Iconic 1929 Lorimer Mansion in Crystal Lake, Illinois, With Artful Gardens, Saltwater Pool, and Sparkling Lake Views

The Lorimer Mansion, built in 1929 and recently restored in 2024, stands as a classic example of Federal Revival architecture in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Set on lush grounds designed by Mum Modern Landscape, this stately, three-story home offers five bedrooms, 4.1 baths, an office/study, and a private viewing room. The property artfully balances its formal façade with intimate interiors and includes modern amenities, an in-ground saltwater pool, raised vegetable gardens, and ample outdoor entertaining space. Nestled near the lively 238-acre Crystal Lake and acclaimed local schools, the estate is priced at $1,750,000 and offers optional CCAPOA rights, making it a rare retreat midway between Chicago and Lake Geneva.

Front Porch Seating

A classic front porch with a grand, Southern-style aesthetic. White-painted brick walls and tall, fluted columns give the space a stately appearance. The porch is furnished with long benches topped with plush, neutral-toned cushions, creating an inviting atmosphere. Decorative urns with lush greenery and flowers add life and color to the area. Large arched windows with grilles and a central paned door provide architectural interest along the façade, while a lantern-style light fixture hangs above. The muted gray floor and manicured hedges visible at the edge convey a sense of order, refinement, and timeless charm.

Front Entrance Exterior

A stately two-story historic home with a white painted brick façade is viewed from the front driveway. The architecture is traditional with tall, rectangular and arched windows that allow abundant natural light inside. A set of elegant red brick steps leads up to the main entrance, flanked by manicured greenery and neatly trimmed hedges. The driveway is wide and asphalt-paved, extending towards a classic paneled garage door. A decorative railing and potted flowers add a welcoming touch to the entrance. Overhead, mature trees create dappled shade, enhancing the home’s inviting and serene curb appeal.

Front Porch and Columns

A stately front porch with grand, white fluted columns stands as the focal point, evoking classic American architecture. The porch floor is a clean, pale concrete, with simple black planters filled with lush green foliage and seasonal flowers adding soft color. To the right, cushioned white seating offers a place to relax. A glass-topped table adds a hint of modern style. The porch overlooks a manicured lawn with mature trees and clipped hedges, while classic lantern sconces on the wall reinforce the home’s historic elegance. The space radiates a tranquil, inviting feel, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Front Lawn Entry

A manicured front lawn stretches toward a grand, historic house with unmistakable neoclassical design. A symmetric concrete pathway, bordered by lush grass, leads directly to the double front doors. Near the start of the walkway, a circular flowerbed with a small decorative sculpture offers a focal point before the path continues toward the house. Hedges, flowering bushes, and mature trees provide privacy and a stately frame, while the façade showcases tall white columns, arched windows, and a steep, dormered roof, all bathed in afternoon sunlight for an elegant and inviting first impression.

Stairway Landing

An elegant stairway landing with crisp white paneled walls and dark hardwood floors creates a sophisticated ambiance. A large, ornate chandelier hangs above, casting a warm glow. Artwork with vibrant abstract designs and bold frames adorns the walls, injecting pops of color and modern character into the classic setting. A dark wood sideboard sits beneath an arched window, topped with sculptural vases in black, white, and gray patterns that add a contemporary edge. The window floods the area with natural light, highlighting the detailed crown moldings and well-maintained finishes of this transitional space.

Sunroom Seating Area

A bright, airy room with large arched windows and double glass doors lets in ample natural light. The floors are black marble with gold inlays, contrasting with the white walls and trim. Plush, textured seating in soft white, including a curved sofa and shaggy armchairs, creates a cozy, inviting feel. A large green marble coffee table anchors the space. Indoor plants, including a tall potted cactus and a leafy tree, bring in fresh green accents. Art hangs on the wall, while a softly glowing cylindrical lamp adds warmth, complementing the mixture of modern and vintage-inspired décor.

