Introduction to the Estate
A Lake Forest, Illinois estate that had a role in Robert Redford’s Oscar-winning film “Ordinary People,” went on sale Monday for $7.49 million.
Redford, whose death at the age of 89 was announced Tuesday, won the Academy Award for Best Director for the 1980 drama starring Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland. The estate’s sale was first reported by Crain’s Chicago Business, a day prior to news of Redford’s death.
The Film "Ordinary People"
“Ordinary People” was Redford’s feature directorial debut. It told the story of the upper-middle-class Jarrett family living in Lake Forest. The family waspishly endeavors to carry on following the death of their eldest son and the attempted suicide of the younger.
Robert Redford directing Timothy Hutton on the set of “Ordinary People.” Everett Collection (20528)
Set in Lake Forest, Illinois, the Oscar-winning film picked the circa-1907 mansion as an important set piece. Teemu08 via Wikipedia
The Estate’s Features
The Lake Forest estate is available for $7.49 million.
The for-sale mansion, located in the wealthy Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan’s North Shore, was a fitting set piece for Redford’s film. The large red brick Georgian was built in 1907, back when Chicago’s elite rushed to construct estates along the shores of Lake Michigan.
The historic Lake Forest property now belongs to the heirs of the late trucking executive Jack Crowe and his wife Peggy Crowe, Crain’s reported.
The five-bedroom home spans 7,700 square feet and features a limestone entryway, richly furnished sun porches, professionally landscaped gardens and a living room with imported wood paneling. The latter served as the backdrop for a disturbing scene of family tension — one of the scenes that likely contributed to the film’s 1981 Best Picture win.
Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton and Donald Sutherland filmed a pivitol scene at the Lake Forest home. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
The family photo scene from “Ordinary People” was shot in the home’s richly paneled living room.
The scene sees Mary Tyler Moore’s Beth Jarrett shy away from taking a Christmas photo with her youngest son, played by Timothy Hutton. The tension breaks in a dramatic outburst from Hutton.
Additional Details
The home’s sale marks its first return to market in three decades, according to Crain’s.
Listing photos of the property reveal classically waspy interiors with a colorful flair, including a vivid green billiards room, a blue and white sun room, and a butter yellow formal dining room. The frilly decor is masterfully matched, from the bed skirting to the lampshades.
In addition to the country mansion, the estate’s 2.5 acres includes guest houses with additional bedrooms, kitchen and garages, as well as a pool and a tennis court.
An aerial view of the Lake Forest estate, which includes a pool, a tennis court and formal gardens. Google Maps
Listing Agent’s Comments
Listing agent Marina Carney of Compass called the estate “a legacy house,” and told the outlet that “everything is in meticulous condition.”
Carney and her colleague Andrew Mrowiec declined to comment further on the sale.
Conclusion
The Lake Forest estate, featured in the film "Ordinary People," is a historic and luxurious property that offers a unique blend of classic architecture and modern amenities. With its rich history, beautiful interiors, and expansive grounds, this estate is a rare find in the Chicago area.
FAQs
Q: How much is the Lake Forest estate listed for?
A: The Lake Forest estate is listed for $7.49 million.
Q: What film was shot at the Lake Forest estate?
A: The film "Ordinary People" was shot at the Lake Forest estate.
Q: How many bedrooms does the estate have?
A: The estate has five bedrooms.
Q: How many acres does the estate cover?
A: The estate covers 2.5 acres.
Q: What features does the estate have?
A: The estate features a limestone entryway, richly furnished sun porches, professionally landscaped gardens, a living room with imported wood paneling, a pool, a tennis court, and guest houses with additional bedrooms, kitchen, and garages.
