255 N Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL
60045
About this home
Suffield House is considered one of renowned architect David Adler's most important country houses. A collaboration with his designer sister, Frances Adler Elkins, this 15, 000 sqft residence completed in 1934 is on 5.4 acres in the heart of Lake Forest. Built for Mrs. J. Ogden "Lolita" Armour, the entrance is neo-Georgian while the rest of the 15, 000 square foot home was designed in a classical French style. The brick is whitewashed, with the warmth of buff pink coming through. This home's interior is loaded with priceless, perfectly preserved architectural features, including imported English paneling, antique Chinese oil paintings, exotic marbles, ornate plaster moldings and decoration, original light fixtures, nine fireplaces (each more beautiful than the next), custom millwork, and a handsome Versailles patterned hardwood floor. This home was ahead of its time with features including a 4-stop passenger elevator and a sophisticated central heat and air conditioning system. Designed for entertaining on a grand scale, the main level has a series of exquisite formal rooms, supported by a service area that rivals the manor home in Downton Abbey with a butler's pantry, kitchen, breakfast room, silver vault, and a flower arranging room. On the second level are five en suite bedrooms, including a large primary suite, plus a 1, 000 sqft 2 bedroom, 2 bath staff apartment. The top level offers potential for expansion with another 2-bedroom apartment, a large cedar closet, a gift-wrapping room, an exercise room, and storage. A spacious, paneled rec room with a fireplace is a surprise feature in the otherwise utilitarian basement, including a laundry center, vault, wine room, multiple storage rooms, and mechanicals. Recreational features include a beautiful pool, spa, and pool house with a great room, kitchen, dual baths, laundry, and a huge fenced backyard. The property also includes a carriage house that would make a great art studio, home office, or guest suite. Other features include a deep 4-car garage and storage facilities for landscaping equipment. Available for the first time in nearly 50 years, this is a rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional home by one of the most significant residential architects of all time!