The Lake Forest Showhouse and Gardens 2025 features the transformation of a historical 15,000-square-foot home by 47 talented designers. Originally built in 1895, the residence known as Pembroke Lodge integrates classic architectural elements with lush, English-style gardens. Renovation challenges included restoring traditional details to suit a young family's needs while modernizing the homeâs systems. The project involved updating significant structural elements, adding smart home technology and an elevator, all while maintaining its historical exterior features, reflecting a successful blending of old and new.
"The challenge for show house designers was to restore the home's traditional detailing while making it a warm, inviting, and functional space for a young family," says Susan Rolander.
"Finely finished Wisconsin limestone cloaks the exterior, which is adorned with classical details such as dentil cornices and balusters."
"Originally built in 1895, the residence sits on more than three acres and includes a formal garden, a tranquil reflecting pond, and a graceful limestone-domed gazebo."
"The property remained in the hands of the same family until the '60s...although the exterior remained mostly unchanged since its original design."
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