539 N Mayflower

Lake Forest, IL 60045

This home is a unique alternative to luxury condo living! Located just one block from Lake Michigan, this sophisticated home enjoys a very private setting with beautifully landscaped rose gardens, bluestone patio with fountain, and lovely ravine views. This free-standing home maintains an independent role within the Mayflower Park Condominium Association. Built in 1888, The Ferry Hall Chapel (Ferry Hall was a private girls' high school which later joined Lake Forest Academy) was designed by noted architect Henry Ives Cobb who was known for the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, The Newberry Library, and the Chicago Athletic Association, among many others. After Ferry Hall was closed, the building was converted into a private residence in 1980. This Gothic style building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This home now features a grand great room with soaring ceilings, arched windows and doorways, and original leaded glass windows. You will find both first and second floor master bedroom suites, two handsome offices, and a chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters. A third floor provides an additional bedroom suite with delightful tree top views. Last purchased in 2010, many improvements have been made to both update and preserve the integrity of the home. Custom lead-framed glass window covers with UV coating were created to make the original windows effectively double-paned while remaining virtually undetectable. Wood floors were installed on the second and third floors. In the great room, a direct-vent gas fireplace was added with antique, carved wood mantle from France. Other recent improvements include tuckpointing, two water heaters, and cedar roof maintenance and repairs. This home also enjoys modern amenities such as a main level laundry room, a basement for storage, and a detached three car garage with breezeway.