David Adler was one of the most prolific and prominent architects and designers during the era of the “great American house,” and the North Shore suburb of Lake Forest is a showcase for some of his best.
Adler’s clients were often willing to spend lavishly on detailing even the outbuildings on their estates to create a harmonious environment.
The 3-bedroom, 2 ½ bath home at 250 N Western Ave, for example, was once a gatehouse and 5-bay garage that housed the chauffeur on an Armour estate at Mellody Farm. The original finishes were of a quality that you might not expect in what was, in effect, servants’ quarters.
The current owner of the home, along with architect Garret Michael Eakin, expanded it with a spectacular, domed octagonal kitchen that ties together the original gatehouse and the garage. The garage was converted into a sprawling dining / family room and a master suite, separated by a wall of pine built-ins that match the warm, original pine of the gatehouse.
The home was the recipient of a historic preservation award from the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation.
The 4,000 square foot home is currently listed for sale with Kelly McInerney and Carolyn McLaughlin of Prudential Rubloff, and priced at $2.8 million.