COTE DE TEXAS: A House for Sale in Illinois

A House for Sale in Illinois

 

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Angela, a reader from Houston, who is also now a client, emailed me the link to this house for sale in Illinois.  Listed for a cool $9.5 million – the house is 11,000 sq. ft of French styling.  While most Mac Mansions of this size are usually decorated with store bought furniture inspired by Tuscany – this decor is actually more Shabby Chic meets Sweden, an unusual combination for a house with this square footage.  Though the interiors are rather austere, it does have a certain “look” that Cote de Texas readers might enjoy……so, enjoy!

 

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The charming facade boasts French blue shutters – a hint of things to come.  The exterior is stone, with antique wrought iron accents, copper gutters, and a crowning cupola.    The attached garage has vintage styled carriage doors.  The driveway and paths are crushed gravel – an authentic French detail.   The house is U-shaped and the front area is enclosed behind short stone walls thus creating a courtyard effect. 

 

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At the front of the property, hidden behind a hedge of evergreen, is the obligatory tennis courts. 

 

 

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The entry hall:  a large lantern, an oversized antique mirror,  and a French baker’s table greet visitors.  The walls throughout are stark white,    the trim is painted a light French gray and the floors are radiant heated limestone.    Straight ahead is the dining room with views towards the large backyard.   To the left is the powder room, which has a lounge area for guests.

 

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The  stair hall is to the immediate right of the entry hall – lanterns and iron railings make this authentically French looking.   The sunroom shown here, with its black and white flooring, is next to the dining room and leads straight off the front hall.   The furnishings in this vast house are rather sparse.   But, realize, the house is only three years old –  I’m sure it is nearly impossible to furnish a house this size in such a short amount of time.  It’s a shame the owners are selling  – I would love to see the house after the family has lived here for a decade – imagine how lovely it would be, filled with the collections of a lifetime - all the art,  accessories and furnishings that are added to a home over the years!!

 

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The main living room with its coffered ceiling.  This room leads off to the right of the entry and stair hall and overlooks both the front courtyard and the backyard.   A skirted table placed under a large crystal chandelier divides the space into two areas.       A Gustavian sofa sits next to the fireplace.   Beyond the back arches is the two story library.  If this was my house – I would add area rugs to help warm up the interiors.  Also, I would paint the trim much lighter and I would tone down the wall color a bit to a less bright white.  Additionally – the blue upholstery would go bye-bye.   It’s a little too sweet for my taste.  I adore all the antique, wood chairs and all the lighting fixtures.  Certainly– this decor is a refreshing change from what one usually sees in homes of this size.

 

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The two story library on the other side of the living area.  This room over looks the front courtyard and is striking with its zebra skin, French desk, sconces, mirror, and lantern.  Elements in the house were collected all over America – from other estates and antiques stores.

 

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The dining area – a large wood table sits underneath a crystal chandelier.  An antique settee takes the place of chairs.  Both this room and the adjoining sun room overlook the backyard and swimming pool

 

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Adjoining the dining room is the step-down sunroom with its distinctive black and white stone floor.  The architecture of the house is gorgeous, with its beamed ceilings and tall French doors.  I like the arches that separate the rooms.  Again, these rooms are lacking rugs and curtains, and all the rooms seem to need just a bit more furniture to fill up the space and create a more homey atmosphere.   I do, though,  like the furniture style that has been chosen – it fits in perfectly with the architectural style.

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The sunroom – with its gorgeous limestone, 12 ft. tall fireplace.   This photograph really highlights how bare some rooms are.  I would love to see this room fully designed – this is such a beautiful space!

 

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Right off the sunroom, overlooking the backyard, is this covered porch with its stone arches.  The blue theme from inside is carried out here.

 

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Past the arches in the dining room, is the butlers pantry which leads to the kitchen and it’s keeping room.  The kitchen is a masterpiece of white, heavily-veined, Carrara marble.  Carrara marble like this is no longer available from the quarries.  Instead, the Carrara marble that is now available is gray, with indistinct veining.   Calcutta marble is a good substitute for Carrara in order to get the distinctive veining, but beware, Calcutta is almost three times the cost of Carrara!!!!    

