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.
Active
$8,995,000
25185 Shagbark Rd, Mettawa, IL 60045
6beds
11,036sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1938
11.09 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$815/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Half basketball courtResort-style poolRestored greenhouseSophisticated cigar loungeMiele appliancesGift-wrap roomBespoke clive christian kitchen
- --
- 1,742
- views
- 107
- saves
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Kimberly Shortsle (847)987-5702,
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty,
Carleigh Mia Goldsberry,
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12677337
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 11
- Full bathrooms: 8
- 1/2 bathrooms: 3
Rooms
- Room types: Office, Great Room, Foyer, Sun Room, Bedroom 5, Bedroom 6, Sitting Room, Exercise Room, Other Room
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments), Bathroom (Full, Double Sink, Tub & Separate Shwr)
- Level: Second
- Area: 494 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 26X19
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Main
- Area: 256 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X16
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Second
- Area: 247 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X19
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Second
- Area: 306 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X17
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 182 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X14
Bedroom 6
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 340 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 20X17
Bar entertainment
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 104 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8X13
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Marble), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Main
- Area: 378 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 21X18
Exercise room
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 494 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X38
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 406 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X29
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Marble)
- Level: Main
- Area: 1026 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 38X27
Great room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Main
- Area: 1372 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 28X49
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Breakfast Bar, Eating Area-Table Space, Island, Pantry-Closet, Custom Cabinetry, Updated Kitchen), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 319 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11X29
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Second
- Area: 221 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X17
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Main
- Area: 621 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 27X23
Office
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 270 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X18
Other
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 312 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X26
Sitting room
- Features: Flooring (Marble)
- Level: Main
- Area: 400 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 25X16
Sun room
- Features: Flooring (Stone), Window Treatments (Window Treatments)
- Level: Main
- Area: 378 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X21
Heating
- Natural Gas, Forced Air, Zoned, Radiant Floor
Cooling
- Central Air, Zoned
Appliances
- Included: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Trash Compactor, Wine Refrigerator, Water Purifier Owned, Gas Oven, Range Hood
- Laundry: Upper Level, Laundry Closet, Sink
Features
- 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
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Doors: French Doors, 6 Panel Door(s)
- Windows: Drapes, Insulated Windows, Screens, Window Treatments, Wood Frames, Greenhouse Windows
- Basement: Unfinished,Exterior Entry,Concrete,Storage Space,Partial,Walk-Out Access
- Attic: Unfinished
- Number of fireplaces: 6
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Gas Starter, More than one, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Other, Bedroom, Great Room, Kitchen
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 11,036 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 3
- Parking features: Asphalt, Brick Driveway, Gravel, Circular Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached
- Attached garage spaces: 3
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Roof Deck, Patio, Deck
- Pool features: In Ground
Lot
- Size: 11.09 Acres
- Dimensions: 870x737x567x645
- Features: Forest Preserve Adjacent, Nature Preserve Adjacent, Landscaped, Wooded, Mature Trees
Details
- Additional structures: Greenhouse, Other, Pergola, Poultry Coop, Second Garage, Shed(s)
- Parcel number: 15024010040000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Brick
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Tile
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1938
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Service - 400 Amp or Greater
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Well
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Horse-Riding Trails, Gated
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Mettawa
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $815/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $2,338,660
- Annual tax amount: $51,069
- Date on market: 7/3/2026
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10/3/2019 | Sold | $1,500,000-47.4%$136/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
| 11/14/2018 | Listing removed | $10,000$1/sqft |
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group #10092868 Report a problem | ||
| 10/26/2018 | Listing removed | $2,850,000$258/sqft |
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff #10092851 Report a problem | ||
| 10/26/2018 | Listed for rent | $10,000$1/sqft |
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group #10092868 Report a problem | ||
| 9/24/2018 | Listed for sale | $2,850,000-15.6%$258/sqft |
Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff #10092851 Report a problem | ||
| 2/7/2006 | Sold | $3,375,000$306/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $50,092 -23.6% | $618,056 +6.1% |
| 2023 | $65,585 +50.9% | $582,663 -20.8% |
| 2022 | $43,453 +3.8% | $735,493 +48.5% |
| 2021 | $41,874 +2.7% | $495,387 +0.7% |
| 2020 | $40,779 +3% | $491,717 +0.4% |
| 2019 | $39,602 -9.9% | $489,905 -15.7% |
| 2018 | $43,967 | $581,480 +5.6% |
| 2017 | $43,967 +12.8% | $550,885 +4.4% |
| 2016 | $38,986 -14.4% | $527,516 +13.9% |
| 2015 | $45,523 +2.5% | $463,337 -12.3% |
| 2014 | $44,421 +1.4% | $528,091 -0.2% |
| 2012 | $43,823 +7.2% | $529,149 -10% |
| 2011 | $40,898 -18.7% | $587,765 -23.8% |
| 2010 | $50,335 +3.3% | $771,547 -5.2% |
| 2009 | $48,745 -2.2% | $814,297 -3.3% |
| 2008 | $49,835 +20.5% | $842,276 +14% |
| 2006 | $41,358 +15.4% | $738,645 |
| 2005 | $35,835 +8.6% | -- |
| 2004 | $32,992 +4.6% | -- |
| 2003 | $31,554 +7.4% | -- |
| 2002 | $29,386 +114.5% | -- |
| 2001 | $13,697 -47.3% | $465,059 +8.7% |
| 2000 | $25,979 | $427,852 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.Climate risks
Neighborhood: 60045
Nearby schools
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Laura B Sprague School
- Middle: Daniel Wright Junior High School
- High: Adlai E Stevenson High School
- District: 103
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
Similar homes
- $5,275,0008 bd11 ba11k sqft275 Sussex Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045Active
MLS ID #12720778, Jena Radnay, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $5,900,0005 bd8 ba6.5k sqft586 Spruce Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045Active
MLS ID #12751221, Mona Hellinga, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $4,700,0004 bd7 ba5.5k sqft499 W Old Mill Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045Active
MLS ID #12628867, Donna Mancuso, Jameson Sotheby's International Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $6,250,0007 bd9 ba7.3k sqft1650 Green Bay Rd, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Active
MLS ID #12527076, Annie Royster Lenzke, Coldwell Banker Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
