21st Century English Estate Evokes A 'Bygone Era' Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, IL — Though it's less than two decades old, the classic design of this traditional-style Lake Forest estate combines the elegance of the past with the functionality required by modern demands, according to its listing. It sits on nearly 1.2 acres of grounds with mature Linden trees flanking a brick driveway in front, with a large manicured lawn, a pool and an English-style walled secret garden out back.

The spacious interior is large enough to entertain groups of more than 100 people, according to its listing, with each room designed to maximize natural light and the beauty of the surrounding grounds.

The home has a total of 16 rooms, with seven full bathrooms and four half baths. They include a wood-paneled library, a dance and yoga room and an exercise room. There are a total of 8,800 above ground square feet and a 2,300-square-foot finished basement.

There's also a balcony, a heated enclosed porch, an outdoor grill and campfire area, six interior fireplaces, both wet and dry bars and multiple garages with room for six cars.

The property was listed Monday with an asking price of $4.35 million. The home is set to change hands for the first time since it was built, according to public records. The land was last purchased in 1995 for $1.12 million, when a home designed in the 1950's stood on the site.

Public records indicate the home's current owners are the CEO of a materials handling corporation and his wife, a board member of the Joffrey Ballet. Listing agent Donna Mercier said notable choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, during the Nutcracker, and Alexander Ekman, during Midsummer's Nights Dream, were guests of the home for extended periods and inspired by its style and tranquility.

The sellers built the David Adler-inspired house in 2001 after demolishing the previous structure, although their initial plans were at first rejected by the city's historic preservation committee, the Chicago Tribune reported in 1999.

Local school districts include Sheridan Elementary School, Deer Path Middle School and Lake Forest High School. According to the Lake County assessor's office, the estimated market value of the home is $4.03 million. Annual tax bills for the property are more than $65,000.

• Address: 877 E Westminster Rd, Lake Forest, Illinois
• Price: $4,350,000
• Square Feet: 6,493
• Bedrooms: 6
• Bathrooms: 7 Full and 4 Half Baths
• Built: 2001
• Listed: June 25, 2018

This listing originally appeared on realtor.com. For more information and photos, click here.