 

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The stove – seen here – is a classic French LaCornue unit, with a 60 inch hood.   Is there a more beautiful cooking range?    The wall behind the range is lined with subway tile and the counters are stainless steel.  A professional rotisserie is seen just to the left.  In the butler’s pantry there is a professional coffee bar.  I wish all the pictures were this large and clear – half were, and half weren’t!

 

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The adjacent breakfast room boasts a table with another Carrara marble top and white slipcovered chairs.  Notice the wonderful storage under the island.  On the right – just barely visible are the built-in “armoires” which house the refrigerator and freezer.  I think this kitchen is beautiful!!

 

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The keeping room has a large limestone fireplace topped by a mirror, and open shelves, backed by bead board, which showcase an extensive collection of ironstone.  A trendy lantern lights this area that is filled with white slipcovered furniture.  The ottoman is from Shabby Chic – the “Ella Bench” and the sofa is their “Elegant Sofa.”   Again – an area rug is needed here – I would use large seagrass matting, or perhaps the thicker apple matting to provide much needed texture.  I would put in curtains to further warm up the room – and books need to be placed in the shelves.   All this would add much needed texture and warmth.  While this room is somewhat more cozy than the rest of the house, the large scale of this room and, truly, all the other rooms, prohibit any real sort of warmness, which is a hazard inherent with such sized room.  This is especially true when light stone floors  and white walls are used.    Also – I do think with rooms this big – there is a need for more furniture just to fill up the empty spaces.    This room could handle two large sofas and two oversized armchairs and ottomans, a game table, side tables, sofa tables, lamps, a screen – the list is endless!   But then again – I’m not a minimalist – and this might be clouding my judgment.

 

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Outside the kitchen and keeping room is an outdoor kitchen and eating area shaded by a pergola.  The large  limestone table is surrounded by the types of chairs found in French parks. 

 

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Upstairs, the master bedroom is quite lovely with its needlepoint rug and downy linens and slipcovers.  The caned bed appears to come from Shabby Chic.   There are even curtains here!   The carved fireplace mantel adds to the warm atmosphere found in this bedroom.  The softly curved ceiling is very soothing.    The upstairs interiors  are a departure in feel from the downstairs – the dark wood floors are the primary reason, along with the rugs and curtains used throughout the upper floor.  This bedroom is very, very nice!

 

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The dressing area – the vanity/closet holds the purses for the lady of the house.  I would love to have a dressing room like this!!!  Apparently, there is also a breakfast bar, refrigerator and dishwasher in this room.  The pink rug is the perfect touch in such a feminine space.

 

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That was the dressing room – this is the closet!!!!!  OK – I really could use this closet!  This I love!!!!!  What space  - - super dreamy!!!!  The windows are on both sides of the closet, bathing it in natural light.    The French door at the back of the room overlooks the front yard and the tennis courts.  The side windows overlooks the front courtyard. 

 

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The front facade:   the master closet is above the garage – the room on the left with the dormer windows.  The French door at the end of the closet is seen here with its balcony which overlooks the tennis courts.

 

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The master bathroom:  again – a needlepoint, Aubusson-styled rug is used here.  The bath tub is placed in a tiled alcove.  Notice the marble treatments on the vanities – this is a favorite of mine - where the fabricator cuts the stone is a softly, arching shape – simply beautiful.  The faucets are Perrin and Rowe, polished nickel.  Notice too the arched niches above the sink, with their ledges made of the Carrara marble and the small circular window above.  An armoire holds all the towels and a center table holds the soaps.     The floor is wood – which is unusual for a bath - but so beautiful, it really warms up the room!   This bathroom is perfect, to my eye!

 

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The upstairs hallway continues the white walls with French gray trim seen downstairs.  Rows of lanterns and arches break up the large expanse of ceiling.

 

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The back facade and pool area.  The dining room is right in the middle where the raised, stone terrace is.  To the left is the black and white floored sunroom, while the kitchen and keeping room is at the far right.  The master bedroom with its iron balcony is upstairs on the right, above the kitchen area.   Matching, symmetrical wood pergolas are placed on the very left and very right of the house.

 

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Wisteria climbs up the pergola.  And notice that charming pool room – it looks like a doll’s house.

