamp emitting soft light. An armchair upholstered in cream fabric and a bright orange, floral-cushioned settee provide cozy seating. The rich green carpet and patterned, multicolored Persian-style area rug add depth, while tall green drapes frame a large window that lets in natural light, accentuating the elegant, traditional aesthetic of the space.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features a traditional, elegant design with cream-colored walls and ornate crown molding. Large windows on the right flood the space with natural light, framed by floral drapes matching the upholstered armchairs. Built-in bookcases flank a painted wall mural that adds a classic touch, while a grand fireplace with a gilded mirror above provides a focal point. Comfortable seating includes a white sofa with a pleated skirt, multiple plush armchairs, and colorful accent pillows. Vintage side tables with decorative lamps, a patterned area rug, and a window seat with cushions complete the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Living Room Fireplace
A traditional living room centers around a classic white marble fireplace beneath a large, gilded mirror. Soft yellow walls and elaborate crown molding add warmth and sophistication. The seating arrangement features a white sofa, two matching armchairs, and two patterned armchairs, all with plush cushions in pastel shades. A red, round velvet ottoman with fringe serves as a coffee table, decorated with art books. Floral drapes with green fringe frame tall windows and complement the floral upholstery. Built-in shelves hold books and ceramics, while twin lamps emit a gentle glow, lending a cozy, historic charm to the space.
Dining Room Elegance
A grand dining room radiates with classic charm, featuring butter-yellow paneled walls with crisp white moldings and a high, white ceiling trimmed with ornate crown molding. A large, polished wood dining table seats twelve on upholstered chairs, centered atop a richly patterned oriental rug in deep reds and blues. A sparkling crystal chandelier hangs above, adding a touch of luxury. Decorative wall sconces flank a stately fireplace topped with an oil portrait, while an elaborate mirror and sideboard grace the opposite wall. Floor-to-ceiling French doors draped with gold and blue swags flood the room with natural light, enhancing the stately, historical ambiance.
Sunroom Seating Area
A bright sunroom features large floor-to-ceiling windows along two sides, allowing abundant natural light and lush outdoor views. The ceiling is paneled in soft blue with exposed white beams and a white ceiling fan, enhancing the airy atmosphere. The space is anchored by a blue-patterned area rug and a blue and white floral couch, with complimentary white armchairs and light wicker side tables. A striking blue and white chinoiserie wallpaper covers one wall, blending with a built-in cabinet displaying elegant china. Decorative lighting includes a large round metallic pendant and a gold birdcage chandelier, adding whimsical charm.
Sitting Room Details
A vibrant sitting room with an expressive blue and white color palette. The wallpaper is a swirling blue- and white-pattern, complementing a richly upholstered sofa and pillows with similar motifs. A central cream-colored display cabinet with glass doors showcases blue and white china. The seating includes elegantly curved armchairs in white, set beside tables with blue and white ceramic lamps. The ceiling features exposed beams painted in a soft powder blue, while the patterned area rug ties the furnishings together. French doors on either side and delicate trim add a sense of historic charm, blending comfort with sophistication.
Sunroom Patio Doors
Tall French doors framed by wide-paned windows open out onto a stone patio and lush garden. The sunroom interior features a patterned blue and white rug and upholstered furniture: one armchair in ivory and another in blue floral fabric with a textured navy blue pillow. Exposed ceiling beams painted white contrast with a soft blue ceiling, creating an airy, classic atmosphere. Natural light pours in, highlighting the inviting connection between the comfortable indoor lounge and the tranquil, manicured outdoor space. The patio furniture outside and a green umbrella hint at leisurely outdoor gatherings. The overall feel is bright, elegant, and welcoming.
Dining Area Windows
A spacious dining area featuring a long wooden table surrounded by high-back chairs upholstered in blue and white gingham fabric. The room is bathed in natural light from a wall of tall, multi-paned French windows and doors, which offer views to the garden outside. The walls are painted a warm golden yellow, contrasting with the light wood floor and cream-colored drapes. In one corner, cushioned armchairs and a small ottoman add extra seating, with decorative blue and white porcelain accents on the table and on display above the windows. The look is classic and inviting, with country French influences.
