Georgian-Style Estate to Be Featured During Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens

By a Lake Forest Love Writer The Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago will transform a limestone Georgian-style Lake Forest estate, designed in 1895 by architect Henry Ives Cobb, for the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens from April 26 through May 25. Featured in the 1935 redesign of the majestic 30-room home is a pool house and pool designed by David Adler, a tennis court with a warming hut, and a reflecting pond with English walled gardens. Over 45 leading landscapers and interior designers will reimagine the 15,000-square-foot mansion and its 3.5 acres.

The 15,000-square-foot mansion sits on 3.5 acres.

In addition, on April 28 starting at 11 a.m., Los Angeles-based interior designer Mary McDonald -- one of House Beautiful’s Top 100 Designers and a Veranda Top 25 Designer – will give a talk moderated by Dara Caponigro as part of the Showhouse & Gardens. It will explore McDonald’s visionary work, design philosophy, and career journey. In addition to gaining access to the Showhouse, guests will enjoy a light lunch and receive an advance copy of Glorious Gardens: Private Edens of the World's Leading Interior Designers. 

The pool house cabana as painted by artist Jane Gianarelli.

The 2025 Showhouse will mark the board’s 20th production. The volunteer-run event has become widely recognized as one of the top showhouses in the country. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.lakeforestshowhouse.com.