 

This house is located on three acres in the heart of Lake Forest, Illinois.  What isn’t shown here sounds just as impressive:  the basement contains a bar, a wine cellar, a wine tasting room, a movie theatre, a gym with pilates equipment, a spa with sauna, stream and massage equipment, a laundry room, and more.  There are a total of six fireplaces, 14 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and 3 half baths.   I wish there were pictures of the basement and all those wonderful spaces.  

Must be nice!!!   In fact, it must be very, very nice.

If you are interested in purchasing this house (!) see the realtor’s web site here.   And thanks Angela for the heads-up!!

100 comments :

  1. Wow - so many reactions to this house! I love the style, although I think this style of home works much better when it is on a smaller scale, and smaller size, like the 5000 sf range. The style that it emulates - a French home in the country - would not be this large, don't you think?

    I noticed the lack of rugs. It would be a good training place for a puppy! I love the idea of a trim done in a contrasting color, and I agree, a more subtle contrast might be better in this case.

    Love all of the lanterns!

    I think the master bathroom is interesting. There are no mirrors above the sinks! This might work in a powder room, but how does it work in a room where you are brushing your teeth, drying your hair, and putting on makeup?

    Don't you wonder why this family is moving if the house is only 3 years old? In Atlanta, the market for $3 million plus homes has all but dried up. With credit being tight, people being ultra conservative with any money they do have, not too many people out there looking for a big expensive house unless it is a deal of a lifetime.

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  2. Just looked through the pictures again, they should have done the wood floors downstairs too. The dark floors look great with the light walls and gray trim.

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  3. Wow. That's big. I would agree, a little smaller would have been better (except for the master closet. That can never be too big!).
    That said, it is a beautiful home. Love those garage doors and the motor court.
    Inside there were a lot of nice features. The lanterns are very pretty, and I like the grey trim around the windows.
    I would agree, the Carrara in the kitchen is fantastic. Yes, it has been some time since I have seen slabs that beautiful. The LaCornue makes me wish I could cook. I suppose I could reheat some fantastic take out in the oven!
    I am sending these images off to Steve. I think he'll enjoy them, as did I!

    xo
    Brooke

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  4. Joni-
    Your title caught my eye "Illinois" (since I live in IL). As I was looking at the pictures I thought right away Lake Forest and my thoughts were confirmed at the end of the tour. There are beautiful old and new homes in this suburb. Hmmm... now to see how much I have in my piggy bank.
    Thanks for sharing this beautiful home! I loved the table in the kitchen AND the kitchen!

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  5. Joni, thank you for showing this gorgeous home. That closet and dressing room...WOW!

    I suppose I will have to pass on this home, since we are looking to downsize.

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  6. Wow, that house is stunning! I definitly see a nod to the Scandinavian take on shabby chic being from Norway myself. The house is styled in a very "unamerican" way. At the same time you see American details with the stove, the dressing room and the tile work in the kitchen and bath. I think it's interesting to see shabby chic in such large rooms, I definitly think it's a successful take on it. Thanks for the great post!

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  7. Wowsa, what a house! With some tweeking from you that place could be a masterpiece. It needs warmth. But, holy cow, that kitchen almost brought tears to my eyes...aaah, that marble!

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  8. Love the white subway tile in the kitchen!

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  9. I have to say...It wasn't really speaking to me UNTIL I got to that stove. Swoon. I could happily live in a cardboard box with that stove!

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  10. With the "newness" of the exterior I wasn't expecting the interior to be what it is. I loved it. That kitchen....oh, to have that kitchen...

    (but not the heating/cooling bill, haha!)

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful home with us.

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  11. I live about 50 miles from this house. It's funny because just like Joyce I said to myself "Lake Forest". You simply wouldn't believe some of the luxury residences in the Chicago area. Lots of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and the north shore of Lake Michigan is littered with multi-million dollar residences. The range is spectacular, I could get a pillow and sleep in front of it.

    I clicked through to the website. "Eighth Wonder of the World" is a bit of a reach, but it's a lovely home. I'd hate to have to fill it with furniture. We have a big laugh around here because these people build huge McManisons and there's not one stick of furniture inside because they're mortgage poor.

