$6,995,000

beds

baths

half baths

7,280

square ft

788 E Woodland Road

Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

Active / MLS #12468415 / Single Family / Lake Forest

Listing information updated 11/13/2025 at 6:03am

A Quintessential Lake Forest Manor with Storied Legacy and Timeless Elegance Perched on 2.5 acres along Lake Road, this iconic Lake Forest estate offers a rare blend of architectural pedigree, historical significance, and modern refinement. Originally designed in 1907 by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw for Helen Poole Thompson, the home stands as a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship and design. The original landscape was masterfully envisioned by Charles Platt and Rose Standish Nichols, later reimagined by celebrated garden designer Rosemary Verey, and meticulously maintained by Craig Bergmann. The result is an extraordinary harmony between house and garden, where every view is artfully framed. Inside, the 7,700 sq ft residence is rich with character and sophistication. Signature features include a paneled wood living room imported from France, limestone floors in the grand entrance hall, and a stunning garden room with panoramic views of the south lawn. Original French doors, restored with brass cremone bolts, offer historic charm with modern functionality. A comprehensive renovation in 1989 by Colfax and Fowler introduced thoughtful additions including a billiards room, family room, and an attached two-car garage. The kitchen, breakfast room, and butler's pantry were fully updated with custom cabinetry and hand-scraped pine floors by Van Krumpen Woodworks, blending warmth with luxury. Upstairs, the second floor offers five bedrooms, an office, and five bathrooms, all elegantly updated to maintain a timeless appeal. In 2010, Liederbach and Graham added a stunning architectural feature: a replica of Samuel McIntire's Massachusetts Folly, complete with a kitchen, 1/2 bath, and a versatile second-floor living space ideal as an office or studio. Overlooking the inground pool and tennis court, the Folly is equipped with geothermal heating for year-round comfort. Completing the estate is a charming coach house with an additional two-car garage, living room, bedroom, bath, and kitchen-perfect for guests or extended family. This is more than a home-it's a legacy property, meticulously maintained and thoughtfully enhanced for modern living. A true once-in-a-lifetime offering in Lake Forest.

Full Features

Exterior Type:

Brick

Basement:

Unfinished,Full

Beds Above Grade:

Cooling System:

Central Air

Heating System:

Natural Gas, Forced Air, Geothermal

Appliances:

Range, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Disposal, Wine Refrigerator, Range Hood

Main Level Primary Bedroom:

Fireplace:

Yes

Pool:

Yes

Age:

100+ Years

Roof Type:

Slate

Parking Type:

Garage - Gravel,Garage Door Opener,Heated Garage,Garage,Yes,Garage Owned,Attached,Detached

Parking Spaces:

Garage:

Attached

Room Count:

Water Front:

Square Feet:

7,280

Lot Size:

2.0-2.99 Acres

Acreage:

2.5

Internal Features:

Wet Bar, Historic/Period Mlwk, Special Millwork

External Features:

Patio/Porch

Room Information

Living Room:

31x19 - Main

Dining Room:

22x20 - Main

Kitchen:

22x19 - Main

Family Room:

26x25 - Main

Primary Bedroom:

31x17 - Second Level

2nd Bedroom:

18x13 - Second

3rd Bedroom:

19x14 - Second

4th Bedroom:

16x13 - Second

Bedroom 5:

22x15 - Second Level

Den:

18x16 - Main Level

Office:

15x13 - Second Level

Game Room:

22x15 - Main Level

Foyer:

28x21 - Main Level

Taxes & Assessments

Tax Amount:

$87,822

Tax Year:

2024

Location

Zip Code:

60045

City:

Lake Forest

County:

Lake

Schools

School District(s):

67, 115

Elementary School:

Sheridan Elementary School

Middle School:

Deer Path Middle School

High School:

Lake Forest High School

Exterior Type:

Brick

Basement:

Unfinished,Full

Beds Above Grade:

Cooling System:

Central Air

Heating System:

Natural Gas, Forced Air, Geothermal

Appliances:

Range, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Disposal, Wine Refrigerator, Range Hood

Main Level Primary Bedroom:

Fireplace:

Yes

Pool:

Yes

Age:

100+ Years

Roof Type:

Slate

Parking Type:

Garage - Gravel,Garage Door Opener,Heated Garage,Garage,Yes,Garage Owned,Attached,Detached

Parking Spaces:

Garage:

Attached

Room Count:

Water Front:

Square Feet:

7,280

Lot Size:

2.0-2.99 Acres

Acreage:

2.5

Internal Features:

Wet Bar, Historic/Period Mlwk, Special Millwork

External Features:

Patio/Porch

Living Room:

31x19 - Main

Dining Room:

22x20 - Main

Kitchen:

22x19 - Main

Family Room:

26x25 - Main

Primary Bedroom:

31x17 - Second Level

2nd Bedroom:

18x13 - Second

3rd Bedroom:

19x14 - Second

4th Bedroom:

16x13 - Second

Bedroom 5:

22x15 - Second Level

Den:

18x16 - Main Level

Office:

15x13 - Second Level

Game Room:

22x15 - Main Level

Foyer:

28x21 - Main Level

Tax Amount:

$87,822

Tax Year:

2024

Zip Code:

60045

City:

Lake Forest

County:

Lake

School District(s):

67, 115

Elementary School:

Sheridan Elementary School

Middle School:

Deer Path Middle School

High School:

Lake Forest High School

Listing Office: Compass

Listing Office Phone: 847.416.0446

Disclaimer: The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes courtesy of Midwest Real Estate Data, LLC as distributed by MLS GRID. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than @properties are marked with the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. Properties displayed may be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 11/13/2025 at 6:03am. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Some listings have been excluded from this website.