This exquisite manor, designed by renowned architect David Adler in 1926 for Albert D. Lasker, the “father of American advertising,” is a centerpiece of Chicago’s history. Located on 7.52 acres in Lake Forest, Illinois, this century-old, 25,000-square-foot estate is a rare example of 17th-century French Renaissance Revival architecture, blending original antique paneling and Versailles parquet flooring with modern amenities. Featuring 52 rooms, at least 11 bedrooms, 11 full and 4 half bathrooms, 13 fireplaces, and a five-car garage, the home retains its old-world craftsmanship and grandeur. Once part of the 480-acre Mill Road Farm estate, it is listed for $3,999,000, offering a unique legacy and luxurious living.
Gated Entrance
A grand driveway lined with mature trees and manicured hedges leads up to a stately historic house, visible in the background beyond a set of stone gateposts. The house has a beige stone exterior, classic French-inspired lines, and a steeply pitched roof with dormer windows. The gate area is flanked by wooden fencing, and sunlight filters through leafy tree branches, casting dappled shadows across the driveway and lush green lawn. The overall aesthetic is elegant and formal, echoing the refined charm of an old-world estate with carefully tended landscaping and a welcoming, expansive approach.
Dining Room Details
A grand dining area features a long, ornate wooden table with matching chairs set atop a richly patterned Persian rug in red, blue, and cream tones. The space is defined by white beamed ceilings and terracotta tiled floors, enhancing a classic elegance. Two dark wood sideboards flank the walls, each holding a decorative brass urn. Above each sideboard, one large floral still-life painting and one scene of a woman at a dining table add sophistication. Arched doorways and trim frame the space, leading to a corridor with a glass-paneled door that lets in natural light, providing warmth and historic charm.
Entrance Hall Details
Spacious entry hall featuring terracotta tile flooring laid in a classic grid pattern, with a large Persian rug anchoring a carved wooden table at the center of the room. The double front doors and large paned windows bring in natural light, illuminating the crisp white walls and exposed beam ceiling, painted to match. Traditional furnishings include a sideboard topped with decorative blue-and-white plates and antiques, while wall sconces and framed artwork add historic charm. A tall grandfather clock and chandelier are visible through a wide arched doorway leading to an adjacent hall, creating a welcoming, elegant first impression.
Foyer Entrance
Step into a spacious foyer marked by terracotta tile flooring and creamy white walls, providing a warm and welcoming ambiance. The area features double French doors with glass panels, leading into a sunlit nook accented by an ornate chandelier, decorative wall panels, and a large mullioned window. Elegant arched doorways connect this space to other rooms, while a small antique table holds open books, hinting at a sense of history and refinement. Overhead, crystal chandeliers sparkle against the beamed ceiling, blending old-world charm with classic American architectural grace. The overall look is refined yet inviting, with thoughtful details throughout.
Grand Hallway
A long, elegant hallway features terracotta floor tiles with a gently worn patina, bordered by crisp white walls. The ceiling showcases dramatic, deep white beams that create a sense of depth and texture. Graceful arched doorways frame a view through multiple adjoining spaces, emphasizing the home’s architectural character. On one wall, a large seascape painting in a gold frame adds color and movement, while the opposite side displays a dark wood hutch filled with intricately patterned china and porcelain. At the far end, an ornate wooden table with fresh flowers and antique portraits on the walls add warmth and historic charm.
Library Sitting Room
A spacious, elegant library featuring walls lined with built-in bookcases filled with books and decorative objects. Large windows with divided panes allow natural light to stream in, enhancing the bright, airy atmosphere. The seating area is arranged around a central oriental-style blue and cream rug, with a mix of upholstered chairs, a tufted leather armchair with matching ottoman, and a marble-topped coffee table. A grand chandelier hangs from a ceiling with a unique circular trim accented in gold. The classic white fireplace is flanked by mirrors, adding depth and reflecting the stylish, historic ambiance of the room.