Entryway Staircase

This space features a grand entryway with a sweeping staircase to the right and a black front door with glass panels directly ahead. The floors are black stone with small, subtle golden diamond accents. Walls and trim are crisp white, lending a sense of brightness and elegance. A dramatic, multi-tiered chandelier hangs above, enhancing the space with vintage glamour. There’s a modern sculptural piece to the right, and a mirrored table with a decorative bowl on the left. Visible through an arched doorway, an adjacent room displays white chairs and decorative plates arranged on the wall for a classic touch.

Living Room Details

A spacious living room with a refined blend of classic and modern elements, featuring high ceilings with detailed crown molding and large, arched windows allowing in ample natural light. The floor features bold black-and-beige diamond tiles that create striking visual interest. Two plush white sofas are arranged for conversation around a glass-and-metal coffee table adorned with books, crystals, and decorative items. A stately wood mantel with a blazing fireplace anchors the room, topped by an ornate mirror and sculptural accents. A whimsical, large-scale portrait adds a touch of playful modernity, contrasting beautifully with the traditional architectural detailing.

Living Room Details

Spacious living room featuring a classical black and cream checkerboard marble floor and ornate white paneled walls. The central focal point is a large antique stone fireplace with an intricate mantle and oversized mirror above. A cream, overstuffed contemporary sofa sits in front of a geometric glass and metal coffee table adorned with books and decorative objects. Tall arched windows line the wall, allowing ample daylight, and between them hangs a large, striking portrait. Lush potted plants and eclectic decor mix with historic architectural elements, blending traditional luxury with modern eclectic touches for an inviting, elegant ambiance.

Living Room Fireplace

Elegant living room featuring a large, intricately carved wooden fireplace as the centerpiece. The room is arranged symmetrically with two plush, cream-colored couches facing each other over a glass coffee table. Decorative items, including a white ram skull sculpture, sit atop the table. Flanking the fireplace are two ornate crystal floor lamps, adding a touch of glamour. The walls are painted white with decorative panel molding, while floor-to-ceiling arched windows fill the space with natural light. Black and cream checkered marble flooring enhances the sophisticated look, and eclectic art pieces add character.

Living Room Details

A bright living room with a sophisticated and eclectic aesthetic. White coffered ceilings and detailed wall moldings set a historic tone. Large windows allow abundant natural light to stream in, enhancing the airy feel. A neutral sofa with bold zebra-striped pillows sits adjacent to a gold-toned, modern standing lamp and a leafy potted plant. Gold and wood accents, such as a small chest and wooden boxes, contribute warmth. The coffee table displays an assortment of books and decorative items, while two fluffy, cream-colored stools add texture. Beyond, a sleek, modern kitchen is partially visible, connecting tradition and contemporary style.

Kitchen Walkway

A galley-style kitchen featuring sleek black cabinets with contemporary metal handles runs along both sides of a stone-tile floor. White marble countertops provide a striking contrast, while a mosaic tile backsplash in neutral tones lends texture and interest to the space. Stainless steel appliances, including a professional-grade range with an oversized hood, bring a modern touch. Under-cabinet lighting and recessed spotlights in the ceiling offer even illumination. At the end of the kitchen, a cozy dining nook sits atop a woven rug, filled with eclectic furniture and vibrant art, visible through a wide doorway leading into a sunlit room with detailed wall paneling.

Garden Patio

A serene garden patio features neatly arranged stone pavers framed by lush greenery and manicured boxwood hedges. Two ornate stone benches face each other, providing inviting seating flanking a large urn planter filled with tall ornamental grasses at the center. The paved area opens onto a pathway of irregular flagstones leading through a wooden arbor gate, with lattice fencing surrounded by climbing plants. Beyond the gate, a pair of lounge chairs sits under a white patio umbrella, partially shaded by tall trees and dense foliage, creating a peaceful, private outdoor retreat with a blend of formal and natural landscaping elements.