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  12. I live about 50 miles from this house. It's funny because just like Joyce I said to myself "Lake Forest". You simply wouldn't believe some of the luxury residences in the Chicago area. Lots of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and the north shore of Lake Michigan is littered with multi-million dollar residences. The range is spectacular, I could get a pillow and sleep in front of it.

    I clicked through to the website. "Eighth Wonder of the World" is a bit of a reach, but it's a lovely home. I'd hate to have to fill it with furniture. We have a big laugh around here because these people build huge McManisons and there's not one stick of furniture inside because they're mortgage poor.

    - Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

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  13. It's a beautiful home, if a bit overly-large (and not just because it's only 1/2 furnished). I think it has a lot of surprisingly historically accurate items like the lanterns -not just trendy -in a french country house there would be lanterns so that the windows could be opened in the summer without blowing out the candles - chandeliers were for the city and winter homes. I agree with you about the paint colors though, while the blue trim with white walls is historically 'accurate' -it's sort of dated and unattractive. I wish the walls were a warmer white with a brighter white trim. Such a beautiful home -nice to dream about!

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  14. Joni~Very interesting home, I really am not sure about the exterior, it's a bit off. But the interior, I really did enjoy looking at the pics. I love the conservatory, the floor is to die for and that fireplace. Wow, wow and triple wow! Love it!!! I'm sure all of us would change some things, add things but it has a nice calm feeling about it. Thanks for sharing!!!^_^

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  15. Oh Joni,

    It is a dream come true. I am going to paint the trim in my next house French gray.

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  16. Wow! So much potential. I love the upstairs!!!!!!! The whole house is amazing. I think I would have done a few rooms downstairs to perfection and left others empty instead of trying to do the whole house at once. The kitchen sure is a beauty!!!!!

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  17. I am in LOVE with this gorgeous home, Joni! Inside and Out!

    I am going back now to savor each photo.....wonderful Post! THANKS!

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  18. This home is just beautiful. Love all the natural light..I wonder if it has been staged though..I only detected 1 piece of hanging art and one painting on top of a dresser leaning on a wall...One would think the owner (s) of a home of this caliber would have a wonder art collection... That marble slab on the kitchen island!! WOWWWW! An area rug or two would help soften things up..don't you think? :)

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  19. I agree with Ivy - the house looks staged, not actually lived in. Everything is totally gorgeous, but it still feels cold and chilly - almost public space like. I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it feels more like a boutique hotel? It would make a spectacular b&b. The dressing room is great - but looks like a store. Which is why it's giving off a staged feel. But, overall - the style is totally wonderful.

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  20. What a beautiful house. I would love to cook a meal on the amazing "French LaCornue". I think that anything cooked on that range would just have to taste fantastic.

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  21. I knew it was in Lake Forest. I lived near there for about 20 years before I moved to Delaware. I used to drive around the lakeshore through Lake Bluff and Lake Forest looking at all the gorgeous old mansions and homes. And I spent a lot of time at open houses!

    The new construction there is unparalleled by new construction anywhere else I have ever seen. It's outstanding. Yeah, if you live in Lake Forest you don't want for much.

    By the way, Joni, I have a post for you today on Delaware. *wink*

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  22. Joni,

    I agree the house is a bit too large. However, I love everything about the kitchen/breakfast area. I love the metal open shelving, the range, everything. Also, the master bath & dressing are are fabulous. I am a sucker for beautiful windows and light. The bath is amazing in that respect to me. The backyard pool are is so charming and on a much more intimate scale than the house. Great post!

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  23. Wow, Joni, what a beautiful home. Architecturally perfect but SO BIG! You're right that it needs lots more "stuff" to warm it up(and, for me, more color... I'm more French Provincial than Paris or Sweden). But there are tons of great take-away ideas here. I'd peel that kitchen patio off the back of that house and stick it onto mine just as it is. And the lady's closet? I could never fill it with clothes so it gets to be my workroom. Hey, here's an idea for you: how about a second post of the same house that's a fantasy makeover by Cote de Texas? Show us (with photos please) what you would add in the way of color and art and rugs etc to make those big empty rooms look, as you said, like someone has actually lived there for ten years already. Thanks, Joni!

