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
25185 Shagbark Road | MLS# 12677337
This single family home located at 25185 Shagbark Road, Mettawa, IL 60045 is currently listed for sale with an asking price of $8,995,000. This property was built in 1938 and has 6 bedrooms and 8 full and 3 partial baths with 11036 sq. ft. Shagbark Road is located within the District 125 school district. Search Mettawa real estate on tshreve.gogambino.com today.
Additional rooms: Office, Great Room, Foyer, Sun Room, Bedroom 5,Bedroom 6,Sitting Room, Exercise Room, Other Room
Additional Structures: Greenhouse, Other, Pergola, Poultry Coop, Second Garage, Shed(s)
Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Trash Compactor, Wine Refrigerator, Water Purifier Owned, Gas Oven, Range Hood
Association Includes: None
Bath Features: Whirlpool, Separate Shower, Steam Shower, Double Sink, Soaking Tub
Dining Room: Separate
Exterior: Brick
Fireplace: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Gas Starter, More than one
Fireplace Location(s): Living Room, Master Bedroom, Bedroom, Great Room, Kitchen
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25185 Shagbark Road | MLS# 12677337
This single family home located at 25185 Shagbark Road, Mettawa, IL 60045 is currently listed for sale with an asking price of $8,995,000. This property was built in 1938 and has 6 bedrooms and 8 full and 3 partial baths with 11036 sq. ft. Shagbark Road is located within the District 125 school district. Search Mettawa real estate on tshreve.gogambino.com today.