Lake Forest Mansion With Lavish Private Garden Sells For $11M: Report

LAKE FOREST, IL — A Lake Forest mansion with a 120-year history of elite owners and famed gardens sold last week for $11 million.

Known as Camp Rosemary, the eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom house was originally designed in 1904 by architect Benjamin H. Marshall, known for designing the Drake Hotel, for Mr. and Mrs. John T. Pirie.

The 11,800-square-foot property includes a pool, expansive outdoor gardens and a glass-paned indoor conservatory. It also boasts an attached coach house, a guest house and a poolhouse.

Its famed nine acres of gardens are known for their intricacy, with gorgeous outdoor "rooms," the"Betty Prior" rose arch and several themed gardens.The grounds were crafted and expanded by the late Posy Krehbiel, who was known for being a passioante garden visionary.

"It is the owner’s passion and creative talent for gardening, as well as her love of nature that is the driving force behind this extraordinary landscape. It also goes to show that even in Chicago’s harsh climate it is possible to have a wonderful English garden," the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff History Center wrote on its website.

The estate's sale marks the most expensive home sale in Lake Forest since 2022, and the fourth most expensive in the region this year.The most recentbuyers are unknown.

Read more from Crain's Chicago Business: Historic Lake Forest estate with famed gardens sells for $11 million