Kitchen Cabinetry
Spacious kitchen with a classic, historic atmosphere featuring extensive white cabinetry that stretches along the walls and up to the high ceiling. The cabinets have glass-paneled doors with patterned inserts, creating a sense of openness. A large white island sits in the center, topped with a wooden chair, serving as a potential workspace or breakfast nook. Warm-toned wooden floors add contrast to the all-white cabinetry. The windows above the sink bring in natural light, framed with a simple valance. A traditional brass chandelier offers a touch of elegance. The counters are adorned with everyday essentials, maintaining a lived-in, practical feel.
Dining Room Details
A bright, spacious dining room with a large wooden table and six matching chairs at the center. The room features wide herringbone-patterned terracotta flooring and tall, cream-colored walls with floral-patterned trim bordering the ceiling. Multiple tall windows allow generous natural light and overlook greenery outside, while wooden shutters and patterned valances add a touch of character. Several potted plants sit on windowsills, introducing greenery indoors. A vintage green-tiled ceramic stove stands against one wall, paired with framed artwork. The wooden ceiling beams are painted a warm yellow, complementing the sunny, inviting atmosphere of the space.
Dining Room Details
Spacious dining room with high ceilings, featuring a long polished wood table surrounded by elegant dark wood chairs with upholstered seats. The floor is covered with richly patterned Persian rugs on top of intricately laid hardwood parquet. Large windows with divided panes line one wall, each framed by floral drapery that lets in ample natural light. Walls are painted a warm cream, adorned with classical art and a striking white sculpture set in a recessed arch. Crystal candlesticks and a brass chandelier with frosted globes add a touch of vintage grandeur, while crown molding and carved trim enhance architectural interest.
Living Room Details
A grand living room with rich wooden wall paneling and intricate moldings creates a stately atmosphere. A large, ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting soft light over the space. The floor is covered with a luxurious red and cream patterned area rug, complementing the classic armchairs and settees upholstered in floral fabrics and damask prints. Built-in bookshelves on either side of an elaborate fireplace display porcelain figurines and collected objects. Antique furniture, including a writing desk and decorative vases, add to the historic charm. Elegant artwork and vintage decor complete the room’s refined aesthetic.
Bedroom Details
A spacious and elegant bedroom with classic architectural features, including tall wood-paneled walls and large multi-pane windows filling the space with natural light. The centerpiece is a wooden bed with a carved headboard, placed against the central wall, above which hangs traditional framed art. A sparkling crystal chandelier hangs from the white tray ceiling, providing a touch of opulence. The floor is covered with a large, ornate area rug in cream, navy, and pastel tones, complementing the warm wood. Potted plants and antique wooden furniture, such as an armoire and dresser, emphasize a graceful, historic American aesthetic.
Powder Room Details
A small, elegant powder room with classic design elements features a pedestal sink and a traditional white toilet set against soft sage green walls. The lower half of the walls displays textured blue-gray wainscoting, trimmed in white. Over the sink, an arched vintage wood-framed mirror is flanked by two ornate wall sconces casting warm light. A towel ring with a white towel sits nearby. An elaborate gold-framed painting hangs beside the toilet, adding vintage charm. An ornate lace curtain covers the window, and the terra cotta floor tiles help create a cozy, historic ambiance.
Sunroom Gathering Area
A bright, airy room with large multi-pane windows on three walls fills the space with generous natural light. The floor features blue herringbone-patterned tiles, adding texture and color. White metal bistro tables and chairs with delicate mesh are evenly spaced throughout, creating an inviting spot for conversation or relaxation. Decorative touches include a range of potted plants and flowers on the windowsills and in corners, bringing greenery inside. There are display shelves with ceramics and decorative glass plates in the window, adding color and personality. The ceiling is high with exposed white beams and a ceiling fan, providing both charm and ventilation.