Poolside Dining

A spacious outdoor dining area sits under a rustic wooden pergola, partially covered with trailing vineyard greenery. A long, stone-topped table is surrounded by wicker armchairs, comfortably arranged for ten. Overhead, three white woven pendant lights hang, adding texture and a touch of bohemian style. The stone paver patio continues seamlessly to a rectangular swimming pool, bordered by manicured hedges and mature trees. In the background, an umbrella-shaded seating nook and a playful pink donut pool float accentuate the relaxed, inviting ambiance. The color palette features natural beiges, light wood tones, and crisp greenery, creating a serene outdoor retreat.

Living Room Art Wall

A spacious living room features a dramatic white tufted sectional sofa with plush cushions that dominates the seating area. The walls are painted a crisp white, enhancing the light and airy atmosphere. The focal point is a gallery wall filled with eclectic contemporary artwork, ranging from abstract pieces to modern portraiture and monochrome photography, each in a sleek frame. The dark hardwood floor contrasts elegantly with the bright decor. Through a large open doorway, a cozy bedroom is visible, illuminated by a gold, starburst-style ceiling light fixture, adding a touch of mid-century flair to the overall modern and sophisticated design.

Upstairs Landing

A light-filled upstairs landing with dark hardwood floors, crisp white walls, and intricate molding. The stairwell features a sturdy white balustrade with a dark wood handrail curving along the edge. Large modern artworks and pop-culture inspired prints, including two Chanel perfume bottle prints, are displayed on the walls, providing bold pops of color against the classic interior. A dramatic, vintage-style chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a black ornate mirror adds to the elegance. The landing opens to a hallway with double doors and a glimpse of a cozy reading nook accented by a lamp with a pale shade.

Dining Room Details

A large, elegant dining room with a long white table surrounded by a mix of high-backed white armchairs and white wooden chairs draped with fluffy white throws. The floor is covered in a striking black and tan checkerboard tile pattern that adds warmth and visual texture. Three tall arched windows allow natural light to flood the room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The walls are adorned with a whimsical array of black-and-white decorative plates, many featuring illustrated faces. A crystal chandelier enclosed in a glass shade hangs from the ceiling, adding a touch of sophistication to the modern yet eclectic decor.

Grand Entryway

A spacious entry hall features elegant black stone flooring with gold inlays, paired with white walls and intricate molding. The grand staircase is carpeted in a chevron pattern and has dark wood trim, leading up to a landing with large arched windows. A prominent crystal chandelier hangs overhead, adding opulence. Against one wall, a large gilded mirror leans elegantly, reflecting natural light from nearby rooms. The adjacent living area can be seen through a wide arched doorway, furnishing a glimpse of modern art and comfortable seating. Subtle eclectic touches include a sculptural art object and an antique-style pistol mounted on the wall.

Living Room Details

Large living space with white coffered ceilings featuring recessed lighting, and built-in shelves spanning the wall filled with colorful ceramic and pottery pieces in various shapes and hues. Neutral wall colors and crown molding create a refined backdrop, while the furnishings include a cream sofa with a brown-and-white animal print pillow, a glass and metal coffee table stacked with books, and two circular, fluffy white stools. The floor is layered with woven sisal and animal hide rugs. An arched doorway leads to a cozy adjoining room, and the open layout flows toward the kitchen, giving the space an airy and inviting feel.

Patio Dining Area

This outdoor patio space features a rustic wooden pergola with white-painted support columns, providing partial shade and character to the seating area below. Beneath the pergola, there is a long rectangular dining table made of weathered wood, surrounded by six woven rattan-style chairs. The flooring consists of large, irregularly-shaped flagstones in light, natural tones. Two contemporary planters with greenery flank the table, while decorative lanterns hang from the pergola above. The patio borders a modern, rectangular pool with crystal-clear water, and is enclosed by a lattice wooden fence and lush greenery, creating a private, serene atmosphere.

