Pictures of interior shots of the first floor Condo from: Lake Geneva Life at the Water's Edge, by Michael Keefe with Andria Hayday and Tom Keefe, 2006 Remaining photo by Pamela S. Meyers The latest chapter is a new beginning. Once operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the observatory closed in 2020. After decades of meticulous restoration, the entire first floor of his palacial lakeside retreat is available for sale. But theres something more here, something less foreboding than the name this property was given nearly 70 years after it first rose from this shoreline. When construction of this home was originally undertaken, the budget was set at $150,000. 1901, he moved his wife and four daughters into the home. She has also upgraded systems and redecorated some of the other units, as well as made repairs to the roof and rooftop pool and removed dead trees from the grounds. Description. Meg Hewitt; View Listings Send Message Call 262-394-5650. Phone: (262) 249-6697. I visited his son Lance there and swam in the pool. 30 Tours and Activities. Businesses and public places are open for you to visit during regular business hours. *Please see important details about this tour under SPECIAL NOTES below! N1189 State Hwy 120 , Lake Geneva, WI 53147-4224 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $599,999. Consider he set out to build this house for that low sum of $150k, and when the last clouds of limestone dust settled he had rung up over $2MM in actual costs. ft. home is a 4 bed, 4.0 bath property. Riviera in Lake Geneva, WI. Inside, the vast first floor was designed for entertaining guests in grand style. The estate was built in 1900-1901 by Otto Young, a man who made his fortune buying real estate along State Street in Chicago following the great fire of 1871. First floor had ballrrom/main room, music room, billiard room, library, dinning room, large entry with open stairs to bedroom levels 2nd floor and 3rd floor. Stone Manor - Lake Geneva, WI. with her two rescue cats. Younglands , as the hulking Renaissance Revival-style villa was then christened, reportedly cost $2 million to build an incredible amount back . portion of the floor. When my brothers and I were young (8 12 years old), Mr. Bihlmire would frequently invite our family over to swim in the pool, and those memories will stay with my family for many years to come. If you require special assistance, please contact our office. We all had a great time The history of Lake Geneva tends to be wrapped up in the stories about the summer homes of Chicagos wealthiest families. The eras over-the-top, conspicuous consumption extended into the vacation sphere, too: In the hit HBO series The Gilded Age, the New York social scene of the period moves to the posh resort town of Newport, Rhode Island, in the summer months, where extravagant mega-mansions still guard the seafront. There are palaces the world around that are fanciful and detailed. The ownership from Mr. Young through today is extensive, and complicated in and of itself, and that is to be expected. The owners of the remaining Stone Manor condo, which occupies one-third of the third floor, know I'd like to buy it, Trahan says, and I'm sure they'll come to me when they want to sell. As the owner of more than two-thirds of the homeowners association, she has the legal right to force a sale of the remaining unit. Helping discerning clients and customers buy and sell Lake Geneva since 1977. Cancellation Policy On non-meal tours we require 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel. My Great Grandfather was George Baker who served as Village President of Winneka 1902-1903 and worked for Otto Young in Chicago, maybe he helped carry furniture for the boss when the house was done.My wife and I drive our 1957 Chris Craft by Stone Manor and I always feel like where being watched as we cruise by . The home was originally built in 1899 as a vacation home for Otto Young at a cost exceeding one million dollars, then sold for as little as $10,000 (and some back taxes) at auction in 1954. having to repair a lot of water damage. Located right on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, The Abbey Resort provides guests with easy access to a wide variety of fun and exciting attractions. