Site Of Mr. T's 'Chainsaw Massacre' Hits Market In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, IL — The former mansion of Mr. T was listed for $7.5 million last week, 30 years after an infamous arboreal "massacre" felled more than 100 mature trees and led to a preservation ordinance from the city council.

Built in 1910, the nine bedroom, 10 bathroom house was originally designed by Harrie T. Lindeberg, then in 1928 renovated by David Adler, according to its listing.

Since T's 1987 clear-cutting, the "Two Gables" estate has undergone extensive renovation through four owners. First, T (born Lawrence Tureaud but referred to in real estate documents as "T, Mr.") deeded the property to his girlfriend. She sold it two two developers who spent mightily on a rehab and tried to sell the house for more than $11 million before losing it to foreclosure. Then, Neil and Jane Cummins bought the property for under $4.7 million from the bank, according to Crain's Chicago Business.

Neil Cummins, chairman of Oak Ridge Investments, told Crain's he and his wife planted 150 mature trees of various indigenous species on the 7.5 acre grounds.

The Village of Lake Forest was unable to immediately specify which ordinances were changed as a result of what the New York Times dubbed "Mr. T's Tree Massacre."

It is currently Lake Forest's third most expensive listing, and it could overtake the $6 million sale of the Donnelly family estate as the highest priced Lake Forest property to change hands in recent years.

The home was completely renovated in 2006 and subsequently awarded the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation Rehabilitation Award, and a coach house was added to the estate in 2011, according to its listing.

UPDATE: Mr. T's Tree 'Massacre' Site Sells For $5 Million In Lake Forest

• Address: 395 N Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, Illinois
• Price: $7,500,000
• Square Feet: 14293
• Bedrooms: 9
• Bathrooms: 10 Baths
• Built: 1910
• Features: Two Gables is an extraordinary home located a few blocks from the heart of Lake Forest. Originally designed and built in 1910 by Harrie T. Lindeberg, it was renovated and redesigned in 1928 by David Adler. Set on 7.5 secluded acres, this gated and fenced property includes the main house with attached two-car garage, a detached four-car garage with one bedroom apartment, in-ground pool, pool house and two separate driveway entrances. Features include 10 fireplaces, elevator, alarm, lawn sprinklers, Ludowici tile roof, hardwood floors, paneled library, Great Room, butler's pantry, gourmet eat-in kitchen and more. In 2006, the home was completely renovated and expanded including all operating systems, and was awarded the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation Rehabilitation Award. The front wall was built in November 2009, and the coach house was built in October 2011. Jens Jensen designed the original gardens, most of which have been restored. A truly remarkable home. For more information on this property, contact the listing agent, Andra O'Neill at 847-650-9093 or andra@atproperties.com.

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

(Photos by Vicki Weber, VHT Studios)

» read more via Crain's from 2017, New York Times from 1987, Chicago Tribune from 1987