When it comes to property, there are no shortcuts and quality is everything. In short, do it once and do it well. -- A mantra that epitomizes this unique offering that includes a fantastic collection of architecture, design, and landscape set on a large, gated parcel. This mini-estate was originally designed by world renowned architect David Adler as part of the Lasker Estate, and has been meticulously expanded, renovated, and decorated by its current owner of 20 years, noted designer Frank Ponterio. This walled property is truly transportive. A three building limed washed brick compound includes the main house, dining/entertainment pavilion, and coach house (the designer's personal design studio). The main house includes three bedrooms and baths. Complete architectural plans and building approval has been obtained for a master suite expansion, providing a fourth bedroom in the main house. Plans are included with the sale. All millwork is by Christopher Peacock or custom by the designer's own workshop. Wide plank, hand scraped Walnut floors and French limestone flooring are throughout. The family room walls are upholstered in linen hide. Surround sound theatre, custom lighting, and an audio visual package are run by an expandable Savant System. Almost every detail and element in this home is custom designed and curated. The designer has incorporated many of his custom lighting and furniture pieces in the interior and many are included in the purchase price of the home. The back of house consists of new state of the art HVAC systems and a high-efficiency boiler for radiant heat. The private brick walled courtyard boasts fantastic gardens, shade and fruit trees, a subtle water feature, outdoor fireplace, and custom dining table with seating for twelve. The dining pavilion (originally the carriage house), opens onto the courtyard for open air dining and includes wine caves and beverage refrigeration. The coach house, holding a two-car garage and two-story office with powder room, overlooks the entire property. The second floor studio has built-in refrigerators, an ice maker, custom millwork, floating stone standing desk, conference table and 75" TV. The space contains a separate exhaust system for the occasional cigar. The lower level entry has French stone floors and more of the designer's custom lighting, a large fully built out studio for storage. Located just off the courtyard, a conference table on the first floor quickly converts to a pool table creating a flexible space that's great for entertaining. The rear portion of the property has its own sense of place as well; a rustic fire pit, another dining area beneath a Wisteria draped pergola, and a fenced vegetable garden lined with cutting flowers. All gardens have been maintained by Mariani Landscape. This is truly a spectacular, one-of-a-kind, Lake Forest retreat.
