The Schweppe Mansion - 405 N Mayflower, Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA
One of the most well-known mansions on Lake Michigan has found a buyer after 13 years on the market and $13 million in price reductions. Mayflower Place listed in 2007 for $18 million and had been on the market more recently for $8.5 million before selling on August 28, 2020 for $5 million.
The 24,500 square foot residence was designed by architect Frederick Wainwright Perkins in 1917 for former Marshall Field Chairman John G. Shedd as a wedding gift for his daughter Laura Shedd. According to Forbes, Laura and husband Charles Schweppe hosted King Edward of Great Britain, the Duke of Windsor, and many American industrial tycoons such as the McCormicks and Armours. Laura died of a heart attack in 1937 leaving the estate behind to husband Charles, who died of suicide in 1941.
The property remained empty for more than four decades before selling in the 1980s. Between 1987 and 1988 the home was restored by 70 craftsmen and European artists & stone crafters. Today, the architecturally significant residence offers over 24,000 square feet with 28 rooms, 12 bedrooms, 11 full and 4 half bathrooms, marble fireplaces, intricate limestone mouldings and plaster relief ceilings.
The mansion sits on over 5 acres of manicured grounds with extensive gardens, as well as 440 feet of lake frontage on Lake Michigan, and is located 45 minutes from downtown Chicago.
The 24,500 square foot residence was designed by architect Frederick Wainwright Perkins in 1917 for former Marshall Field Chairman John G. Shedd as a wedding gift for his daughter Laura Shedd. According to Forbes, Laura and husband Charles Schweppe hosted King Edward of Great Britain, the Duke of Windsor, and many American industrial tycoons such as the McCormicks and Armours. Laura died of a heart attack in 1937 leaving the estate behind to husband Charles, who died of suicide in 1941.
The property remained empty for more than four decades before selling in the 1980s. Between 1987 and 1988 the home was restored by 70 craftsmen and European artists & stone crafters. Today, the architecturally significant residence offers over 24,000 square feet with 28 rooms, 12 bedrooms, 11 full and 4 half bathrooms, marble fireplaces, intricate limestone mouldings and plaster relief ceilings.
The mansion sits on over 5 acres of manicured grounds with extensive gardens, as well as 440 feet of lake frontage on Lake Michigan, and is located 45 minutes from downtown Chicago.