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The Adler
A 1914 David Adler French country masterpiece on two Lake Forest acres—where eleven-foot ceilings, 24kt gold fixtures, a hidden speakeasy, and formal gardens unite in an estate held by only four families across more than a century.

Listing courtesy of: Carrie McCormick 312-961-4612, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
You descend the grand staircase as morning light pours through tall windows, illuminating herringbone parquet floors that have welcomed only four families in over a century. Breakfast awaits in the elegant kitchen, though you linger in the library first—paneled walls and leather-bound volumes creating a sanctuary so complete the world outside simply ceases to exist. By midmorning, you've settled into a chaise by the pool, the formal gardens unfolding before you in meticulously sculpted geometry while a gentle breeze carries the scent of mature trees across two private acres. Afternoon brings a spirited match on the tennis court, followed by restoration in the spa as sunlight filters through the canopy overhead. As evening approaches, guests arrive through the grand foyer, pausing beneath chandeliers that scatter light like scattered diamonds across eleven-foot ceilings. Cocktails flow in the parlor before dinner in the formal dining room, candlelight dancing off ornate moldings and custom marble. Later, you guide your closest friends to the third floor—past the sauna, into the hidden speakeasy bar—where jazz plays softly and the dance room beckons. In this house, every hour feels borrowed from a more gracious age.

Listing courtesy of: Carrie McCormick 312-961-4612, @properties Christie's International Real Estate

Listing courtesy of: Carrie McCormick 312-961-4612, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
David Adler Architectural Masterpiece — A 1914 French country estate by one of America's most celebrated residential architects, representing the pinnacle of early twentieth-century design and craftsmanship
24kt Gold Sherle Wagner Fixtures — Bathrooms appointed with legendary Sherle Wagner hardware in solid gold, elevating ten full and half baths to the level of functional art
Third-Floor Entertainment Suite — A private world above the world featuring a Prohibition-era speakeasy bar, dance room, sauna, and full bath—designed for gatherings that become the stuff of legend
Grand Architectural Details Throughout — Eleven-foot ceilings, ornate moldings, herringbone parquet floors, custom marble surfaces, and chandeliers of museum quality define every formal space
Resort-Caliber Grounds — Over two acres of formal gardens, swimming pool, spa, and tennis court enveloped by mature trees, creating an estate that rivals the finest private clubs

Listing courtesy of: Carrie McCormick 312-961-4612, @properties Christie's International Real Estate

Listing courtesy of: Carrie McCormick 312-961-4612, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
About Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest: Chicago's Most Prestigious Address — An enclave of historic estates, ravine-laced landscapes, and old-money discretion consistently ranked among America's wealthiest and most beautiful communities
Elite Educational Institutions — Home to Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest College, and top-tier public schools, offering exceptional academic opportunities from preparatory through university level
Refined Cultural & Social Scene — Access to private clubs, the Gorton Community Center, and a vibrant arts community, alongside Chicago's world-class museums, dining, and theater just 30 miles south
Lake Michigan Proximity — Minutes from pristine beaches and the historic Market Square shopping district, blending coastal lifestyle with village charm in a setting virtually unchanged for generations
Seamless Metropolitan Connectivity — Direct Metra service to downtown Chicago and proximity to O'Hare International Airport provide effortless access while preserving the tranquility of estate living