Grand Staircase
This entryway features a striking central staircase with dark wooden treads, white risers, and elegant black iron railings curving gracefully upward. Terracotta floor tiles add warmth to the space, complemented by a richly colored oriental rug running alongside the stairs. The walls are painted crisp white, enhancing natural light from a large arched window at the landing, which holds a ceramic vase of flowers. Artworks in gold and wooden frames, as well as an antique sideboard with decorative items and a small porcelain cat, lend a classic, historic American home ambiance filled with character and understated elegance.
Bedroom Details
A spacious bedroom with elegant, cream-colored paneled walls and a stately fireplace centered on one wall. The bed is covered in a floral-patterned quilt, which coordinates with the floor-length curtains on the window and an armchair’s cushion. Mounted above the bed is a carved wooden cherub, adding a classical touch. The ornate rug features intricate designs in warm reds, blues, and oranges. Rich wood accents appear in the nightstands, desk, and hardwood flooring. An antique armchair with curved wooden arms sits in the corner, while decorative wall sconces flank both the fireplace and the bed, providing soft, ambient lighting.
Hallway Closets
Long hallway lined with built-in floor-to-ceiling closets featuring white paneled doors adorned with delicate, hand-painted floral designs in soft pastel tones. Warm wooden floors are partially covered by intricately patterned Persian-style runners that add a sense of coziness and elegance to the passage. The space is well-lit by a ceiling-mounted, vintage-style light fixture, contributing to its inviting atmosphere. Subtle wallpaper in shades of beige or taupe lines the far end, leading into another softly-toned room visible through an open doorway where a small wooden table and additional wallpaper add to the historical charm and character.
Bathroom Vanity Area
Classic bathroom featuring white hexagonal tile flooring and crisp white walls that enhance the airy atmosphere. The pedestal sink and toilet carry a vintage flair with their elegant lines, complemented by a white subway-tiled shower and tub nook framed by a graceful arch. A large, gold-framed mirror is mounted above the sink, flanked by black-shaded wall sconces with warm brass bases that add charm and soft lighting. A period-style rug brings warmth and color to the cool floor. Above the sink, framed artwork and a 50th anniversary plaque lend a cultured touch, balancing tradition with refined style.
Living Room Details
A spacious, sunlit living room featuring elegant paneled walls in a muted taupe. Large multi-paned windows offer abundant natural light and views of greenery outside. A black marble fireplace with gold accents is centered along one wall, flanked by ornate wall sconces. Above the fireplace hangs a tall mirror, while pastel painted panels with delicate nature scenes decorate the rest of the wall. The floor is polished wood, covered by a rich magenta and purple Persian rug with intricate patterns. An antique wooden dresser and small side table add warmth, and built-in shelves display porcelain figurines.
Primary Bedroom
This airy bedroom features walls painted in a soft pink hue, creating a romantic and soothing atmosphere. Three large multipaned windows fill the room with natural light and frame views of lush greenery outside. The centerpiece is a stately, dark wood four-poster bed adorned with a blue-and-white patterned spread. A traditional wooden dresser topped with a round gilded mirror and a small cat sculpture serves as an accent piece. The ornate white fireplace is decorated with floral arrangements and artful ceramics. A vibrant, intricately patterned area rug covers the hardwood floor, contributing to the historic and elegant aesthetic.
Bedroom Fireplace
A spacious bedroom features vibrant blue walls complemented by crisp white crown molding and trim. A large red patterned area rug adds warmth over gleaming wood floors. The room centers around a carved white marble fireplace, where a golden eagle sculpture and brass candle sconces provide a historic touch. An ornate gold chandelier hangs from the ceiling, enhancing the classic ambiance. Three large, divided-light windows with floral valances bring in natural light. Furnishings include a vintage wooden bed with a blue blanket, a glass-front hutch, a writing desk, and a display bookshelf, all contributing to the room’s elegant, traditional aesthetic.
Bathroom with Window
A spacious bathroom featuring classic white subway tiles covering the lower portion of the walls and hexagonal white floor tiles, creating a clean and timeless aesthetic. The room includes a traditional pedestal sink with a rectangular wooden-framed mirror and two wall-mounted sconces adding warm lighting. A white toilet is positioned to the side, and a large, round-paned window at the far end allows natural light to flood the space. Underneath the window sits a decorative statue, adding a touch of elegance. To the left, a doorway opens into a room with blue walls and a colorful patterned rug, hinting at the adjoining living area.
