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About the Listing 6868 - 43453,43427
TAKES OUR BREATH AWAY! For agents representing discerning luxury buyers, Shagbark is the most extraordinary offering to come to the North Shore. Walter Frazier's celebrated 1938 architectural masterpiece, Shagbark, comes to market following a six-year, no-detail-overlooked re-mastery of the entire estate. Shagbark blends grand architecture and bygone craftsmanship with the efficiency and reliability of all new infrastructure and interiors. This isn't another beautiful Lake Forest Grand Dame who's seen better days, this is a breathtaking example of a renovation. Hidden in plain sight on 11 acres (3.5 acres of irrigated grounds buffered by 7.5 acres of tax incentivized native prairie), Shagbark encompasses 11,000 square feet of absolute perfection. The residence offers six bedrooms, eight full baths, and three half baths, including two primary suites, one on the main level. At the heart of the home is a bespoke Clive Christian kitchen featuring a fireplace, Baccarat chandeliers, a custom La Cornue Chateau Grand Palais 180 range, and Miele appliances. Every bed, bath and inch of space has been renovated and beautifully finished. Seven fireplaces (six have been renovated to dual fuel, gas or wood). Additional highlights include a 600-gallon saltwater aquarium, gift-wrap room, whole-property RO water system, resort-style pool, half basketball court, 28 zones of indoor and outdoor audio, and 18 wireless high speed access points. The interiors, designed by Joey Leicht Designs and JTM Creative, are extraordinary. Even more compelling, the estate is offered fully furnished with the curated collection of designer furniture from Ebanista, Holly Hunt, Dorya, Gracie, Baccarat, Ralph Lauren Home, Baker Furniture and other distinguished makers. The estate's major systems have been comprehensively modernized, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical infrastructure. The renovated Ludowici clay tile roof will require little more than routine maintenance for decades to come. A former kennel has been transformed into a Canyon Ranch-inspired fitness center with spa bath/steam. A restored greenhouse connects to a sophisticated cigar lounge. Renowned landscape architect, John Mariani, reimagined the grounds with magnificent hardscapes, garden rooms, cutting gardens, and the addition of more than 200 mature trees, creating remarkable beauty and privacy. The approach itself is unforgettable. A half-mile driveway winds through mature woodlands before revealing the estate's gates. Forest & Bluff magazine (May 2026) described the arrival as "stepping into a fairytale." A stand of magnificent Century-old oak trees greets your arrival, as if to prepare you for the many jaw dropping moments that unfold at Shagbark. Shagbark's history is as compelling as its architecture. Originally built for James Rankin Getz and Betsy Needham Getz, prominent figures in Lake Forest social and philanthropic circles, the estate remained in the Getz family for more than sixty years. Getz was instrumental in the creation of the Village of Mettawa in 1960. Adjacent to Lake Forest, the Village of Mettawa's financial structure is the most coveted municipal set-up in Illinois, and one of its best-kept secrets. By living in The Village, you're in Illinois' sole tax haven (with access to the best public schools in the state). Mettawa operates like a private holding company on behalf of its 230 residences: collecting sales tax revenue from Lake Forest Oasis, Costco and Grainger, it then pays an annual cash dividend to its residents in the form of a real estate tax rebate-- $12,000 rebated to Shagbark in 2025. Illinois' Conservation Stewardship Program is in place on the prairie area, further reducing real estate taxes. Shagbark embodies extraordinary taste, elegance, and stewardship. A magnificent refuge meticulously reimagined for the next generation.
Listing Highlights
Status
Active
Days on Site
13
Property Type
Residential
MLS ®
12677337
Year Built
1938
Total Square Footage
11,036
Lot/Acreage
11.09
County
Lake
Area
Mettawa
School District
103
Elementary School
Laura B Sprague School
Middle School
Daniel Wright Junior High School
High School
Adlai E Stevenson High School
Interior Details
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 8 Full / 3 Half
- Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Trash Compactor, Wine Refrigerator, Water Purifier Owned, Gas Oven, Range Hood
- Air Cond: Central Air,Zoned
- Heating: Natural Gas,Forced Air,Zoned,Radiant Floor
- Fireplaces: 6, Wood Burning,Gas Log,Gas Starter,More than one
- Floor: Hardwood
- Above Ground Sq Ft:
- Below Ground Sq Ft: n/a
- Basement: Unfinished,Exterior Entry,Concrete,Storage Space,Partial,Walk-Out Access
- Other: Vaulted Ceiling(s),Wet Bar,1st Floor Bedroom,1st Floor Full Bath,Built-in Features,Walk-In Closet(s),Bookcases,Coffered Ceiling(s),Historic/Period Mlwk,Special Millwork,Cocktail Lounge,Separate Dining Room,Paneling,Pantry,Quartz Counters
- Water: Well
Exterior Details
- Lot Description: Forest Preserve Adjacent,Nature Preserve Adjacent,Landscaped,Wooded,Mature Trees
- Garage Capacity: 3 car
- Parking Spaces: 3
- Lot Dimensions: 870x737x567x645
- Roof: Tile
- Others: Roof Deck
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Parking Features: Asphalt,Brick Driveway,Gravel,Circular Driveway,Garage Door Opener,Heated Garage,Garage,Yes,Garage Owned,Attached
Financial Details
- Tax Amount: $50,092
- Taxes w/Assessments: N/A
- Tax/Property ID: 15024010040000
- Tax Year: 2024
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25185 Shagbark Rd Mettawa, IL 60045
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