Kitchen Island
A spacious kitchen combines vintage charm with modern convenience. Light sky-blue cabinetry covers the walls and conceals a large refrigerator, offering ample storage and character. Golden yellow walls add warmth and cheer, contrasting beautifully with the cabinetry. A central island features a blonde wood countertop and three teal wooden stools with decorative backs, inviting casual meals or conversation. Overhead, an ornate bronze chandelier with glass shades and delicate bead accents brings elegant, historic ambiance. Stainless steel appliances and a large range dominate one side, complemented by subtle blue-and-white decorative tile backsplash. Warm wood flooring grounds the space, enhancing its cozy, welcoming feel.
Kitchen and Dining
Open-concept kitchen with soft blue cabinetry, natural wood countertops, and a large central island featuring a built-in sink and dishwasher. Warm yellow walls and light wood flooring create a cheerful ambiance, while a wrought iron chandelier with shaded bulbs adds an elegant focal point. The dining area sits by expansive windows and French doors, letting in abundant natural light and offering views of lush greenery. Upholstered dining chairs with a blue check pattern, a mix of vintage and rustic wooden furniture, and built-in shelving filled with books and ceramics contribute to a cozy, inviting country cottage aesthetic.
Dining Area Details
A long wooden dining table sits at the center, surrounded by high-back chairs upholstered in blue and white plaid fabric. The room feels airy and bright thanks to a wall of tall, multipane French doors and windows, offering views of lush greenery outside and allowing abundant natural light to pour in. Light wood floors and warm yellow walls contribute to a cheerful, welcoming ambiance. Cream curtains frame the windows, tied back neatly. In the background, built-in white cabinetry with glass-front doors lines one wall, providing both storage and display space. The overall effect is comfortable, stylish, and distinctly timeless.
Breakfast Nook Details
A sunny breakfast nook enveloped in floral yellow and green drapery creates a garden-like atmosphere. The lattice ceiling and teal trim frame the space, lending a vintage conservatory feel. A round table, covered in matching floral and yellow checkered cloths, sits at the center, surrounded by six wooden chairs with checkered seat cushions. The windows allow abundant natural light, enhancing the warm, cheerful palette. A dramatic gold and glass chandelier adds an elegant focal point above the table. The room exudes a cozy, inviting charm with its blend of botanical prints, classic furniture, and soft, natural textures.
Billiard Room Details
This room features a classic billiard table with a turquoise felt top and dark wooden legs, centered under an ornate brass light fixture with three green pleated lampshades. The walls are adorned with intricate green-floral wallpaper matched with green-painted wainscoting, door frames, and trim, creating a cohesive and bold color scheme. Wide-plank, light brown wooden floors add warmth and contrast. On one side is a wooden console table decorated with framed art, plants, and two matching chairs. Through an open doorway, a glimpse of a neighboring sitting area with checkered wallpaper and built-in bookshelves is visible, enhancing the stately ambiance.
Billiard Room Details
A spacious billiard room with a central pool table featuring a green felt top and rich wooden frame dominates the space. The floor is finished with wide plank hardwood, adding warmth and character. Walls, ceiling beams, and built-ins are painted in a distinctive, soft green hue, complemented by ornate patterned wallpaper. Large green pleated lampshades hang above the pool table, casting a warm glow. Glass-fronted cabinets, framed artwork, and a pair of windows add to the historic ambiance. Elegant wooden chairs and a vintage side table enhance the classic, refined atmosphere typical of stately American homes.
Bedroom Canopy Suite
This room features a classic four-poster canopy bed draped in floral fabric, matching the upholstered chairs and footrests for a cohesive look. The walls are covered in patterned wallpaper with blue and cream tones, complementing the soft blue carpet adorned with white motifs. An ornate fireplace serves as a focal point, flanked by elegant wooden side tables and vintage lamps with pleated shades. Gilded sconces and framed artwork add warmth, while large windows dressed in matching floral drapes flood the space with natural light. Decorative mirrors and traditional furnishings evoke a refined, historic atmosphere.
