Home of the Week: A French Estate in Lake Forest, Illinois

An $8.9 million French country estate modeled after the Palace of Versailles

In our newest ‘Home of the Week‘ we move from an ultra modern home in Baltimomre to a classic French country estate 30 or so miles from Chicago.

This mega mansion designed in 1914 by renowned architect David Adler, draws praise and comparisons to the Fleur De Lys in Los Angeles that recently sold for a whopping $102 million dollars. One look at the sprawling grounds and flawless main residence, and you’ll know that this property is more than worthy of such high praise.

The home is steeped in history, as it was designed for the daughter of the founder of the Morton Salt Company. The home was built to mimic the 17th century “neo-classicism of Louis XVI” and the grand Palace of Versailles in France. The successful crafting of such a unique and stately property, makes everything about it sublime. Whether you’re enjoying a fine meal in the formal dining room, reading a book by the fire in your library, or enjoying lively conversation with friends and family by the full service bar and entertainment area – this home offers up a one-of-a-kind premium lifestyle.

The interior of the main residence consists of 11,000 square feet that features 17  formal rooms, 8 bedrooms, 10 baths, grand chandeliers, 24 carat gold fixtures, gilt moldings and way more. The home may have been built in 1914, but it has been updated to include all of the modern amenities you would expect from 2014 luxury – but it retains its original grandeur.

The inside of the main home is beautiful, but the grounds of this $8.9 million dollar home take a backseat to no one! It is set on 2 acres of wonderfully maintained grounds and botanical gardens. In addition, it features a full size tennis court, a dramatic terrace and an custom pool perfect for entertaining.

Click here to see more of this stunning home in Lake Forest listed by Akos Straub with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Gustavo Gonzalez

Senior Manager, Content & Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. In his role he manages content strategy and execution across several platforms. He’s held other roles within the Marketing Department ranging from Previews & Product Development to the day to day management of the coldwellbanker.com redesign. Besides being a marketer, Gustavo is a filmmaker, musician and writer.