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts in all their shocking detail. Until it was restored to its original splendor, it was divided into apartments. Otto came from an affluent family in Germany, however when he came to the USA in the mid 1800's, he was virtually broke. Today, those hideouts are back in the spotlight, thanks to Johnny Depp's 2009 film Public Enemies. For all individual reservations, cancellation is required 48 hours prior to tour date for refund. Navigation. Like a bad Alanis Morissette song, Mr. Young died just four short years later. Even at almost $16 million spent for the purchases and rehab and more to go, Trahan says she is absolutely getting a bargain. of Lake Geneva to the property, a short distance away. HOME. Most famously, The Riviera which perches on its own pier in downtown Lake Geneva was erected by architect James Roy Allen in 1932. Film & Print. Information found on this site is deemed reliable but is in no way guaranteed. Properties subject to prior sale, listing expiration, price changes, or listing removal. Please call 262-248-6060 for more information and to schedule a personal tour. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. N 42 34.943 W 088 26.062. Geneva Lakefront Realty, LLC is a Lake Geneva, Wisconsin based full service real estate brokerage. Do not hesitate to email her. The final cost The restaurant experienced financial problems and was forced to close. altered, although individual condo owners can change the dcor and floor plan In the movie, Depp stars as real-life Chicago bank robber John Dillinger, who, like Al Capone, Baby Face Nelson and Bugs Moran, often retreated to Wisconsin. Apparently even all his money could not buy him a membership into the Country Club & social acceptance. If you bring a small snack to hold you over during the tour that is fine, but we do not allow full meals and we do not allow coolers. Tina Trahan, the owner of most of the building called Stone Manor, the largest structure on the lakefront, is about to do another of her "Angel of Geneva Lake" acts to benefit everything living around the lake, and quite a few visitors, as well. Review of: Clear Water . The absolute gem of Lake Geneva, however, is the spring-fed lake. Stone Manor. Built in 1855 by prominent Chicago surgeon and real estate magnate Dr. Philip Maxwell, the Maxwell Mansion was initially named The Oaks in honor of the centuries-old trees surrounding the estate. 1780 Stone Rdg Ct, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, USA. The largest estate ever built on Lake Geneva, Stone Manor was commissioned . I'm doing all the things that the homeowners association had been putting off, she says. It's one of those comforting, welcoming familiar kinds of restaurants. Reports of seeing a woman dressed in Victorian clothing have been reported since the 1970s. Otto Young Dies At Country Home. In addition to the opulent homes, several other Lake Geneva attractions offer a glimpse of the Gilded Age. 130 E. Randolph St. Feb 14, 2023 - Find & Book the top-rated and best-reviewed tours in Lake Geneva for 2023. Nowadays it is on the National Register That was all restored by taking pieces down, being sent out where forms were made, then new plaster rip-rap made and painted. Otto Young Dies At Country Home. The light fixtures that adorn this residence were estimated to be worth well over one million dollars, a value earned by the authenticity and bespoke nature of these gold plates sconces and chandeliers. The first floor was mostly formal living spaces. By comparison the first floor condominium that takes up the entire floor is She bought the first-floor condo in November 2016 for just under $6 million and has since bought the others save for one. It would be a nice home to visit on Lake Geneva. But soon her upstairs neighbors came calling, offering to sell their units, and now, a year later, Trahan says she's in for a penny, in for a pound. This tour is 3 12 hours in length and does involve walking, stair climbing, and attention to a docent guided tour throughout. After the Chicago Fire of 1871, Mr. Young moved to Chicago and began investing heavily in real estate in the burned out city. Stone Manor, easily the largest mansion on Lake Geneva, began construction way back in 1899 and was commissioned by a German immigrant turned powerful Chicago real estate investor named Otto Young. 