Bedroom Suite
A spacious bedroom with elegant, historic charm features a grand four-poster canopy bed adorned in floral fabric and crisp white linens. The walls are covered in patterned blue-green wallpaper with classical trim, complemented by pale blue carpeting with a subtle geometric design. Vintage-style furnishings include a tufted armchair, a floral-upholstered bench, and delicate wood side tables with decorative lamps. An ornate mirrored dresser stands against one wall, and coordinated drapes frame a large window, allowing natural light to brighten the room. A wide arched doorway leads to a staircase, enhancing the room’s sense of openness and flow.
Sitting Room Details
A cozy sitting room with soft green striped wallpaper and crown molding creates a classic ambiance. Furniture includes a plush sage green armchair and ottoman, a cream-colored loveseat with decorative fringe, and a teal floral sofa beneath a draped, swagged fabric canopy. Pillows feature floral prints, coordinating with the lively floral curtains framing small windows. An ornate wooden armoire stands out as a focal point, complemented by antique side tables and lamps with pleated shades. Woven natural fiber carpet covers the floor, while a colorful area rug introduces intricate patterns. Warm lighting and framed artwork add to the room’s inviting, traditional elegance.
Bathroom Suite
A spacious bathroom features elegant green walls paired with crisp white marble flooring and trim. The central focus is a large built-in marble bathtub with gold faucets, flanked by multiple large mirrors that brighten and visually expand the room. To the left is a marble-topped vanity with classic panel legs and gold sconces adorned with pleated lampshades. The window on the far wall allows natural light to filter in and is dressed with patterned green drapes, complemented by matching skirted side tables, both topped with vintage-style lamps and an ornate mirror, lending a refined, historical charm.
Patio Seating
A spacious wooden patio set against a backdrop of lush green trees. The deck features a weathered natural wood floor and is bordered by a decorative white railing with a crisscross pattern. Two cushioned white lounge chairs with wheels are placed under a large, off-white umbrella for shade. A small round side table sits between the loungers. In the foreground, a round white metal bistro table with two matching chairs provides a spot for dining or relaxing. The serene and classic design offers an elegant place for outdoor leisure, complementing the historic ambiance of the home.
Canopy Bed Suite
Rich, ornate wallpaper in red and white toile wraps the walls, evoking a historic, romantic ambiance. At the center, a dramatic dark wood four-poster canopy bed dressed with white bedding, toile bed skirt, and pink drapery provides a focal point. Elegant table lamps, carved wooden side tables, and an antique-style writing desk enhance the period look. Light streams through white-paned windows dressed in matching toile curtains with deep magenta trim. A French-style chair, striped armchair, floral rug, and a gold chandelier add warmth and luxury, while built-in closet doors flank the bed for symmetry and structure.
Study Sitting Area
A cozy study with a traditional American country aesthetic, featuring a corner nook dominated by large windows fitted with cheerful floral Roman shades. The walls and sofa are upholstered in matching red and cream gingham, lending a cohesive and inviting feel. A richly colored oriental rug adds warmth to the floor, complementing the wooden furniture: a vintage writing desk, a classic bentwood chair, and a small chest of drawers. Accents like the floral lamp, patterned pillows, and delicate cream drapes enhance the nostalgic ambiance, while plenty of natural light streams in, making the room bright and welcoming.
Bedroom Details
Twin beds with pale green-striped headboards and a dramatic, gathered gold canopy are the focal point, flanked by matching wooden side tables each topped with a ceramic lamp and pleated lampshades. The space conveys a quaint, traditional feel with small patterned wallpaper in soft cream and green tones. Four botanical prints are symmetrically arranged on the wall, adding vintage charm. A braided natural fiber carpet covers most of the floor, accented by a black area rug decorated with bold floral motifs in reds and greens. An open doorway reveals a bright adjacent bathroom with marble flooring and pastel walls.
Twin Bedroom Details
Two single beds with pale wood spindle headboards are positioned along one wall, dressed in blue, red, and cream plaid bedding, with frilled, floral-patterned bed skirts. The wallpaper features pale yellow and blue vertical stripes, lending a cheerful, traditional feel. Between the beds sits a small wooden nightstand topped with vintage-style lamps and an old-fashioned radio. A floral-patterned armchair sits near a window adorned with matching curtains and a valance. Above the beds hang framed botanical prints and a map, with two decorative shelves. The room has warm, brown carpeting, and a floral rug with bold tulip motifs enhances the inviting ambiance.
