Private Manor With Curated Gardens and a Replica of Samuel McIntire’s Massachusetts Folly Is Listed for Nearly $7 Million

An elegant brick estate in Lake Forest, IL, originally designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw with a surprising Massachusetts Folly in the backyard, has recently hit the market for $6,995,000.

Built in 1907, the five-bedroom manor located on 2.5 acres of privacy near Lake Michigan features many period details.

"It has got a style unto its own and has a real luster to it," says listing agent Marina Carney, of Compass. "The home is set up for entertaining, but is not overwhelming. The sellers focused on intimate gatherings, but they have hosted weddings there as well. You can make it as big or as small as you want—that's the charm of it."

Historic highlights of the 7,280-square-foot residence include a wood-paneled living room imported from France, a grand entrance hall with limestone flooring, and a garden room overlooking the south lawn.

"The woodwork is rich and luscious," says Carney. "The sellers added on a slate roof when they renovated the home. They also took the original kitchen and turned it into a billiards room and bar. They also put a porch on top of the garden room so you can walk out of the primary bedroom."

Other impressive details include built-in cabinetry, hand-scraped pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks, custom millwork, an upstairs office, and six fireplaces.

"The bathrooms have been updated and are all white marble now," she adds.

A chef's kitchen boasts light blue cabinetry and an oversized breakfast island. The eat-in area overlooks a patio designed for al fresco dining.

"The dining room can set up to 18 guests, but it doesn't feel too big or overwhelming," Carney says.

One of the most stunning features of the property can be found in the backyard: a replica of Samuel McIntire's Massachusetts Folly, which was constructed here in 2010.

Set amid a rose garden, the structure was designed to replicate the historic Derby Summer House located in Danvers, MA, which was built by McIntire in 1794.

"It is a geothermal structure with kitchenette and toilet," Carney notes. "On the second-floor living space, think home office, think studio, think yoga retreat. It's visually calming and anchors the pool. The seller used it as an office and painting studio."

Beautifully designed, the picture-perfect property's original landscape was created by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nichols and later reimagined by garden designer Rosemary Verey, while being "meticulously maintained" by Craig Bergmann, according to the listing.

Also found on the expansive lot are a pool, a tennis court, and a one-bedroom coach house.

There is also an attached two-car garage and a detached two-car garage.

"This home has got all the things in all the right places," Carney says. "It is located three blocks from Forest Park, which has a beach entrance, and there are beautiful walking paths at the lakefront. It's also a 15-minute walk into town. It has all of these wonderful community amenities, yet is as private as you want it to be."