Photo credit: www.architecturaldigest.com
In an impressive showcase of creativity and skill, 47 talented interior and landscape designers have revitalized a historic 15,000-square-foot estate in Lake Forest, Illinois. This transformation is part of the Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens 2025, set to open for tours from April 26 to May 25. Designed by the esteemed architect Henry Ives Cobb, the residence, originally known as Pembroke Lodge, harmonizes classic architectural elements with tranquil English-style gardens. Built in 1895, the property spans over three acres and boasts features such as a formal garden, a serene reflecting pond, and an elegant gazebo topped with a limestone dome. Its exterior is cloaked in finely crafted Wisconsin limestone, adorned with timeless details like dentil cornices and balusters.
This isn’t the first time the home has undergone significant changes. In 1935, celebrated Chicago architect David Adler enhanced the home’s heritage by renovating its interiors for the daughter of the original owner. His contributions included the addition of a pool house and an enclosed pool area. Adler’s sister, Frances Elkins, a visionary designer in her own right, also worked on various homes nearby during her career. The property remained within the same family until the 1960s, after which renovations in the 1970s and 1980s altered its traditional aesthetic, though the exterior has largely retained its original design.
The front porch of the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens by Cynthia McCullough Interiors
“Designing for the show house presented the challenge of restoring the home’s traditional elements while also creating a warm and functional space suitable for a young family,” explains Susan Rolander, principal of Rolander Architects and one of the six co-chairs for the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens. Rising to the occasion, the participating designers stripped about 75% of the home down to its structural framework, modernizing mechanical systems and adding an elevator along with a smart home technology. They also replaced hardwood floors, wainscot paneling, crown moldings, baseboards, and casings. In some instances, they unearthed original millwork and wallpaper beneath layers of subsequent renovations, which informed their restoration process. “It felt like an archaeological excavation,” noted Rolander. Across the expansive rooms of the first and second floors, including eight bedrooms each with en suite bathrooms, the designers—primarily based in the Chicago area—crafted a new vision for the home while paying homage to its storied past and the legacies of Adler and Elkins.
“I felt as though I was contributing to a significant piece of Chicago’s heritage,” remarked Celeste Robbins from Robbins Architecture, who transformed an upstairs bedroom into a graceful little girl’s room. Her design reflects a trend prevalent throughout the house, emphasizing a connection to nature through the use of pink natural stone, artistic tree lights, handcrafted Murano glass flower pendants, and plaster vines adorning the fireplace. Similarly, Rebel House Design embraced organic elements by enhancing walls with a sophisticated botanical plaster installation, and collaborating with a local artisan to craft a unique cocktail table from local limestone. “We aimed to pay tribute to Elkins in our redesign of the reception room,” stated Marli Jones, creative director at Rebel House Design. “Her modern interpretations of classic interiors inspired our direction, leading us to incorporate local wildflower motifs in our biophilic plaster wall design.”
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com