955 E Ringwood

Lake Forest, IL 60045

The Gatehouse at Havenwood was created by legendary architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and is the last remaining building of steel baron Edward Ryerson's internationally-famed Havenwood estate, originally on 32 acres. Today the almost 6000sf Gatehouse stands tall on 1.34 acres of beautiful land, close to the shores of Lake Michigan. The Gatehouse was saved from destruction in the 1980's by the current owners, having withstood years of benign neglect by the order of monks to whom the Ryersons passed the estate in the Depression years. Since then, the Gatehouse property has been patiently and thoughtfully restored with historic integrity and Old World savvy- from the 14-inch deep vitreous clay block walls re-clad in hand-applied true stucco to the Vermont slate roof replaced with tiles from the same quarry that Shaw used. Key mechanicals and other core elements have been updated or restored- including uncovering original Shaw elements that the monks had covered up with paneling! The grounds also showcase landscape elements from the original estate, like restored stone pillars, part of legendary landscape architect Jen Jensen's work on the Ryerson estate. The main house offers 4000sf of charming living space with 5 bedrooms and two and a half baths, formal LR and DR, updated kitchen- and a first floor primary bedroom and library/family room wing, which the monks added for the head of the religious order who lived there. The Coachmen's apartment above the garage offers almost 1200sf of living space with 6 rooms and two baths- great for guests, office or apartment space. The high-ceilinged garages house four plus cars and the adjoining garden bay wing offers finishable garden room/workshop space, as well as additional storage for smaller vehicles or bikes. For those who want to take the Gatehouse to the next level for restoration, there is the option to do a simple renovation of the existing floor plan, with main house and coachmen's quarters separate OR the owners have architectural plans for a larger renovation which would combine the main and auxiliary quarters to create one grand living space, which city planners and state experts having already weighed in on with positivism. Also have another architects plan that glasses in only the second floor of archway for a bridge between the home and apartment upstairs for a grand upstairs primary or secondaries/bonus. Coachman's quarters also great for art/architecture studio or office! The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and can qualify for significant renovation tax benefits.... Whichever way the next owners' dreams take them, they can be assured that the current owners two-generation passion for preserving this historic treasure has made it possible for the Gatehouse to continue on as an important part of the history of Howard Van Doren Shaw, Lake Forest and the National Register.