4th floor was sort of attic feeling, no windows, skylights, storage and a miniture golf course. The highest priced homes in 12 Chicago suburbs. What makes this building so incredibly unique is the original condition of it all. The basement had a very large ice house where ice was stored after being cut from frozen Lake Geneva in winter, then lasted thru the summer. And even at that price she doesn't own the whole building yet. She hopes to add two staircases to the mansion's single stairs and replace the aged elevator. Price is $5.995MM, which comes with the $1.5MM worth of light fixtures thrown in! Rental Options Rent Our Facilities Geneva Lake Museum is available for meetings, showers, dinner parties and more. Stone Manor (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) Courtesy of Jameson Sotheby's International Realty. We enjoyed the clear waters, fish was thing, cruising past Stone Manor mansion and Big Foot Beach. In the 1970s the main level was transformed into an elegant French restaurant known as Stone Manor Inn. This is truly the most spectacular space in the Lake Geneva market, but it likely owns that same title for the entirety of Wisconsin. On the market for $39,250,000, it's also the most expensive home currently for sale in Wisconsinnearly double the $20,750,000 list price of another grand mansion in Lake Geneva. I don't know how much it will be at the end, she says. The land was again sold to a group of . Wrigley Estates. Baby Face Nelson was also a . One of the most famous hideaways in Lake Geneva was the Lake Como Hotel owned by Hobart Hermanson, the slot machine king of Lake Geneva. Click here to get the full experience on your screen. The third floor contained These beautiful homes and buildings are really something else, and on this 90-minute walking tour of downtown Lake Geneva, your guide focuses on the haunted history of places such as the Maxwell Mansion, the Baker House, and the . Amenities that you'll share with just four other owners include: a heated 50-foot swimming pool on the roof; direct access to Lake Geneva and its boating pleasures; and tennis/basketball courts. it was built over 100 years ago. The property fluttered through the most of its first century of existence as either a school, boarding house, restaurant, hotel, possible air force academy headquarters (great post on that coming next month), until it was finally renovated in the early 1990s by trader Tom Ricci into six luxury condominiums. Each bedroom floor had aomething like 4 or 5 bedrooms, all connected by doors, with 4 or 5 bathrooms per floor. They drove up and liked what they saw. Along with Fontana and Williams Bay, it is a popular second-home destination, both along the lake's shoreline, which is dotted with grand mansions, and in wooded areas off the shore. I lived in Stone manor as one of the care takers and I can tell you it is haunted. I also met the Maytag sisters there. One hour to admire Mont-Blanc, the UN and the shores of Lake Geneva from . The Geneva Bay Tour is the perfect choice for anyone looking to see the more famous and well-known historical sites on the lake. The thing about Stone Manor is it's a unique property, says Bob Webster of Keefe Real Estate. When completed in 1901, all of the doorknobs, plumbing and electrical fixtures on the main level were 14kt gold plated, with matching solid sterling silver on the second. Younglands & the yacht Polaris, which was featured in my April Blog. This is a lakefront property that we all know. Standing as the largest mansion on the lake, Stone Manor was constructed on the orders of Otto Young, a retail and real estate millionaire. Bugs and his wife Lucille liked to hide out at the Lake Como Hotel, owned by Hobart Hermansen, the "slot machine king of Lake Geneva." Eventually, Lucille divorced Bugs and married Hermansen. Lady of the Lakes Tour Boat. Location of building: S. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Geneva Built: 1899 Architect: Henry Lord Gay Architectural Style: English Renaissance Revival able to see the interior of this magnificent representation of its time period, The spaces are unlike anything most have ever encountered, with dedication to the restoration and preservation of orginal finishes typically reserved for public buildings of cultural importance. The second and third levels were basically bedrooms and bedroom suites. Ha! Customers will be notified if changes need to be made to this reservation. Ive shown property in the building, and written offers on units. Recent picture of Stone Manor taken from town of Lake Geneva. Jerseyhurst. Originally the roof was a garden, but there have been some changes throughout the years, including a rooftop swimming pool. This tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Read below for a sample itinerary of some of the places you visit, and the ghost stories you hear. In the early 18th century, the land became part of the state of Massachusetts and was purchased by two 18th century land developers in the spring of 1738. . If youve walked the shores, captained a boat, or toured the shoreline with a tour