This magnificent English Manor in Harvard, IL, radiates status and enduring allure, blending classic European sophistication with architectural mastery across 52 glorious acres. Crafted by teams of European artisans, it boasts eight French limestone fireplaces, hand-laid wood and limestone floors, and beamed ceilings from England, each detail reflecting historical authenticity and grandeur. Built with robust concrete blocks, radiant heated floors, Indiana limestone finishes, and a French clay tile roof, the estate offers exceptional durability and energy efficiency, perfect for future-minded achievers seeking long-term investment. Its secluded yet accessible location is just 90 minutes from Chicago, featuring 7,800 sq. ft. of customizable living space, pristine ponds, and terraced hills ideal for vineyards or orchards. Listed at $3,995,000, this property promises generational value, serenity, and infinite opportunity.
Lakeside Facade
An impressive lakeside home showcases grand architecture with castle-like features, including a prominent tower and steep-pitched red roofs contrasted against creamy stone walls. Expansive lawns stretch to the water’s edge, creating an inviting play area for families and offering plenty of space for outdoor gatherings. The large arched windows and doors allow for ample natural light and beautiful views of the serene lake, perfectly mirroring the house and surrounding greenery. Mature trees form a lush backdrop, enhancing privacy and tranquility. The house’s striking proportions and scenic placement make it ideal for those seeking both elegance and family-friendly outdoor living.
Grand Entryway Doors
Step into an elegant entryway featuring striking arched wood doors framed by natural stone, setting a warm and inviting tone as you enter the home. The floor showcases polished white tiles with black diamond accents, adding a sense of timeless sophistication. Two large marble-like vases provide graceful symmetry and a touch of luxury to the space. Ample natural light flows through the glass-paned double doors, illuminating the neutral color palette of creams and rich browns. This grand entrance offers both beauty and functionality, accommodating families and guests comfortably while evoking a sense of welcoming grandeur.
Grand Staircase Entryway
This spacious entryway showcases an elegant staircase with iron railings gently curving up to the second floor, creating a dramatic focal point for arriving guests. High, lattice windows flood the area with natural light, illuminating the white walls and creamy marble floors accented with black insets. The wooden ceiling and trim add warmth, while carefully curated artwork and a richly patterned red rug introduce character. Comfortable white seating and a wooden table invite family and visitors to relax, making this an ideal transition space for gatherings or quiet moments. The open layout ensures views and easy movement between rooms, supporting a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Grand Living Room Entry
A breathtaking entryway leads into an expansive living room framed by soaring stone arches that echo classic Gothic architecture. The space is illuminated by abundant natural light streaming through oversized, cathedral-style windows that overlook lush greenery. Elegant wooden accents, including French doors and ceiling beams, warm up the neutral palette, while a large decorative mirror reflects both light and sophistication. The living area features plush, inviting seating clustered around a traditional wooden coffee table atop an ornate area rug, providing a comfortable, family-friendly space for gathering. Carefully chosen art pieces and sculptural lighting add personality without overwhelming the serene ambiance.
Living Room Details
A grand living room with soaring wooden-beamed ceilings and stunning arched windows offers sweeping water views, filling the space with natural light. Neutral cream floors and walls create a serene canvas while intricate wall art, ornate carved tables, and a deep red Persian-style rug lend warmth and sophistication. Plush, modern white sofas are arranged for easy conversation, making this space inviting for both family gatherings and entertaining guests. Decorative golden sculptures and a vintage Tiffany-style lamp provide artistic flair. A large, gold-framed mirror brightens the space, enhancing its open, elegant feel. The room blends classic grandeur with family-friendly comfort.
Living Room Fireplace
A grand living room with soaring wooden ceilings and intricate architectural details creates a welcoming space for gatherings. The focal point is a stone-carved fireplace with an ornate mantel, flanked by tall windows that invite natural light. Creamy walls contrast beautifully with rich wood beams and elegant archways, adding a touch of old-world charm. Plush, modern white sofas and a large wooden coffee table rest atop a vibrant Persian rug, balancing classic and contemporary aesthetics. Family-friendly features include ample seating, a spacious layout for play or relaxation, and thoughtfully arranged tables for both leisure and social activities.