Backyard Pool Area

A rectangular swimming pool sits at the center of a spacious, stone-tiled backyard, surrounded by lush greenery and tall privacy hedges. Multiple seating areas with cushioned chairs and large patio umbrellas offer shaded relaxation zones, while a trellised pergola with climbing vines creates an inviting outdoor dining spot beside a small outbuilding with a shingled roof. The landscaping is meticulously maintained, with manicured shrubs, established trees, and neatly defined garden beds wrapping the patio. The color palette blends the cool blue of the water, neutral stone paving, and vibrant greens, creating a tranquil and welcoming outdoor retreat reminiscent of a private garden sanctuary.

Entryway Hall

Bright and elegant entryway with glossy black marble floor tiles and detailed white wall paneling. A black-framed glass door leads outside, letting natural light flood the space. The walls are adorned with eclectic art, including a striking piece featuring vibrant lips and swirling colors. A small decorative shelf holds a statue of a bird. Through a wide arched opening is a corridor with a collection of plates displayed on the wall. Classic ceiling molding adds sophistication, while a single ornate pendant light hangs near the door, completing the inviting, art-filled atmosphere.

Bedroom Interior

Bright and airy bedroom featuring dark hardwood floors, white walls, and classic crown molding. A large upholstered bed in a neutral beige shade is centered against one wall, flanked by a mirrored dresser with a lamp and artwork above. Two white bookshelves with gold accents and curiosities frame a long tufted chaise beneath the windows, which are dressed with flowing white curtains. The golden sunburst chandelier overhead adds a playful, mid-century touch. The space feels both refined and comfortable, combining contemporary elements with vintage references to create a calm yet elegant retreat.

Bathroom Vanity and Tub

A luxurious bathroom featuring floor-to-ceiling white and gray marble tile on the walls and shower enclosure, paired with a glossy black tile floor that gives a bold contrast. A modern freestanding white soaking tub with an elegant curved faucet sits to the left, complemented by a vintage-style stool with a round brown cushion. The vanity area showcases sleek white cabinetry with twin vessel sinks and round mirrors, highlighted by contemporary light fixtures and a sparkling chandelier. A framed painting with a stylish figure adds artistic flair. Ambient lighting and an arched marble ceiling above the vanity enhance the overall sophistication.

Bedroom Details

A bright and airy bedroom features white walls and dark hardwood floors, lending a crisp contrast to the space. The bed is dressed in plush white linens with decorative metallic throw pillows, anchored by a creamy tufted storage bench at its foot. Above the bed hangs a striking sunburst mirror, while both sides of the bed are flanked by slender gold side tables with contemporary gray lamps. A modern gold chandelier with multiple bulbs hangs overhead, adding a touch of glamour. Wall art and photography in black frames, a sculptural pink chair, and a fur-like rug accentuate the room’s eclectic yet polished style.

Twin Bedroom

A bright and airy bedroom featuring two identical white twin beds with tufted headboards and accent pillows in pale blush and fur textures. The beds are separated by a small gray nightstand with a modern table lamp. Large black-and-white art pieces hang above each bed, creating a balanced and serene atmosphere. The room boasts rich dark wood floors, contrasting with crisp white walls and white trim. Two windows allow abundant natural light, framed by sheer white curtains. Floating shelves on one wall display colorful children’s artwork and soft toys, adding a playful touch. Two matching white benches sit at the foot of each bed.

Bedroom Seating Area

This room features a sophisticated four-poster bed with crisp white linens, earth-toned accent pillows, and a soft faux fur throw. Rich, dark hardwood floors add warmth, complemented by eclectic upholstered furniture with cowhide patterns, including a small ottoman and armchair. Large windows with white blinds provide ample natural light, highlighting the neutral white walls and crown molding. Decorative touches such as a mirrored dresser, framed artwork, and a tall standing mirror create visual interest. The French door leads outside, suggesting a connection to a balcony or patio, adding further charm and light to the bedroom.