guide, you know this house. Mrs. Koch I believe the only way to have a wedding at Stone Manor would be to buy one of the units, and then have your wedding! However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you dont require their assistance. Extending from roughly 1870 to 1900, the Gilded Age was a term coined by author Mark Twain to emphasize the nations many social problems concealed only by thin, gold gilding. Get the best business coverage in Chicago, from breaking news to razor-sharp analysis, in print and online. Affluent Chicagoans, including Mortons and Wrigleys, built grand homes in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nowadays a swimming pool occupies the roof deck. currently on the market for over almost 7 million dollars, and several years Original staircase in common area of condos. Best Wineries in Lake Geneva, WI 53147 - Studio Winery + Geneva Lake Distilling, Staller Estate Winery, The Hive Taproom, Boppart Winery, Apple Barn Orchard & Winery, Spirits of Norway Vineyard, Glunz Family Winery Cellars Sales & Tasting Room, Aeppeltreow Winery Some time between 1950 and 1965, Realestate magnate John Bihlmire lived in this Italian style mansion. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York has the Empire State Building, and Geneva has the Water Fountains (Jet d'Eau)a stunning feature in Lake Geneva launching water 460 feet (140 meters) into the air. That's for 12,000 square feet, Trahan says. It is a hiking trail - a world class hiking trail - yet a hiking trail of such unique character that it becomes instantly . Check out our list of must-do water activities in Lake Geneva. The grand Renaissance Revival built in 1901 by Otto Young stands on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva more . Book a mailboat ride to experience this timeless and useful tradition. Black Point Estate and Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. A beautiful, big place, beautiful wood all over. Even the two level basement was elaborate including a three-lane bowling alley, jewelry vault, huge laundry and drying rooms and a monster coal storage room with a double boiler system. Not to mention seen time and again a man wandering the halls with a handlebar moustache. The story finds a lakefront owner dining at the restaurant often, enjoying the fanciful scene and the food, sure, but enjoying the surroundings even more. Contact Lake Geneva lakefront specialist Bob Webster of Ke. After making his Otto Young. Live historical narration during the boat tour to and from the estate as well as a guided tour of the first two floors of the estate and the gardens. This colossal lakefront property is often mistaken as the Wrigley Mansion by tourists talking on the streets of Lake Geneva. We also offer an additional discount for senior guests on Tuesdays. She has her eye on that seventh unit, looking to make the mansion a single-family home once again. PRODUCTION. Would you please EMAIL me at linda1906@sbcglobal.net I am the Otto Young historian and currently in the middle of a book about the Young family and the history of the home. Service animals are welcome, but no pets are allowed. Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Why visit Geneva; Explore the city Explore the city. He made his fortune in Chicago, and in 1901 he built his limestone masterpiece, dubbed Youngland Manor, on the eastern shore of Geneva Lake. June 16, John Mellencamp . Belhurst Castle, Geneva: See 1,235 traveller reviews, 709 user photos and best deals for Belhurst Castle, ranked #5 of 12 Geneva hotels, rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. We offer a full Snack Bar and Cash Bar with items such as chips, candy, and soft drinks. The Maxwell Mansion brings me back in time, to another era, says Meyers. Edgewood . Other features were a June 16, Donna the Buffalo and Heatwave Bluegrass, Lincoln Hill Farms, Canandaigua. and 80s, its future was tied up in courtrooms because of liens on the property. Boat Elmers Boat Rentals . current times, the property experienced several ownerships. Trahan says she didn't plan to buy the entire building. Part of the first floor before the renovation. With over $650,000,000 in sales since January of 2010, that goal is within reach. Lake Geneva mansion sells for the highest price of the year there. What follows is legal intrigue, as the difficult task of separating a first floor from a wholly owned building took time and money, perhaps more of each than anyone had bargained for. These beautiful homes and buildings are really something else, and on this 90-minute walking tour of