There is nothing more timeless than the classic French Eclectic manor house. Because they never go out of style, they are one of the best investments you can make—if you can find one.
Fortunately, we have!
Original wood floors inlaid with a decorative mosaic tile border create the perfect juxtaposition to the modern Swarovski crystal chandelier.
This Highland Park manor house is classic style personified with architectural symmetry, a steeply pitched roof, twin segmental-arched dormers at either end, a circular dormer in the middle, and a segmental-arched front entry. Of course, any house built in 2004 requires an update, and this one has had the benefit of the best team.
Photos by Stephen Reed Photography
Premier luxury custom home builder Saad Chehabi of S & R Development, residential design group Covert + Associates, and designer Sloan McChesney took this classic French Eclectic manor house to an entirely new level of sophistication. Chehabi has worked on the Venetian and Bellagio hotels in Las Vegas and for celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Sylvester Stallone. When it comes to transforming luxury homes, you cannot do better.
The third living area overlooks the pool and patio and features exposed beams and a cast-stone fireplace.
Dated faux finished walls were re-skimmed and coated in a fresh white to showcase the original dentil molding in the dining room and the magnificent groin vaulted ceiling in the kitchen. A bold blue was chosen to wrap the library, and designer McChesney had the owner’s chairs repainted and recovered to blend in beautifully.
“The designer was smart about taking the owner’s family heirlooms and tying them into the house in a modern way,” Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s listing agent Lauren Von Rosenberg said. “She created a beautiful European transitional feel throughout the home.”
Appliances include a 48-inch Wolf gas range top, double ovens, a warming drawer, and a Sub-Zero integrated refrigerator and freezer.
The primary bedroom’s French doors open to a veranda overlooking the pool and patio.
The original mosaic tile floor in the primary bathroom.
What is particularly refreshing was the owner’s choice to retain original elements like inlaid mosaic floors, cast stone fireplaces, and the original hand-painted ceilings in the library and wine room. Not everything from the past needs updating!
This classic French Eclectic manor house has 9,281 square feet over three floors with elevator access. There are six en-suite bedrooms and a large flex room with a cathedral ceiling is suited for either a home office or a playroom. The sixth bedroom offers the perfect guest experience with a kitchenette, sitting area, and access by a private staircase.
When you’re ready to entertain, the basement has everything! There’s a media room, a game room, a wet bar, and a half bath. The large wine room is also on this level and has the original groin vaulted and hand-painted ceiling.
As for location, this home could not be more perfectly situated. It’s within walking distance of the Highland Park Town Hall, library, walking trails, three parks, and the community pool.
Von Rosenberg has this classic French Eclectic manor house at 4724 St. Johns in Highland Park listed for $7.8 million.