Dining Room Fireplace
A grand dining room features a stunning carved stone fireplace as its focal point, enhancing the sense of warmth and elegance. The space is anchored by a large wooden dining table surrounded by matching chairs, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. Beautiful parquet wood flooring and exposed wooden ceiling beams add a sophisticated, historic charm. The neutral walls and natural wood tones create a welcoming, balanced color palette, while the addition of ornate wooden sideboards and vintage lamps offers convenient storage and soft lighting, making this an ideal space for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Kitchen Island and Seating
A spacious and inviting kitchen features warm wooden cabinetry with a large central island ideal for meal prep or family gatherings. Exposed wood ceiling beams lend a rustic charm, complemented by cream-colored tile flooring that keeps the space bright and airy. Ample counter space, along with a cozy dining nook, makes this kitchen suitable for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Modern touches include a mounted TV, recessed lighting, and a sleek chandelier. The layout ensures convenient flow for families, while expansive windows provide natural light and beautiful outdoor views, creating a practical yet welcoming heart of the home.
Kitchen and Dining Area
A spacious kitchen and dining area featuring warm wood tones and exposed wooden ceiling beams that add character and rustic charm. The open layout seamlessly blends a central kitchen island with generous storage, a glass-topped dining table surrounded by comfortable, woven-back chairs, and a grand stone fireplace with a decorative wrought-iron screen. Glass-paneled cabinets line the back wall, offering both storage and display. Soft neutral flooring and creamy wall tones create a bright, welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. Family-friendly design is evident in the ample seating, spacious layout for children to move around, and a fireplace perfect for cozy family meals.
Living Room Layout
A spacious living room featuring a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern comfort. Wood beams stretch across the ceiling, adding architectural character and warmth, while natural light pours in through leaded-glass windows. The large sectional sofa provides ample seating, ideal for family gatherings and relaxing evenings by the elegant white stone fireplace. Rich parquet wood flooring enhances the classic ambiance, complemented by a luxurious Persian rug at the room’s center. Decorative shelves and accent furnishings display curated art pieces, infusing personality. Thoughtful design ensures the space is both inviting and practical for family-friendly living and entertaining.
Elegant Bathroom Details
This bathroom features a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary design elements for a welcoming and upscale feel. The spacious layout includes a rich wooden vanity with ample storage, topped with a sleek countertop and accented by a grand, gilded mirror that adds a touch of opulence. The black-and-white patterned floor tiles give the space character, while the gold-trimmed artwork and ornate ceiling mirror provide additional visual interest. Decorative table lamps and matching wall sconces create a warm, family-friendly ambiance. Neutral wall colors ensure a bright, airy atmosphere, making it ideal for both adults and children.
Master Bedroom Retreat
Spacious master bedroom featuring warm, herringbone hardwood floors and a grand stone fireplace that instantly adds coziness and character. Charming, tall windows with diamond-pane glass let in natural light while maintaining privacy, making the space bright yet intimate. The room hosts a large, inviting bed framed with intricately woven wood, flanked by elegant nightstands and relaxing armchairs for comfort and reading. Decorative statues and textured accent pieces infuse a tranquil, sophisticated vibe. Muted cream walls and subtle grey trim blend beautifully with the wood tones, creating a serene, family-friendly retreat ideal for relaxation and unwinding at the end of the day.
Luxury Bathroom Retreat
This spacious bathroom features an elegant, centrally placed soaking tub set atop a pristine marble platform, perfect for family relaxation and unwinding. Natural light streams through large, wooden-framed French doors and windows, offering serene garden views that complement the airy feel. The herringbone wood flooring adds warmth and character, while the intricate carved wood mirror and antique chests bring timeless charm. Soft neutral walls and classic trim enhance the sophistication. With ample floor space for moving around, a plush area rug, and generous cabinetry for storage, the design is both inviting and functional, welcoming families of all sizes.