Bathroom Vanity
A bright bathroom with a double vanity topped in white marble and matching marble tile floor. Two large mirrors are set above the sinks, framed in white with classic, polished chrome fixtures. Soft yellow walls add warmth, contrasting gently with the cool marble. Elegant wall-mounted lamps with cream shades provide soft lighting, complemented by recessed ceiling lights. A tufted vanity stool in beige sits beneath the counter, adding a vintage touch. To the right, a roomy glass-enclosed shower is visible, and through the doorway, a cozy adjacent room with floral seating and striped wallpaper can be seen.
Formal Garden
A meticulously landscaped garden features lush green lawns surrounded by manicured hedges and an array of ornamental shrubs. Brick walls border part of the garden, providing texture and a classic touch, while trees of varying heights add depth and provide shade. Curved pathways define distinct planting beds filled with vibrant greenery and flowering bushes. Tall evergreens and flowering deciduous trees blend with the array of shaped hedges and perennial plants, giving the space a tranquil, structured, yet natural ambiance. The layout is elegant and orderly, reflecting a timeless, historic estate aesthetic.
Garden Pathway Entrance
A symmetrical garden walkway leads to a two-story, neoclassical-style white building with elegant architectural details. The pathway is flanked by neatly trimmed boxwood hedges and lush hydrangea flowers, creating a formal, balanced appearance. The building features tall, arched windows with dark shutters and ornate trim, echoing classical design. A central arched passageway forms the entrance at the ground level. Statues perch on the building’s roof corners, and the garden is enclosed by tall trees and dense greenery, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The overall aesthetic is refined, orderly, and reminiscent of historic estate gardens.
Covered Breezeway
A bright passageway connects two sections of the home, framed by classic white walls and arched ceilings. The floor is made of large, rectangular stone tiles in varying shades of gray and beige, lending a refined yet rustic touch. On each side of the breezeway, there are dark, paneled doors with traditional doorknobs, set in simple white doorframes. Overhead, an elegant lantern-style light fixture hangs from the center of the arch, adding historical charm. The breezeway opens to a lush green garden, with manicured hedges visible at the far end, creating a peaceful and inviting transition between indoors and outdoors.
Sitting Room Details
A charming sitting room with tall arched windows letting in generous natural light and views of lush greenery outside. The walls are painted in a soft pastel green, adorned with hand-painted flowering tree branches in muted, natural tones, creating a serene garden-like effect. The furniture includes an elegant green velvet settee with floral pillows, a classic wooden writing desk with a lamp and books, an antique side table, and two upholstered chairs with carved wooden frames. The brass pendant lantern overhead, pale wood flooring, and period wood trim add warmth and sophistication, evoking both historic and tranquil aesthetics.
Garage Exterior
A two-car garage with a brick exterior features arched details above the doors and a classic, symmetrical façade. Two large, green paneled garage doors are flanked by a matching single entry door to the left. Lush, green ivy climbs and partially covers the left side and upper section, creating a blend of nature and architecture. A gravel driveway leads up to the building. The roof has wooden shingles and includes a dormer with two white-trimmed windows. Surrounding the structure are mature trees and thick hedges, adding to the tranquil, historic ambiance of the property.
Pool Terrace
A brick-paved terrace surrounds a large rectangular swimming pool, set amidst lush green lawns and manicured hedges. Sculpted topiary trees line one side, offering privacy and an elegant, sculptural touch. Wrought iron benches and loungers make up the seating, accompanied by a cluster of tables shaded by a green umbrella in the distance. The classic basket-shaped stone planter in the foreground adds a historic, decorative accent. The overall aesthetic is refined and timeless, blending traditional landscaping with leisure-focused amenities, emphasizing symmetry, greenery, and an inviting, serene outdoor atmosphere.
Listing Agent: Marina Carney of Compass via Zillow
