Designed by David Adler as the coach house for the historic Centaurs estate in 1928, the Tower House remains one of Lake Forest's most celebrated architectural icons set near the shores of Lake Michigan. The five-story Italianate-style residence overlooks nearly an acre of private, wooded grounds, culminating in the famous tower, which features expansive views of the lake and the surrounding estate. The property is currently owned by acclaimed designer Kara Mann, who has meticulously designed plans for a potential renovation to modernize this significant historic property. Privacy is a defining feature of this Lake Forest estate, as it's visible only through the wrought-iron gates and accessible via a courtyard. The interiors, including the kitchen and baths, have been renovated by previous owners while preserving the home's architectural integrity and detailing. Adler's love for symmetry, historic style, and craftsmanship is captured in coved ceilings, arched doorways, Art Deco-style tray ceilings, original brick and wood floors, and Palladian-inspired arched windows and French doors that mirror each other. Natural light pours through expansive windows, illuminating the main living and dining areas. Heights reach up to eleven feet, giving these spaces a sense of volume. The residence is thoughtfully arranged across five distinct levels, centering on a main floor that balances grand entertaining with privacy and separation. The chef's kitchen is equipped with European-style cabinetry, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Viking, and Miele appliances, and opens to a sun-drenched solarium-the only addition to the original Adler footprint. A library with custom built-ins leads to a main-level guest suite. On the second floor, the layout provides a dedicated retreat with two primary suites and a bright, renovated laundry room. The architectural narrative continues upward through the tower, housing a fourth en-suite bedroom on the third level and the historic Byzantine Room on the fourth. This space features uniquely preserved murals by Russian-born artist Nicolai Remisoff, one of the few remaining examples of his work (the other is at the Lake Forest Library Rotunda). A fifth secluded bedroom suite and sitting area occupy the final interior level. The vertical journey concludes on the rooftop terrace, where treetop views and panoramas of the lake and the distant Chicago skyline offer a perspective as singular as the architecture itself. The property is completed by a detached two-car garage, an expansive patio, a private courtyard, and a lawn area suitable for a future pool. The Tower House stands as one of Lake Forest's most significant David Adler projects, now with the rare advantage of a renovation vision for its next chapter as a luxury North Shore residence.
Single-familyProperty Type
1928Year Built
0.88 acresLot Size
$347Price/Sq.Ft.
2 car garageParking
Listed by Annie Royster Lenzke• Coldwell Banker Realty
Listed by Dawn McKenna• Coldwell Banker Realty
Bought with Lina Zakarauskas• Coldwell Banker Realty
Est. $6,324 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 51 S Mayflower Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
MRED as Distributed by MLS Grid #12618302
Sep 9, 2026
Sold (MLS) (Closed)
$2,225,000
$347/sq ft
MRED as Distributed by MLS Grid #10987706
Mar 10, 2022
Sold (MLS) (Closed)
$1,800,000
$281/sq ft
Mar 3, 2022
Pending
—
Feb 14, 2022
Contingent (Contingent - Continue to Show)
—
Feb 14, 2022
Pending (Active Under Contract)
—
Feb 8, 2022
Relisted (Active)
—
Jan 30, 2022
Pending
—
Dec 30, 2021
Pending (Active Under Contract)
—
Oct 6, 2021
Price Changed
$1,950,000
$304/sq ft
Jul 26, 2021
Price Changed
$2,050,000
$320/sq ft
Apr 13, 2021
Price Changed
$2,195,000
$343/sq ft
Feb 4, 2021
Listed (New)
$2,395,000
$374/sq ft
+80
BUYER FINANCING FELL THROUGH!... LAKE FOREST MASTERPIECE... CENTAURS TUSCAN HILL TOWER HOME has been updated while preserving the architectural integrity of the past! This stately classical Italianate, 5 story tower home, designed by noted architect David Adler, as a coach house for the original estate, has been masterfully renovated and restored to meet the needs of today's buyers. Privacy abounds this Italian estate, only visible through the wrought iron gates to a paved courtyard with stunning views of the tower. As you enter the foyer, a delightful view of a private interior courtyard is seen through the French doors that mirror one another. The lovey, brick floor of the home is timeless, and an enduring touch of it's past. The open formal living room and dining room are perfect for entertaining, drenched with sunshine from the floor to ceiling windows and spacious design. The library is adjacent to the foyer with built-ins and a door to a first-floor bedroom en-suite and additional staircase access to the second floor. The kitchen has been updated with European custom cabinetry and black onyx quartz countertops. Sleek design with premium stainless-steel appliances such as Wolf, Subzero, Viking, and Miele are a cook's delight. The only addition to the original Adler footprint was a solarium attached to the kitchen where one can enjoy espresso and croissant while basking in the sunshine, or electronically adjust for full shade. The family room is very large with a fireplace and room for multiple sectionals, pool table and/or game tables. The wine cellar is below the family room. The second floor of the home has two large Primary suites, one with an attached office or sitting area. Both En-suite Primary baths have been updated with Carrara marble, and premium finishes. Additional updates, such as instant hot water, heated towel racks, radiant heated floors, separate frameless shower and tub are just a few upgrades to note. The laundry room is also on the second floor in the tower with new appliances, cabinetry and porcelain tile floor. The fourth bedroom is on the third floor of the tower with an en-suite bath. The fourth floor of the tower is known as the "Byzantine Room" painted by noted artist Nikolai Remisoff, has been uniquely preserved. One of only a handful of his murals that remains in existence. The other is in the Lake Forest Library Rotunda. It depicts the Greek Gods overseeing the earth, with the words of a mere mortal, "feeling as if he is walking among the stars with the Gods." Such a unique and breathtaking space would be an amazing home office! The fifth floor of the tower is a bedroom en-suite and sitting area. The final staircase up leads you to a 6th story rooftop terrace with stellar vistas over the treetops to Lake Michigan and at night, the glow of Chicago city lights! A perfect place to watch the stars, get your yoga in, or have an intimate gathering! Possibly this is where Remisoff gained his insight for the stunning mural. The Tower itself is an absolute unique structure that has been preserved by the current owners with adaptive reuse. The Ludowici clay tile roof, brick and stucco have been well cared for and all systems have been upgraded or are new with the addition of a whole house generator. There is a two car garage and extensive patio that overlook the distant ravine and forest. You will feel a serene lifestyle and creative genius in this magnificent and unique home!