The Schweppe Mansion Gets Dressed for Christmas

Formal entrance to the Schweppe Mansion

Back of the residence overlooks Lake Michigan

Entrance Hall

Ceiling details are incredible

Ceiling in Living Room

Can you believe this ceiling in the Reception Hall?

My favorite room - the South Conservatory. Notice the beautiful leaded doors and windows.

View from one of the many terraces on the back of the residence.



Outside entrance to the Breakfast Conservatory.

Master Suite tub - Taking a bath and enjoying that view??? I'm ready!

This home is filled with incredible carvings throughout- the one above the book shelves in the library is just one example of the extraordinary craftsmanship.

Our very own little taste of Versailles in the mirrored dining room.

Almost every room has a massive fireplace.

The Schweppe Mansion in Lake Forest was built in 1917 by John Shedd as a wedding gift for his daughter Laura and her husband, Charles Schweppe.  It's artisanship, quality of construction and materials were superior, and the estate is considered one of the architectural gems of Chicago.  Today  the 24,500 square foot mansion is for sale for 12 million with over 5 acres of Lake Michigan lake front.  And quite honestly, that seems like a steal to me.  A couple of weeks ago. the home was offered at the last minute  to a local school to be a featured home on their annual Christmas house walk.  Vacant and minimally furnished, we were called to add the holiday decor to the residence. Flattered, but knowing we were crazy busy with Christmas already in the store and we were almost sold out of Christmas merchandise, I knew I had to turn the job down.But after a little persuasion from the House Walk committee moms, I agreed to meet them at the home for a "quick peak" and see if it was even a possible task.  After viewing the home, I knew that this was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to decorate this magnificent historical gem. Yes, I am completely crazy.  So I gathered the troops and we began to create and plan this holiday installation with less than 2 weeks notice.  Today, we meet at the store, load 7 SUV's and then  head to the estate to begin the magic of making the residence feel like Christmas. This is going to be the largest undertaking in our history in such a short period and I am anxious to see our results. Three dining tables to set, 6 mantels to decorate, a library with nothing on the shelves, and the massive list  just keeps going  on,   fa la la la la!