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  24. this is funny how it looks like a french house ! it seems we are in france and actually we are somewhere in France and we are in Illinois ...

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  25. Loved this post. The whole time I was reading it I was mentally decorating it for Christmas, especially that fireplace...so pretty with pine boughs.

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  26. 4,000 square feet is a McMansion...11,000 square feet IS a Mansion!
    What a fabulous kitchen and keeping room!

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  27. "i too am down sizing......
    do you have one without a tennis court ?"

    lol

    xx

    gorgeous, as always !

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  28. I just did a quick look see at the pix will go back now and read the text, but...
    I never thought I would say this but I must rethink my "always" white trim as that gray is beautiful. Also the trim around the closet is great. Now to spend the next hour reading all you points of interest. I am shaking with anticipation of the knowledge I am about to soak up from you Joni. xoxo, MB

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  29. A little large to live in, but oh, so fun to decorate! Beautiful.

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  30. This is an appropriate time for me to cue my fainting spell. [curplunk]

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  31. Maybe if we all chip in.....?????

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  32. Huge! Okay, so that was my first reaction...huge. : ) But it IS gorgeous. A little bit smaller in scale woyuld have been nice but it IS beautiful. Well done, every single space. I could move into that closet alone and feel comfortable. Wait! I DID! That closet is about the size of my entire house! *smile*
    Hmm...or maybe I should move into the basement...sounds good.
    Why is it that I always wonder who lives in such a grand place, what they do to be ABLE to live in such a grand place and WHY they are selling such a grand place! Yes, I AM that nosy!

    Love,
    Sue

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  33. wow, it's huge and it's well appointed. No doubt about that!
    Love it when people assume the midwest to be a bunch of prefab houses out on the prarie. They have no clue what's truly there.

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  34. Terrific post as usual! I especially love the kitchen, the master bath and the outdoor areas. I agree that rugs and more furniture would make this palatial home prettier. The more of your posts I read, the more I'm realizing I need to win the lottery so I can buy a French home and redecorate!

    Amy (Houston, TX)

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  35. I hate to be the dissenting voice here but honestly, you couldn't pay me to live in this house. Think about it. You would need staff to look after a house of this size. Staff means a loss of privacy, plus you would become a veritable personnel manager and constantly have to deal with staff issues.
    True, the finishing details are very well and consistenly done. And I suppose with the proper decorator and plenty of cash you could achieve the interiors that are so obviously lacking.
    However, I don't think you would ever feel comfortable in that dining room which is open to the sunroom. Rooms need walls, especially in a house of this size.
    Fun to look at, okay but seriously, who would want it?
    P.S. I believe it's Calacatta marble, also from Italy (Calcutta being a city in India)

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  36. Looks like Dad lost his big job and they had a sub-prime mortgage. I bet the house is actually in foreclosure.
    The decor of the house is very ill-suited for the Chicago area. Can you imagine what it must be like with all that white in the middle of January.

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  37. Thanks for the lovely tour, Joni!

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  38. Lake Forest. Of course, it's Lake Forest. We lived in Naperville (west of Chicago) twice when we were with Amoco. We only HEARD about the north shore - Lake Forest, Kenilworth, etc. It was bad enough in Naperville where we had a 3000 sq. foot home with unfinished basement, an apartment like kitchen and "style" straight out "cookie cutter homes for magnificent prices". And paid 50% more than we did for our house in Houston that was bigger, more modern, finer fixtures, etc. It's just that Naperville had the #2 or 3 school in the nation, everyone wanted to LIVE in Naperville and, wonder of wonders, you always MADE money on a house in Naperville, even when you lived there ONLY 9 months and then again 12 months as we did on our two transfers there.

    That same house in Houston would be 50-60% of the cost. And the house we rented in England had a value of $2 million but would have only cost $250,000 in Houston.

    And don't get me started on Boston. I think our current economic situation in America may put paid to the discrepancies somewhat.

    It is a beautiful house and I just hope whomever buys it can afford a full staff and has good quarters as they are going to need it with all that white, space and flooring! My lands....it is gorgeous...

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  39. WOW - I SO wish I were ABLE to be interested in purchasing this house. Thanks for the visual feast, Joni. I showed my husband these too.

