Wow House: Historic Lorimer Mansion Fully Restored, 2 Acres With Lake Views, Inground Pool

Zillow is teaming up with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to boost one lucky winner’s down payment on a new house by $25,000. To enter, fill out a short entry form describing “what home means to you.” » CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

----------------------------

Lauded as Crystal Lake’s most iconic and beautiful home, the historic Lorimer mansion at 615 Lake Avenue is currently on the market for $1.2 million, according to the Zillow listing.

The home, built in 1929, has been fully restored by its current artist/designer owners. The historic home is set on a nearly two-acre property with lake views.

The original owner, William Lorimer Jr., was successful in the timber industry and took frequent business trips south. His wife, Jacqueline, who accompanied him on the trips, became inspired by the architecture of the homes in the south and dreamed of building a similar home in Crystal Lake, according to the McHenry County Historical Society.

She got her wish in 1929 when construction on the massive, 5,000-square-foot French Revival home was completed across from Main Beach. The home was often referred to as ”the White House.”

The Depression took a toll on Lorimer’s business and the family was forced to move out in 1933.

William Lorimer died in 1934 under a “cloud of suspicion,” according to the historical society. After being appointed to the U.S. Senate in June, 18, 1909, and continuing in office until July 13, 1912, ”the Senate adopted a resolution declaring ’that corrupt methods and practices were employed in his election, and that the election, therefore, was invalid,’” according to the historical society.

Several families owned the home over the years, but the mansion was eventually “divided into a rather neglected duplex,” according to the historical society website.

The current owners, Rudolph Magnani and Lynn Lourie, changed all that. They restored the home, which now includes a new chef’s kitchen, French limestone flooring in the kitchen and family room and heated floors in the master bathroom.

The inground pool has an automatic pool cover and built-in stone table in the pool area. There is a kennel run.

The home, which was recently placed back on the market in April, has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and is selling for $1.2 million.

Check out photos of the home above and visit Zillow.com for more information.