Timeless French Normandy Residence With Luxurious Finishes

Tucked away on one point four pristine acres along a private lane just minutes from downtown Lake Forest, this stately French Normandy-style residence exudes timeless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship. Custom-built in 1999 by Gene Martin, the home combines thoughtful design, solid construction, and luxurious finishes across more than seven thousand five hundred square feet of living space. The lime-washed brick facade welcomes you into a grand, two-story foyer with a sweeping staircase and herringbone oak hardwood floors. Flanking the entry, the formal living and dining rooms showcase exquisite millwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, Scalamandre window treatments, and twin gas fireplaces, creating an elegant symmetry ideal for entertaining. The de Giulio-designed kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring herringbone oak hardwood flooring, custom pine cabinetry, granite countertops, premium appliances (Viking, Sub-Zero, and Miele), a large island, and a sunlit breakfast area. Step down into the inviting family room, highlighted by a coffered ceiling, bay windows, and a stately limestone fireplace. A handsome library with walnut built-in shelving with cabinets and access to a private patio provides an ideal home office. The main level also includes a spacious guest suite (or potential second primary bedroom) with a fourteen-foot tray ceiling, morning kitchen, and luxurious marble bath. A large screened porch with a knotty pine bead board ceiling is accessible via French doors from both the kitchen and family room connects seamlessly to the bluestone patio while the mudroom/laundry room leads to a heated four-car garage. Upstairs, the second floor landing features a wall of leaded glass panels that floods the space with light while facilitating views of the front of the property. The primary suite impresses with a twelve-foot vaulted ceiling; a private balcony overlooking the grounds; morning kitchen; an expansive walk-in closet with island; and bonus room that can be used as a second office or exercise space. The spa-like primary bath features dual vanities; circular jetted tub; Sheryl Wagner faucetry; and large walk-in shower. Three additional sizable en suite bedrooms complete the second floor. The lower level offers one thousand five hundred square feet of finished living space and features a second family room with fireplace; game room; full bathroom; and abundant storage. Outside, the professionally landscaped grounds feature mature trees; flowering gardens; circular driveway; slate roof; sprinkler system; and multiple bluestone patios for outdoor entertaining. Perfectly located close to downtown Lake Forest; Metra; shopping; dining Lake Michigan ;and major highways this remarkable home blends timeless elegance with modern comfort and convenience.