Properties

Features
: Radiant Floor , Zoned , Steam
: Zoned , Wall Unit(s) , Small Duct High Velocity
: Partial , Unfinished , Concrete
: Gas Log , Gas Starter , Wood Burning
: Deck , Patio
: Garage Door Opener , Garage Owned , Garage , Detached , Brick Driveway , Yes
: Balcony , Roof Deck
3
: Hardwood
: Walk-In Closet(s) , Separate Dining Room , Built-in Features , Bookcases , Cathedral Ceiling(s) , 1st Floor Full Bath , 1st Floor Bedroom
: In Unit , Sink , Upper Level
: Public Sewer
: Skylight(s) , Screens
: Other
Appliances
: Range , Refrigerator , Washer , Dryer , Dishwasher , Stainless Steel Appliance(s) , High End Refrigerator , Wine Refrigerator , Range Hood , Gas Cooktop , Trash Compactor , Humidifier
Address Map
US
IL
Lake
Lake Forest
60045
Mayflower
51
Road
W88° 10' 45.3''
N42° 14' 18.6''
Deerpath, East to Mayflower, South past Illinois Road. Home is on the east side of Mayflower.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest
S
S
Neighborhood
Sheridan Elementary School
Sheridan Elementary School
67
Lake Forest High School
115
67
Deer Path Middle School
Additional Information
: Brick , Stucco
200+ Amp Service
200+ Amp Service
: Concrete Perimeter
2
: Landscaped , Wooded , Mature Trees , Backs to Trees/Woods , Irregular Lot , Views
38285
: Lake Michigan
Coldwell Banker Realty
Annie Royster Lenzke
Financial
Not Applicable
: None
36086.38
Listing Information
Jean Royster
3950
Coldwell Banker Realty
38913
3950
MRED
: List Broker Must Accompany
Listing Information
37014
3950
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contingent
2026-05-12T18:50:03Z
2026-05-12T18:49:44Z
Property Description

Designed by David Adler as the coach house for the historic Centaurs estate in 1928, the Tower House remains one of Lake Forest’s most celebrated architectural icons set near the shores of Lake Michigan. The five-story Italianate-style residence overlooks nearly an acre of private, wooded grounds, culminating in the famous tower, which features expansive views of the lake and the surrounding estate. The property is currently owned by acclaimed designer Kara Mann, who has meticulously designed plans for a potential renovation to modernize this significant historic property. Privacy is a defining feature of this Lake Forest estate, as it’s visible only through the wrought-iron gates and accessible via a courtyard. The interiors, including the kitchen and baths, have been renovated by previous owners while preserving the home’s architectural integrity and detailing. Adler’s love for symmetry, historic style, and craftsmanship is captured in coved ceilings, arched doorways, Art Deco-style tray ceilings, original brick and wood floors, and Palladian-inspired arched windows and French doors that mirror each other. Natural light pours through expansive windows, illuminating the main living and dining areas. Heights reach up to eleven feet, giving these spaces a sense of volume. The residence is thoughtfully arranged across five distinct levels, centering on a main floor that balances grand entertaining with privacy and separation. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with European-style cabinetry, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Viking, and Miele appliances, and opens to a sun-drenched solarium-the only addition to the original Adler footprint. A library with custom built-ins leads to a main-level guest suite. On the second floor, the layout provides a dedicated retreat with two primary suites and a bright, renovated laundry room. The architectural narrative continues upward through the tower, housing a fourth en-suite bedroom on the third level and the historic Byzantine Room on the fourth. This space features uniquely preserved murals by Russian-born artist Nicolai Remisoff, one of the few remaining examples of his work (the other is at the Lake Forest Library Rotunda). A fifth secluded bedroom suite and sitting area occupy the final interior level. The vertical journey concludes on the rooftop terrace, where treetop views and panoramas of the lake and the distant Chicago skyline offer a perspective as singular as the architecture itself. The property is completed by a detached two-car garage, an expansive patio, a private courtyard, and a lawn area suitable for a future pool. The Tower House stands as one of Lake Forest’s most significant David Adler projects, now with the rare advantage of a renovation vision for its next chapter as a luxury North Shore residence.

Residential For Sale

51 S Mayflower Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

  • Bedrooms : 5
  • Bathrooms : 6
  • Square Footage: 6,404 Sqft
$2,495,000
Listing ID#12618302
QR Code
Basic Details
Property Type : Residential
Listing Type : For Sale
Listing ID : 12618302
Price : $2,495,000
View : Water
Bedrooms : 5
Rooms : 13
Bathrooms : 6
Half Bathrooms : 1
Square Footage : 6,404 Sqft
Year Built : 1928
Lot Size : 0.88 Acre
Full Bathrooms : 5
Listing Status : Active Under Contract
Roof
Roof : Tile
Contact Agent