Garden Entryway

A wooden gate opened onto a stone pathway, which leads through a formal garden area with manicured boxwood hedges on either side. The pathway is made of irregularly-shaped, light-colored stones and converges at a decorative large urn set on a pedestal in the center. Nearby, there is a stone bench with classical detailing, providing seating among the greenery. Raised wooden planters extend beyond the central path, filled with various plants and flowers. Tall shade trees and lush landscaping frame the space, creating a secluded, tranquil atmosphere that blends natural beauty with orderly design elements.

Vegetable Garden

A spacious garden area features several neatly arranged raised wooden beds filled with lush green plants and vegetables, framed by gravel pathways that provide easy access. Raised planters are organized symmetrically with decorative topiary and sturdy wooden obelisks, enhancing both function and charm. Surrounding the garden are manicured lawns and well-trimmed hedges, bordered by mature trees that offer shade and a sense of tranquility. Subtle ornamental details such as stone sculptures and trellises add visual interest. The overall color scheme is a fresh mix of natural greens and warm wooden tones, set against a vivid blue sky, evoking a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Front Exterior

A stately two-story home with a grand, white-painted brick facade stands behind a manicured lawn and lush landscaping. Tall, classical columns support a broad portico that shelters the main entrance, which is accessed by a central staircase flanked by symmetrical boxwood shrubs. Large arched windows and crisp architectural lines evoke a neoclassical aesthetic, while mature trees provide leafy framing and dappled shade. Geometric hedges and blooming bushes add structure and color, complementing the clean, historic charm of the architecture. The overall scene suggests elegance, order, and a sense of quiet grandeur.

Poolside Lounge

A rectangular in-ground swimming pool is bordered by irregular pale stone decking. Along one side, four contemporary lounge chairs with light cushions are shaded by large, white umbrellas, fostering an inviting space for relaxation. The pool’s water glimmers in the sunlight, and a playful pink donut-shaped float rests on the pool edge. Tall hedges and lush trees create a natural, green privacy barrier, while lattice fencing adds a subtle decorative touch. The overall color palette features soft earth tones complemented by the vivid blue pool and surrounding greenery, evoking a sense of peaceful seclusion and refined outdoor leisure.

Kitchen Countertop

A spacious kitchen countertop stretches beneath large, gridded black-framed windows, allowing abundant natural light to flood the area. The counter is topped with smooth white marble, accented by a double sink with modern, brushed steel faucets. Plants in terracotta and ceramic pots add life to the space. Cabinets below are a deep, textured black wood with sleek metal handles, while sleek stainless steel appliances and a mosaic tile backsplash in earthy tones provide a contemporary touch. The adjacent hallway reveals detailed white built-in shelving and coffered ceilings, blending historic charm with modern design sensibilities.

Kitchen Countertop

A long, galley-style kitchen space with large black-framed windows along one side, allowing ample sunlight to brighten the room. A row of sleek dark wood cabinets runs beneath white marble countertops, punctuated by modern stainless-steel appliances including a built-in oven, dishwasher, coffee machine, and electric kettle. The backsplash features a mosaic of small, neutral-toned tiles that add texture and subtle elegance. Decorative potted plants are placed beside the sink bringing greenery indoors. The light stone tile floor is partially covered by a woven runner, and the ceiling is bright white with recessed lighting for a clean, contemporary feel.

Upstairs Landing

A spacious and elegantly designed upstairs landing features dark hardwood flooring that contrasts beautifully with the pure white walls and intricate molding details. Decorative trim and crown molding add historic charm, while a dramatic crystal chandelier hangs from an ornate medallion. A circular, cream tufted loveseat sits near the banister, flanked by a side table topped with stacked books and a lamp emitting warm light. Modern abstract and pop art provide a splash of color on the walls. Tall, arched windows with black trim allow sunlight to flood the area, and a wide arched doorway leads to adjoining rooms, enhancing the open feel.

Listing Agent: Tyler Lewke of Keller Williams Success Realty via Zillow