downtown Lake Geneva, your guide focuses on the haunted history of places such as the Maxwell Mansion, the Baker House, and the eponymous lake itself. depicting the north shore of Geneva Lake as seen from the lawn of Stone Manor in the early 1900's. Includes sink . For those looking to test the flavors of the region, the city offers some local favorites like cheese curds and butter burgers. Unless you know View our specials and promos here. One later owner was Tony Rezko, the now-infamous influence peddler who was an early patron of Barack Obama. Best Pizza in Lake Geneva, WI 53147 - Oakfire, Next Door Pub, Gino's East - Lake Geneva, Mama Cimino's, Luis's Pizza, Rosati's, MOD Pizza, The Boat House Bar & Grill, Upper-Crust Pizzeria, DJ's In The Drink At 17,000 square feet, the 30-room Queen Anne mansion features massive mantles and elegant stained glass throughout. It takes about 10 hours to walk the entire length of the trail, so its recommended to hike in segments. E-mail oureditor Stone Manor. How many luxurious houses for sale are available in Lake Geneva, WI? Graduated a long time ago :-). The finishes on the upper two floors were markedly less ornate. 1860-1910. Instead, he headed up the lake, even as fall turned to winter, and the vibrant colors of autumn turned dark. On a lake famous for paying lip service to history but documented in its disdain for the art of preservation, this owner took the alternate route and what ensued was three decades of painstaking restoration. At the time of Young's passing in 1906, it was estimated that his fortune was worth $25 million. The exterior shingles were made with wood from Californian redwoods. Located at 880 S. Lake Shore Drive, Stone Manor was built in 1899 by Otto Young, a German immigrant who found his fortune in Chicago real estate. The box lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham, roast beef or vegetarian sandwich, chips, cookie, and a bottle of water. Hand laid parquet tile floors complete this majestic masterpiece. When Tina Trahan was growing up in Elmhurst, she visited Lake Geneva, Wis., a couple of times. the market for almost 3 million dollars. The circa-1889 Baker House hosts an afternoon high tea service that includes a tour of the mansion. Keep exploring with the Roadtrippers mobile apps. It sets a new record for single-family homes in the . Stone Manor is the largest estate ever built on Geneva Lake and probably the most talked about. In a more recent era, following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, wealthy Chicagoans escaped the hustle of the city's reconstruction to enjoy . Soon we will require you to update your account to a Roadpass account as it will be the only way to log in to Roadtrippers. time, but nothing was too extravagant for Mr. Young. Newspaper accounts state that upon completion of his lakefront home, he spent most of his time there, even though he maintained his Calumet residence. It is a fireproof structure of white Bedford stone, steel, hollow tile and concrete (it measures 70' x 174'). The resort city of Lake Geneva sits peacefully on Geneva Lake in the southeastern part of Wisconsin. Photo: Lake Geneva Visitors Bureau . Chicago, IL 60601 Enjoy time with friends and family in this fully equipped 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home in the great neighborhood of Lake Como. The Italianate Alta Vista estate was designed by famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw on a stretch of the lake nicknamed millionaires row for its especially opulent mansions. Built: 1899. Dominating the Combe de Savoie at an altitude of 550 mes, offering a spectacular view as far as Mont Blanc, this 11th - 16th century manor house, with a floor surface area of approximately 750 square meters (8,458 square feet) on a plot of land of 6,200 square meters (0.25 acres), has splendid reception rooms and 14 bedrooms.Rehabilitated in . I would like to talk to Daughter of Mr. Hahn, Gail F and Charlotte Schmidt. As the tour boat approaches shore, high on a bluff, an ornate Queen Anne-style mansion comes into view. The original carved Enjoy a look inside this historic estate! We recommend this tour for ages 12+ due to the duration. The exterior walls feature Bedford limestone, while the interior walls are covered in Tennessee marble. Flamboyant chewing gum magnate . Strip away all of the stoic, black and white history of this building and this lake and realize that Otto Young was a simply a buyer who wanted his lakefront home to be something special, and he got so caught up in that goal that he spent a bit too much money.