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.
Active
$2,495,000
51 S Mayflower Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
5beds
6,404sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1928
0.88 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$390/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- --
- on Zillow |
- 2,430
- views |
- 137
- saves |
Zillow last checked:
Listed by:
Annie Royster Lenzke 847-234-8000,
Coldwell Banker Realty,
Jean Royster, ABR,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12618302
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Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 6
- Full bathrooms: 5
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Bedroom 5, Breakfast Room, Office, Library, Sitting Room, Foyer, Utility Room-Lower Level, Storage, Terrace, Other Room
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet), Bathroom (Full, Double Sink, Tub & Separate Shwr)
- Level: Second
- Area: 224 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X14
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 140 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X10
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Third
- Area: 221 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X13
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Fourth
- Area: 88 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8X11
Breakfast room
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 264 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X12
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 630 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 45X14
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Island, Custom Cabinetry, Granite Counters, Updated Kitchen), Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 182 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X14
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Porcelain Tile)
- Level: Second
- Area: 169 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X13
Library
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Fourth
- Area: 272 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X16
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 504 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 24X21
Office
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 196 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X14
Other
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Fourth
- Area: 99 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9X11
Sitting room
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 182 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X13
Storage
- Level: Basement
- Area: 364 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X26
Other
- Level: Fourth
- Area: 440 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 20X22
Other
- Level: Basement
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Heating
- Steam, Zoned, Radiant Floor
Cooling
- Small Duct High Velocity, Wall Unit(s), Zoned
Appliances
- Included: Range, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Trash Compactor, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator, Range Hood, Gas Cooktop, Humidifier
- Laundry: Upper Level, In Unit, Sink
Features
- Cathedral Ceiling(s), 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Separate Dining Room
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Windows: Screens, Skylight(s)
- Basement: Unfinished,Concrete,Partial
- Number of fireplaces: 3
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Gas Starter, Family Room, Living Room, Other
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 6,404 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Brick Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Yes, Garage Owned, Detached, Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Patio & porch: Roof Deck, Deck, Patio
- Exterior features: Balcony
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Water
- Has water view: Yes
- Water view: Water
Lot
- Size: 0.88 Acres
- Features: Irregular Lot, Landscaped, Wooded, Mature Trees, Backs to Trees/Woods, Views
Details
- Parcel number: 16031030040000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
- Other equipment: Ceiling Fan(s), Sump Pump, Sprinkler-Lawn, Air Purifier, Generator
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Other
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Brick, Stucco
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Tile
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1928
- Major remodel year: 2014
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 200+ Amp Service
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Carbon Monoxide Detector(s)
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Lake Forest
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $390/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,591,596
- Annual tax amount: $36,086
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/10/2022 | Sold | $1,800,000-7.7%$281/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 3/3/2022 | Pending sale | $1,950,000$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 2/14/2022 | Contingent | $1,950,000$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 2/8/2022 | Listed for sale | $1,950,000$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 1/30/2022 | Pending sale | $1,950,000$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 12/31/2021 | Contingent | $1,950,000$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 10/6/2021 | Price change | $1,950,000-4.9%$304/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 7/26/2021 | Price change | $2,050,000-6.6%$320/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 4/13/2021 | Price change | $2,195,000-8.4%$343/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #10987706 Report a problem | ||
| 9/18/2020 | Listed for sale | $2,395,000-4%$374/sqft |
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago #10862944 Report a problem | ||
| 10/26/2015 | Listing removed | $2,495,000$390/sqft |
Source: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lake Forest #08699051 Report a problem | ||
| 8/13/2014 | Listed for sale | $2,495,000+8.7%$390/sqft |
Source: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lake Forest #08699051 Report a problem | ||
| 9/21/2011 | Listing removed | $2,295,000$358/sqft |
Source: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lake Forest #07524370 Report a problem | ||
| 5/10/2011 | Price change | $2,295,000-18%$358/sqft |
Source: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Lake Forest #07524370 Report a problem | ||
| 5/12/2010 | Listed for sale | $2,800,000$437/sqft |
Source: NRT Chicago #07524370 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $33,254 -2.4% | $588,513 +10.9% |
| 2022 | $34,062 +5.4% | $530,479 -7.3% |
| 2021 | $32,307 +2.9% | $572,045 +3.4% |
| 2020 | $31,409 +3.8% | $552,968 +0.5% |
| 2019 | $30,270 +5% | $550,382 -2.3% |
| 2018 | $28,826 | $563,397 +0.6% |
| 2017 | $28,826 +6.8% | $560,148 +5% |
| 2016 | $27,001 -11.1% | $533,271 +7.6% |
| 2015 | $30,367 +1.3% | $495,467 -9.5% |
| 2014 | $29,969 -18.1% | $547,404 -0.6% |
| 2012 | $36,605 +7.8% | $550,597 -25.2% |
| 2011 | $33,963 +11.3% | $736,075 +4.8% |
| 2010 | $30,519 +3.2% | $702,581 -5.6% |
| 2009 | $29,573 +2.9% | $744,575 -1% |
| 2008 | $28,744 -12.4% | $752,096 +4.8% |
| 2006 | $32,796 -4.5% | $717,991 |
| 2005 | $34,328 +8.1% | -- |
| 2004 | $31,759 +5.5% | -- |
| 2003 | $30,090 +39.9% | -- |
| 2002 | $21,509 +35.8% | -- |
| 2001 | $15,838 | $346,015 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 60045
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 10/10Deer Path Middle School EastGrades: 5-6Distance: 2.9 mi
- 10/10Deer Path Middle School WestGrades: 7-8Distance: 2.9 mi
- 9/10Lake Forest High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2.1 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Sheridan Elementary School
- Middle: Deer Path Middle School
- High: Lake Forest High School
- District: 67
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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- Illinois
- Lake County
- Lake Forest
- 60045
- 51 S Mayflower Rd
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