Historic Lake Forest Estate Built For 19th Century Senator

LAKE FOREST, IL — The sellers of a historic Lake Forest estate dropped their asking price a third time for "Fairlawn" since it was first listed last year. Sitting on more than 3 acres of lawns and gardens, the massive 13,600-square-foot mansion includes an outdoor pool, a two-bedroom coach house, a greenhouse, a domed art studio, original murals and a seven-car garage attached by a heated tunnel.

A private retreat in the heart of Lake Forest with more than a century of history, "Fairlawn" is one of the finest homes on the North Shore, and the chance to buy it at its new price is "an opportunity of a lifetime," according to its listing.

Photos show high ceilings, a pecan-paneled library, a large living room and dining area, as well as a De Giulio kitchen opening up to a family room. The home includes 11 wood-burning fireplaces and is located just a short walk to Lake Michigan and Forest Park.

• See more photos of 965 E Deerpath Rd. at its Realtor.com listing

The estate was originally built in 1870 as a home for the 19th Century Illinois U.S. Senator and member of Congress, Charles B. Farwell. He was also credited with creating the first "political machine" in Chicago after becoming City Clerk. according to archives of the Lake Forest Journal.

The mansion burned to the ground in 1920, and the rebuilt Georgian-Federal manor that stands on its location today was designed by New York architects Delano & Aldrich and completed three years later.

• See more photos of 965 E Deerpath Rd. at its Realtor.com listing

The current owners are Miles Marsh, retired CEO of a Deerfield-based paper products company, and wife Lorna Marsh, according to property records. They first listed the home last year for $7.5 million. Last month the home was listed for $4.5 million. According to the Lake County Assessor, the estimated 2017 market value of the property is $5,486,849.

• Address: 965 E Deerpath Rd, Lake Forest, Illinois
• Price: $4,500,000
• Square Feet: 13602
• Bedrooms: 8
• Bathrooms: 8 Full and 3 Half Baths
• Built: 1923

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