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  40. My husband is from Illinois. Trust me, I've NEVER seen anything like this nestled in the corn fields!!!!! :)

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  41. TO ANON:
    I do agree with you - too big, staff worries etc. BUT on the subject of Calcutta - I always said calacutta marble, but everyone told me I was wrong, it was calcutta. I was right though and you are kind of right - wrong spelling. i'll go back to saying calacutta gold. hey it took me years to spell carrara right.

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  42. Wow! So many things to comment on. First, I thought it was interesting how they used the subtle blue on the trim in the sunroom. Unique and very pretty.

    The kitchen is spectacular. I'd love to have marble counters. Interesting tidbit about the carrera versus calcutta marble, by the way (I always learn a lot from your posts)!

    Interesting how they did the pillows on the bed. Loved that room. And the dressing room. And the closet. *sigh*

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  43. This is the most incredible home I've ever seen. The eye candy dripping from the ceilings is so appealing..:-) and the master closet and dressing room is one I can only dream about..and do alot. lol It is so large it almost feels cold and univiting. I'm wondering if they have a staff and someone to take care of the grounds. It will be interesting to know how long it actually stays on the market.. thanks so much for sharing..hugs ~lynne~
    p.s. when my blog grows up it wants to look like yours..
    lynnesgiftsfromtheheart.blogspot

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  44. I agree that the look works a little better in smaller homes. The idea of simple, or rustic and 11,000 sq.ft. is so American, a contradiction in terms. Although I like some of the rooms on their own. If the house were this big in sweden and 11000 sq. feet, it might be this sparingly furnished, but the walls and ceilings would have rosemaling, and gilt touches on the trim, and grey satin drapes and the sofas would have a subtle jacquard and there would be parquet floors and fine rugs and handpainted ceramic stoves and ... The trumeau mirror and the wonderful stove are the things I'd stick with, and then go from there.

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  45. Joni, I like your house a thousand times better because you have infused it with such warmth, charm, and style. This is certainly a nice home, but there is no comparison.

    I also think it's too white. There needs to be even the slightest amount of contrast with the woodwork, but it's not there. I would want more texture in terms of the furnishings and more sophistication in terms of the colors.

    We need to send them your business card.

    Sheila :-)

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  46. Wow, what a beautiful larger than life home! It is alot of white to keep clean & fresh looking all the time but different strokes for different folks. I do think it is spectacular & thanks for posting it.....Bonnie

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  47. My jaw dropped when I saw the facade of the house, it's absolutely gorgeous. The Closet looked like a boutique store!! Every girl's dream...not to mention the dressing room with the cabinets of purses, the huge bathroom and romantic bedroom. Thanks Joni for taking me away to a beautiful place for a bit :)

    Karen O.

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  48. I think it's a terrific pallette, and could be made less austere by a bit of tweaking, (such as rugs, and pictures). If you spent $9.5m you could probably afford a few staff too. I particularly like the hallway shot upstairs with the dark floors and very simple lines of the grey skirting and cornicing. Exquisite.

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  49. Thanks so much for another exciting tour. Very beautiful and intriguing home. But you are very right on about it needing the warmth of years of collections, rugs, more furniture and drapes. I love the feel of the exterior and second floor, but would love to see it with a more finished look downstairs. It reminds me of homes I've view on MLS suffering from a case of divorce where a soon-to-be-ex-spouse moved out and took artwork and furniture leaving it somewhat awkward in places. However, I am drooling over the bath, dressing room and closet, as well as the kitchen. Wonder if they will get anywhere near their asking price? And it makes me sad every time I hear there is no more beautiful Carrera marble to be had. I so want some for my master bath.

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  50. Wow, thanks for the tour, that's quite a bit of house! I love the covered porch off the sunroom with the little pool house ... actually, the outside areas are my favorite - the one under the pergola with the french park chairs is sweet and I just love those shrubs by the pool! I just want to run my hand over them. Strange, but true. =)

    Isa

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  51. I've read through all the comments, and I have to comment again. A lot of you are complaining about the room looking empty and cold. As big of a fan I am of american interior design (and I really am, you're excellent in warmth and color), this IS really a good take on European (and esp Scandinavian) Shabby Chic. The colors in this house are perfect and somber throughout. The house is of course probably 5 times or more larger than a Shabby Chic house usually is, but the rooms look proportional in my opinion. :)

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  52. Joni, just when I think I've seen the best there is you take me to new heights of interior euphoria.

