A TRUE ONE-OF-A-KIND MASTERPIECE 

Built in 1882.

9,409 approximate square feet.

1.95 acre lot.

Looking for one-of-a-kind? Simply put, this is a rare jewel. Built by Robert Hall McCormick in the 1880's and unique in its high European Picturesque pebble exterior style, this house has been completed and revitalized in the past several years. Built as a cottage, with the loving interpretation of its current owners, 275 N. Mayflower Road in Lake Forest, Illinois, has been transformed into a modern-day masterpiece! The front parlor, with 15 foot ceilings, awash in sunlight, is adorned by custom six foot solid oak wainscoting, a Lincrusta ceiling with a silver/chromium dust faux finish, complemented by Venetian plaster walls and Chadwicks' Jerusalem stone flooring. The five foot Swarovski crystal chandeliers and sound system add to the enjoyment of the room. A gracious powder room and large coat closet to service this area. From the parlor, through the new archway is the historic Library, with original hand-painted paneling, fireplace, and beamed ceiling. This room was in disrepair and underwent a dramatic transformation, with new paneling milled where needed, ceiling repairs made, floors repaired and refinished, speakers replaced, doorways framed and finished, the chimney rebuilt and relined, as well as adding gas coal logs with an auto start. Beyond the Library is the sumptuous dining room. The stunning Venetian glass bead wallpaper, new custom plaster ceiling, new imported marble fireplace surround, and the seven new antique sconces add to the luxury of this room. Here, too, the chimney was relined, gas run to the fireplace, speakers installed and the floors refinished.

The handsome office has had a makeover as well, from the stripped and varnished paneling, all new lighting, relined chimneys, new tin ceiling and refinished floors; this yummy warm office is perfect for curling up with a book or transacting a big deal. Please exclude speakers and television. The original first floor master bedroom has been converted to a home theatre. Why leave home when you can retreat here? Lincrusta wainscoting and chair rail were added and enhanced by a four step faux finish, a new window bench, theatre seating riser, new crown molding with tray lighting, new Shaw carpet, two antique theatre lights added, as well as rewiring for the theatre components. The antique fireplace in this room was repaired and relined as well. Please exclude speakers and 3-D Television The former master closet has been converted to a lovely fun office for her to hide out in. New carpet, three new Swarovski chandeliers, new molding and a Lincrusta frieze were installed to make work seem like a distant memory! A full luxury bath with separate double sinks, over-sized walk in shower and spa tub provide maximum flexibility to the floor plan.

A true gourmet delight, the DeGulio kitchen has plenty of everything! The family table fits beautifully in the large bay window; the large island is perfect for prep work or as a casual buffet. The microwave and wine refrigerator have both been replaced recently, as well as the up-lighting. The chef’s kitchen includes a Viking six burner range, two Miele dishwashers, double Miele ovens, two custom Sub Zero refrigerators, one Sub Zero freezer, two warming drawers, new speakers and a walk in pantry. In the center of the first floor is a gracious gallery, perfect for entertaining and allowing for circular flow from all formal rooms of the home, with two wet bars, one original to the home. The flooring is hand-scraped, custom-designed oak planks, installed by the current owner, in addition to the four Swarovski crystal chandeliers and four in-ceiling speakers. The wainscoting in the stairwell, gallery and second floor, as well as all door framing and crown molding, was added by this owner. Beyond the gallery, is a newly enclosed porch, offering lake breezes and beautiful views to the private backyard. Custom insulated double hung Marvin windows and screens and baseboard heat allow for year-round enjoyment.

The family room has a warm heart pine floor that was refinished, a new Viking 80 bottle wine refrigerator, a new antique chandelier and the chimney was relined as well. Its location north of the kitchen allows for great separation of the formal from the informal space. The 3 car garage, with new lighting, paint, new heated Floortech floor, and laundry/mud room are adjacent to the family room. Above the family room is a 1 bedroom apartment, with full kitchen, full bath and living room, perfect for live in help, or a great guest/in-law arrangement. There is room for an elevator to this section of the home. TV and speakers excluded.

The second floor, purchased by the current owner with only drywall and plywood floors, is now complete with crown molding, wainscoting, doors, bathrooms, lighting and oak flooring. The Master suite overlooks the sweeping lawn, with seasonal lake views from the private open porch, and bedroom. This suite was completed by the current owners to include new hand-scraped custom oak flooring, new chandeliers, new speakers, Onyx bathroom flooring, separate vanities, walk-in shower with six body sprays, Rainshower head, and a bench to enjoy the steam shower. The closets were designed and closet systems installed to include, locked jewelry drawers and a safe. Four Swarvoski crystal chandeliers complete this space.

The boy’s bedroom enjoys the fantasy of a hot rod garage, (this will be removed and the walls repaired and painted to the buyers color choice.) The room was completed, adding all trim, carpet and lighting. The walk-in closet was outfitted by Closetworks. The newly completed en suite bath has a handsome mosaic floor, custom double vanity, tub/shower combination and is also accessed from the hall to serve the third family bedroom. The girl's bedroom is truly fit for a princess, (currently complete with a castle, which will be removed.) The 3 room bedroom suite includes a new bathroom, with penny tile flooring, custom shower with bench and arched opening with arched shower door and a walk in Closetworks closet system. The bed chamber is a cheery and intimate space with chandeliers fit for a queen. The tower is the perfect getaway from little siblings, accessed by a carpeted stair, and a perfect place to daydream or curl up with a good book.

The exterior of the home is a work of art! Surrounded by almost two acres of lush landscaping, the exterior includes a rose garden, newly installed dog run area graded with a rock surface and seven foot fence, ravine border to the north, newly installed electric dog fence, newly painted exterior, bluestone patios and plenty of lawn space. Buyer will be given plans from Mariani Landscape for a backyard pool and landscape renovations. This home is ready for you to enjoy all the hassle and worry of an older home GONE! The owners have magically brought the home back to life and infused the fun and whimsy of the exterior into the interior- JUST ENJOY THE DREAM!

*It is important to note that when these owners bought the home, it did not have an occupancy permit. It took six months to complete construction of the home. All bathrooms with the exception of 2.1 had to be plumbed and fixtures installed open drains and most electrical had to be completed, as well as HVAC needed to be completed. There were 18 doors that needed to be made, installed, framed and hung. The molding, wainscoting, door frames, as well as all flooring, paint lighting, Control Four sound/AV system expandable to whole house system, tile on the second floor and most of the 1st floor is new.