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Partake In Four Of Chicagoland's Finest French Chateaus

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No surprise that Lincoln Park's Dewes Mansion is on this list. One of the city's signature homes and a top five listing, the 12,000-square-foot ornate palace is still asking $9.9M (it's been that way since late 2010). The 1896 home recently enjoyed a painstaking restoration by Botti Studio, which elevated stalwarts of the original design like the grand staircase, stained-glass wall, marble-encased fireplace, and Parisian chandeliers, while also burnishing the home's livability with modern comforts like the media room. Just thumb through the photos, it's hard to find an equal in the midwestern U.S.
·Lincoln Park's Dewes Mansion Stuck At $9.9M Without A Suitor [Curbed Chicago]
·Whale Week 2013 [Curbed Chicago]


This "exceptional French Regency estate" occupies 1.45 acres, along with a jumbo pool, spa, cabanas, and tennis court. And wouldn't you know it, the 11,000-square-foot home also features an indoor basketball court. Were it pictured, it probably would've joined yesterday's indoor sports court feature. No matter, at least it made our priciest pools post from earlier in the week. Listed for $9.4M, this 1964 home does a breezier version of French Chateau than the Dewes Mansion. Not that it cuts corners, but there's just not as much labor invested in the intricacies of decor. Otherwise, size and price are compatible. Built for a "noted Chicago baron", it's high time one of you whales updates that association.
·Listing: 300 Birch St, Winnetka [Coldwell Banker]


We tackled this Lake Bluff beauty by architect David Adler just a few weeks ago. In that time, the asking price has dipped by $200K to $1.995M. The reason the getting's so good is that the princely 6-bed needs to enter a recovery program if it hopes to rebound to grandeur. That being said, the bones are spectacular: marble floors, built-ins, stone staircase, ornate plaster finishes, four fireplaces, and high ceilings throughout. Oh, and the encompassing eight acres form what was originally known as the Ralph Poole Estate. Snag this chateau and get to work!
·Choose Your Own Adventure w/ Six-Bed David Adler Manse [Curbed Chicago]


Our mid-range French Chateau comes with a hefty 189 feet of private lake frontage, part of the 2.14-acre grounds. The Lake Forest property has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms dispersed throughout the 8,200 square feet of living space. Also of the '60s, this place has some features that lend an older, more seasoned look. Take, for example, the walnut-panelled library and two-story living room with exposed beams. And then there's the chandelier lighting and parquet floors. Other spaces, particularly the lower level and kitchen, have a newer sheen. Creature comforts include a large wine cellar and an in-ground pool and patio. New-to-market, the ask is $3.999M.
·Listing: 277 Bluff's Edge Dr, Lake Forest