Breakfast Nook
A cozy breakfast nook with a wooden table and a single black stool is set against a backdrop of rosy brown cabinetry and patterned wallpaper featuring a small repeating motif. The cabinetry showcases hand-painted panels with charming stylized trees, lending a touch of whimsy and rustic character. A large window, framed in the same warm reddish-brown color, lets in abundant natural light, offering a picturesque view of lush greenery outside. The window shelf displays vintage jars and decorative objects, adding to the historic character. A braided rug and a simple chandelier complete the inviting, nostalgic atmosphere of this charming space.
Staircase Landing
A curved staircase with dark wooden steps and a simple metal handrail ascends along a white plastered wall. The floor is covered in square, reddish-brown terra-cotta tiles that provide a rustic charm. A small wooden bench sits to the left near a round window framed with cross mullions, allowing soft natural light and a partial view of greenery outside. Two framed botanical prints hang above the stairs, adding subtle color and classic detail to the otherwise minimalist, clean space. The overall feel is airy and welcoming, combining vintage American features with understated elegance.
Front Lawn
A sprawling, vibrant green lawn extends from the foreground up to a grand historic home. Large, mature trees provide ample shade, their lush leaves filtering sunlight and casting dappled shadows on the soft grass. The house features classic architectural details, including dormer windows, a steeply pitched roof with reddish-brown tiles, tan stone exterior, and tall elegant chimneys. Bushes and trimmed hedges border the foundation, enhancing the stately appearance. The sky is bright and mostly clear, emphasizing the inviting openness of the outdoor space. Tranquil and majestic, this space evokes a timeless estate feel.
Front Lawn
Expansive, lush green lawn stretches across the foreground, surrounded by mature trees providing generous shade. The historic home features a light brick exterior with symmetrical windows framed by classic shutters and several dormers peeking from a dark shingled mansard-style roof. Two prominent brick chimneys rise above the roofline, while French doors and tall windows indicate elegant interior spaces. The landscaping is natural and understated, giving the grounds a peaceful, secluded atmosphere that complements the stately and timeless architecture of the house. Sunlight filters through the foliage, adding vibrancy and warmth to the property’s overall impression.
Garden Sculpture
Expansive green lawn featuring neatly manicured grass bordered by lush shrubs and mature trees. The central focus is a set of weathered stone steps leading up to a classical stone statue, adding a sense of historical charm and elegance. The brick exterior of the house is partially visible to the left, accented with white trim and French doors. The landscape displays a serene mix of sun and shade, with blue sky and scattered clouds above, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. The overall garden design offers an inviting open space that blends natural beauty with traditional architectural touches.
Front Lawn View
A vast, manicured green lawn stretches across the foreground, framed by tall, mature trees offering partial shade and creating dappled patterns on the grass. In the distance, the main house with a light-colored exterior and classic architectural details peeks from behind the trees, its windows reflecting the clear blue sky. The contrast between the lush greenery and the serene blue sky adds a welcoming, peaceful ambiance. The open space suggests ample room for outdoor activities or gatherings, with the impressive expanse emphasizing the historic estate’s grandeur and tranquil setting amid nature.
Front Lawn View
Standing on a manicured, vibrant green lawn shaded by large mature trees, the grand historic house is framed by leafy branches overhead. The home’s symmetrical façade features large multi-paned windows with gray shutters and elegant tan brickwork. Multiple French doors and Juliet balconies add classic charm, while the steeply pitched, red mansard roofs punctuated by dormer windows evoke a stately, old-world character. The architecture is balanced and formal, with tall chimneys and subtle decorative stone accents above the windows. Evergreen shrubbery softens the foundation, while natural sunlight and blue sky enhance the welcoming and majestic presence of the property.
Listing Agent: Karen Skurie of Baird & Warner via Zillow