    This house has me breathless. I don't know what everyone is complaining about, I don't think it's too big at all LOL. My husband, kids and I could make a game of all washing the floors together lol ;)

    The kitchen, the sunroom, the bathroom, the closet - I'd feel like I'd died and gone to heaven.

    The only thing I don't like is the coffered ceiling in the living room. I would also definately add some seagrass, drapes and more colour.

    Anna :)

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  53. this house is jaw-droppingly beautiful - i came via link from Villa Anna and the kitchen and bathroom are just my absolute DREAM. wheres my 9.5 million, whahhh , Mel xxx

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  54. Gerat post, great house! It could certainly benefit from another 10 years of collecting, including some area rugs for the main spaces.

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  55. Great post, great house! I think I'm with the majority in lusting after that kitchen. It could certainly benefit from 10 more years of collecting, including some area rugs for the main spaces.

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  56. I am guessing these people don't spend winter in this house. It is decorated in a way that makes me shiver just thinking of when the wind and snow hit. No feeling of home, no psychological warmth. Just a huge warehouse with a few nice things. I will take the dressing room, however.

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  57. OH MY GOSH! That is all I can think right now. This home is absolutely stunning from the outside in. I wish I could afford to have a place similar to this! Every room is gorgeous. I am going to have to take some of these photos for inspiration. I am going to also post it on my blog and will link you back if that ok. Daisy~

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  58. All I want is the French LaCornue range! Lovely house, but sterile feeling...like it was designed to wow you over when it really lacked soul. I'd feel like wearing shoe slippers in there...but still, it is a beautiful place.

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  59. Gorgeous home! The architecture is fantastic, and I adore the bluish gray baseboards throughout. The marble kitchen countertop was a joy to see! I'm so over granite, and that would have ruined this house for me. Marble was the obvious perfect choice for such a home.

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  60. Gorgeous home! The architecture is fantastic, and I adore the bluish gray baseboards throughout. The marble kitchen countertop was a joy to see! I'm so over granite, and that would have ruined this house for me. Marble was the obvious perfect choice for such a home.

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  61. Beautiful home! My favorite space is the ladies dressing area/closet. WOW!

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  62. That is a whole lot of house. Two big for me and my hubby, but I would take it anyday. I would find things to do with the extra rooms. I love that dressing room. Amazing! You were completely right with calling the style shabby chic meets swedish style. It was a perfect marriage of the two.

    I love the blue pant color on the outsite of the house.

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  63. What a beautiful home. I'm loving the exterior! I kind of like seeing it without much decor, because on our tour, it was easier for me to imagine what I would do if I lived here! But then, I tried to imagine how beautiful it would look if you decorated it! laurie

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  64. I look often here, but never comment, however, I think this is absolutely gorgeous so this time I will. The kitchen and bathroom are to die for and plenty of ideas to take from there. Too big, I don't thinks so - staged, of course, it's for sale - needs a bit more, yes, but if they're moving out then they probably don't care, there's enough there to do the job. I love it and I will certainly take some ideas from it. I love that style anyway which normally is in smaller houses, but it still works and is a start - nice to see different decor to the usual in a larger house. I'm not a designer, but I love beautiful things and this is just magic.

    Regards
    Vickie...

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  65. Evidently, size alone does not make for a wonderful house. There may be elements of "taste" here, but the rooms feel cavernous, almost under- furnished, incomplete. The pale palette is ghostly, monotonous and unimaginative. All the elements that go to make up good taste in decoration are present, but oddly enough they add up to nothing much. It's the fault of the architecture no doubt...All the praise of this house is utterly bewildering.

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  66. Well, I think I could make myself live here!! lol
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  67. This house looks large enough to be a hospital but when you look on the inside it's very homely and intimate in spite of it's size. I absolutely love the light decor! Tracey x

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  68. i'm totally in love with that kitchen too. that stove, that marble, that fireplace! GORGEOUS. great post, as usual!
    -Eddie

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  69. When you said Illinois, I knew it had to be Lake Forest. That's such a lovely area outside Chicago.

