788 East Woodland, Lake Forest IL 60045
Property Description
A Quintessential Lake Forest Manor with Storied Legacy and Timeless Elegance Perched on 2.5 acres along Lake Road, this iconic Lake Forest estate offers a rare blend of architectural pedigree, historical significance, and modern refinement. Originally designed in 1907 by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw for Helen Poole Thompson, the home stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The original landscape was masterfully envisioned by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nichols, later reimagined by celebrated garden designer Rosemary Verey, and meticulously maintained by Craig Bergmann. The result is an extraordinary harmony between house and garden, where every view is artfully framed. Inside, the 7,700 sq ft residence is rich with character and sophistication. Signature features include a paneled wood living room imported from France, limestone floors in the grand entrance hall, and a stunning garden room with panoramic views of the south lawn. Original French doors, restored with brass cremone bolts, offer historic charm with modern functionality. A comprehensive renovation in 1989 by Colfax and Fowler introduced thoughtful additions including a billiards room, family room, and an attached two-car garage. The kitchen, breakfast room, and butler's pantry were fully updated with custom cabinetry and hand-scraped pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks, blending warmth with luxury. Upstairs, the second floor offers five bedrooms, an office, and five bathrooms, all elegantly updated to maintain a timeless appeal. In 2010, Liederbach and Graham added a stunning architectural feature: a replica of Samuel McIntire's Massachusetts Folly, complete with a kitchen, 1/2 bath, and a versatile second-floor living space ideal as an office or studio. Overlooking the inground pool and tennis court, the Folly is equipped with geothermal heating for year-round comfort. Completing the estate is a charming coach house with an additional two-car garage, living room, bedroom, bath, and kitchen-perfect for guests or extended family. This is more than a home-it's a legacy property, meticulously maintained and thoughtfully enhanced for modern living. A true once-in-a-lifetime offering in Lake Forest.
Features & Information
Key Details
- List Price $7,495,000
- Property Taxes $87,822
- Square Feet 7280
- Price/ Sq. Ft. $1,029.53
- Year Built 1907
- Parking Type Garage
- Status New
Rooms
- Total Rooms 13
- Basement F
-
Master Bedroom
- Master Bath F
- Room Size 31X17
-
Bedroom 2
- Room Size 18X13
- Floor Level 2nd Level
- Flooring Carpet
-
Bedroom 3
- Room Size 19X14
- Floor Level 2nd Level
- Flooring Carpet
-
Bedroom 4
- Room Size 16X13
- Floor Level 2nd Level
- Flooring Carpet
-
Living Room
- Room Size 31X19
- Floor Level Main Level
- Flooring Hardwood
-
Family Room
- Room Size 26X25
- Floor Level Main Level
-
Dining Room
- Room Size 22X20
- Floor Level Main Level
-
Kitchen
- Room Size 22X19
- Kitchen Type Eating Area-Table Space,Island,Pantry-Butler,Breakfast Room,Custom Cabinetry
- Floor Level Main Level
- Flooring Hardwood
-
Basement
- Basement Description Unfinished
- Bathroom(s) in Basement Y
Additional Rooms
-
Additional Room 1
- Additional Room 1 Name 5th Bdrm
- Additional Room Size 22X15
- Additional Room Level Main Level
-
Additional Room 2
- Additional Room 2 Name Den
- Additional Room Size 18X16
- Additional Room Level Main Level
Interior Features
-
Appliances
- Appliances Included Oven/Range, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Disposal, Wine Cooler/Refrigerator, Range Hood
-
Heating & Cooling
- Heating Type Gas, Forced Air, Geothermal
- Air Conditioning Central Air
-
Fireplace
- # of Fireplaces 6
Exterior Features
-
Building Information
- Age of Building 100+ Years
- Exterior Construction Brick
- Foundation Concrete
-
Parking
- Parking Garage
- # of Cars 4
- Garage Features Garage Door Opener(s),Heated,Multiple Garages
Location
- County Lake
- Township Shields
- Corporate Limits Lake Forest
- Directions to Property Woodland Road East Of Sheridan To #
-
Schools
- Elementary School District 67
- School Name Sheridan Elementary Schoo
- Junior High District 67
- School Name Deer Path Middle School
- High School District: 115
- School Name Lake Forest High School
-
Property Taxes
- Tax 87822
- Tax Year 2024
- Tax Exemptions Homeowner
- Parcel Identification Number 12282070190000
-
Lot Information
- Dimensions 127x 104x264x399x138x191x178
- Acreage 2.5
Utilities
- Sewer Sewer-Publ
Listed by: Compass | Phone: 847.250.6391
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 9/14/2025 11:02 PM. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
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