Master Bedroom Retreat
This elegant master bedroom features a spacious layout with warm hardwood floors laid in a classic chevron pattern, complemented by a large Persian-style area rug adding warmth and intricate detail. A grand carved wooden headboard serves as a regal centerpiece for the bed, flanked by arched wooden doors with stone accents that offer architectural character. Generous windows framed in wood usher in natural light, creating a bright family-friendly atmosphere. A traditional settee and stylish accent chair comfortably accommodate relaxation and conversation, while subtle decorative touches and neutral wall tones harmonize the blend of classic and global-inspired design elements.
Grand Staircase Foyer
A stunning grand staircase foyer welcomes guests with elegance and spaciousness. The soaring ceiling features exposed wooden beams, creating warmth and architectural character. Large arched windows with diamond-shaped grid panes flood the space with natural light, while creamy white walls add brightness and sophistication. The flooring features a classic black-and-white pattern for timeless appeal. Ornate iron railings gently curve along the staircase, offering safety for families and children. Artistic touches include sculptural decor and large vases, while a majestic chandelier hangs above to illuminate the open-plan layout. Natural wood doors complete this exquisite, inviting entryway for family gatherings and welcoming visitors.
Loft Gathering Space
This inviting loft features striking vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, creating a sense of spaciousness and architectural charm. Warm, wide-plank hardwood floors stretch the length of the room, enhanced by a large, classic area rug with intricate patterns. The neutral palette of white walls and natural wood fosters a cozy yet open feel, ideal for family activities or a play area. A stylish chandelier adds a touch of elegance overhead, while subtle wall sconces offer soft illumination. Open and versatile, this space can serve as a multi-purpose room perfect for game nights, reading nooks, or children’s creative play.
Attic Bedroom Retreat
A spacious attic bedroom creates a cozy yet open atmosphere with its sloped wooden plank ceiling and exposed beams, lending rustic charm and warmth to the space. Large twin beds with ornate metal frames and plush bedding make this room perfect for siblings or sleepovers, combining comfort with elegance. Natural light streams in through a charming end window, brightening the neutral carpeted floor and making the area inviting for families. The expansive layout offers plenty of space for relaxation or play, while the minimal decor keeps the environment serene and uncluttered, ideal for both children and guests.
Formal Dining Room
A grand dining room features vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, evoking a classic and timeless aesthetic reminiscent of a castle or historic estate. Large, arched windows with decorative latticework flood the space with natural light, enhancing the serene ambiance. The terracotta-hued tile flooring and a large patterned area rug create warmth underfoot, while carved wooden chairs and a solid oak table anchor the room with sophistication. An ornate red and gold cabinet adds a vibrant accent. Soft wall sconces provide gentle illumination, making this space both inviting and family friendly for gatherings, celebrations, or quiet meals.
Covered Patio Dining
This spacious covered patio seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor living, featuring a large rustic wood dining table surrounded by eight woven armchairs offering relaxed, family-friendly seating. Neutral stone flooring and stucco walls set a warm, inviting tone, complemented by classic black French doors framed in white. Ceiling fans with natural leaf-inspired blades add both charm and coolness for gatherings. Decorative African-style masks and tall sculptures introduce worldly character, while pops of color come from fresh yellow blooms and potted flowers at the archway. This area encourages family meals and entertaining, protected from the sun or rain for year-round enjoyment.
Mansion Exterior and Grounds
A stately mansion rests in the center of sprawling, manicured grounds surrounded by lush forest. The home features elegant stonework, a red-tiled roof, multiple chimneys, and classic architectural arches. Broad walkways and tiered staircases connect the house to formal gardens with symmetrical hedges and green lawns, ideal for families to enjoy outdoor play or gatherings. A winding driveway circles past a sparkling pond, providing privacy and scenic views. The exterior is designed for both grandeur and functionality, blending timeless luxury with family-friendly space, all nestled in a private, natural setting that encourages relaxation and inspiration.
Listing Agent: Jane Lee of RE/MAX Top Performers via Zillow
