Country Estate Charles Pike (Lake Forest, Illinois)

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David Adler built this Italian Villa for Charles & Frances Pike in 1916.The Pike's house design bred invention,producing one of Chicago's most notable smaller estate homes. The courtyard is one of Adler's most successfully designed. He paved it with a variety of stones from the beach front.At the center of the courtyard is the design of Adler's Star.He follows the classical tradition in a manner similar to the rectangular Cortile of the Cancelleria in Rome, designed by Donato Bramante.

The interior is simple and concise.The Gallery is fifty foot long with Tuscan Columns and fifteen foot high ceiling. The Living and Dining room depict Adler's symetry.The upstairs hosts 5 beds & 3 servant quarters. Steps to the white sand beach.The sunken garden was planned with the help of landscape Architect Ralph Rodney Root. This is the grandest of Adler's Lake Front Gardens, it would be succeded in magnificient only by the Allee at Castle Hill.The walkout lower level was used to entertain

The Italian Sculptures in the yard represent ten muses and the four seasons:Automne,Hiver,Printemps & Ete, then comes Danza,Rettorica,Tragedia,Commedia,Firmamento,Istoria. The Status in the Loggia are: Neptune & Nero. The movie "Four Friends" was filmed in the house in 1980. Charles Pike was the son of Zebulon Pike who discovered Pike's Peak.He was a Harvard educated lawyer and banker. He died in the late 30'. The property has been featured in many books and media publications.

Special Highlights
Lake Access
The present owner, added the solid steps going down to the beach. There is landing half way and a railing to go in and out the beach as you please.
The Lower Level
The Walkout lower level was and still used for entertaining opens up to the sunken lawn bordering the bluff rising above the lake.The foundation was hand-dug including the sunken courtyard on the lake. It took 100 men,three months to finish the work. There is a Sauna,a refrigerated wine cellar,catering kitchen,Bath and half,a fireplace in the Recreation room. So many storage closets.This a unique lower level for its era.
Garages
The four car garage attached to the house, were originally a service courtyard, but in 1930-1940 was converted to the garage.
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