    I especially love the view of the grounds off the kitchen looking through those French doors. So quiet looking.

    I like the large lanterns througout the home too.

    Of course, who doesn't love that dressing room/closet. Curious that it includes kitchen appliances but I'm sure the owners have their reasons.

    Another lovely post and photos and a pleasure as always to visit.

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  70. Oh my I am in love with a house! this has to be perfect in everyway!

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  71. I would like everyone to join me in wishing our dear Cote de Texas host, Joni Webb in celebrating her birthday today!

    Happy Birthday Joni.....
    Thank you for the wonderful, well-researched discourses on design. You have accumulated enough wisdom for an encyclopedia of Design.

    Many many happy returns of the day!!!

    Kevbo (halcyon)

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  72. I would take it just the way it is!
    Love it :)
    Thanks for sharing

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  73. Wow. You always post the most beautiful places. This is in my home state and it's absolutely gorgeous!

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  74. The home needs a Cote. Or two by you.

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  75. Hi Joni,
    Are not dishwashers and refridgerators standard in dressing rooms?? You could live in the Master area alone! That area is my favorite. Love the black and white floor, too. I've had a thing for them since I was a kid!
    Karla & Karrie

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  76. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you had an awesome birthday and all your wishes came true!!

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  77. Happy Birthday Joni!!!!!!!! All the best today!

    All this house needs is your input.

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  78. ohhh I love this! To me it's perfect! and the bath is to die for! Great post.

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  79. Holy smokes your could get 8 of my home in there.
    It is so beautiful I would be in awe just being there. To bad I don't have mega bucks.

    Ciao

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  80. Wow! That kitchen is stunningly beautiful! But the space I am lusting after the most? The dressing room and closet... incredible!

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  81. Beautiful, just too large, the kitchen and baths I love. I agree with Toby on several points

    I also picture some fabulous large scale contemporary art in several spots! This home just calls out for it!

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  82. OMG, stunning...i am in love with the dark wood floors!
    xoxo from las vegas

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  83. That house is magnificent. I love the trim and the marble, oh the marble! To die for. I would agree that it needs a bit of warmth, but in a way I like the coolness of it as well. It's very fresh.
    Hope you are well Joni! :)

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  84. Toby Worthington is a wannabe moron.

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  85. Hi Joni! While searching for images of closets today, I came across this one from a million posts ago. So I "borrowed" your image and linked it from my blog to yours so my readers 9all five of them) could come see the rest of this gorgeous house. Thanks for this bit of closet envy inspiration!
    Tracy

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  86. Little girls love pink--it is undeniable the draw of that feminine color to the young or young at heart. Yet choosing a pink paint color is tricky. Too often the final result is a bright Bubble Gum pink or worse yet a Pepto Bismal pink lookalike. What do you do?

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  87. Hello I want to congratulate to them by its site of the Web of the excellent looks like entertained and very good very to me it elaborated. I invite them to that they explore a little on my Web site.

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  88. The houses for sale in Illinois are very pretty. These room leads off to the right of the entry and stair hall and overlooks both the front courtyard and the backyard.This photograph really highlights how bare some rooms are!...I would love to see such a beautiful room fully designed.



    buy my home fast

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  89. Wow! I have nothing to say against this house, very huge, relaxing and beautiful. I want to wake up one day in this house.

    condo for sale

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  90. My dream house exactly, I was so amazed with this kind of house and I really love the entire area, it was almost perfect. I love the kitchen and facade, everything . How I wish to have it. Thank you so much for sharing this exceedingly awesome post.God bless.


    Charles a

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  91. I am writing a book and I'd like to know the address so I can look at the google earth over head view of it. At one point in the story they are flying over the area of the main characters house and I'd like to make a dicription of the look of the area. I'm not accualy going to go there though. So may I please have the address for this house? (e-mail is fionafmcintyre@sbcglobal.net)

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  92. I just take a peek and I discovered your post. I love it. This property looks great and awesome. the design and entire feature was really incredible. Thank you for sharing.



    Michelle

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  93. You can have a look at the house for sale in Illinois. The vivid description given by you proves to be very exciting

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