Courtesy of Compass

Understated elegance, private sanctuary and refined luxury all define this exquisite retreat in the rich countryside of Barrington Hills. Unrivaled in its pristine setting, this 46-acre estate showcases a seven-acre private stocked lake, primary French Country home, guest villa, custom barn, private groomed trails, orchard, meadow, pasture, and is totally surrounded by densely wooded nature preserves. This property provides exceptional privacy for both nature enthusiasts and the renowned. A private gate opens to a paver driveway, leading to the custom main home, perched among the towering Hickory, Oak, Cherry, Sycamore and Pine trees. The grand foyer overlooks the lake, five stunning tiered bluestone patios, (one with a wisteria covered pergola and one with a natural gas stone fire pit), a koi pond, waterfall and lush grounds. The European-inspired home welcomes all with a two-story great room with floor to ceiling windows, limestone fireplace and breathtaking views. There's a formal two-story dining room, gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances, sunny breakfast room, atrium, and a two-story library with bookshelves and a fireplace. The main floor master suite has a tray ceiling, private balcony overlooking the lake, spacious dressing room, and a hotel-chic bath with spa/steam shower, jetted tub and radiant heat. Richly appointed throughout, with Venetian plaster walls, Italian travertine floors, Alder hardwood, crown molding, decorative leaded glass, ten-foot ceilings, eight-foot doors, and an integrated sound system. There's a second bedroom and full bath on the main floor with three bedrooms upstairs, one ensuite and two with a shared full bathroom. The sunlit walkout lower level has radiant heat and offers additional flexibility: a comfortable family room with fireplace, game room, generous bar, office, gym and spa area opening to a bluestone patio and inspiring landscaped gardens. There's an attached three-car heated garage. The luxurious guest home boasts a large great room, kitchen, bedroom and full bath, private deck and its own two-car garage. The lake is stocked with bass and catfish, and has an island where the pine trees are illuminated at night. There's a pier for paddle boards, kayaks and swimming. The three-stall barn has a separate workshop along with another two-car heated ten-foot door garage and is architecturally designed to match the main residence. This stately sanctuary is ideal for families, corporate retreats and a harbor from mainstream life. The grounds offer two miles of manicured hiking/riding trails which are easily linked to over 150 miles of Barrington Hills horseback riding trails. There's room for a paddock, pastures, bee keeping, animals, and a helicopter pad. This famous private haven offers a rare destination to retreat to as well as lavishly entertain, just 45 miles from downtown Chicago and less than 30 minutes to O'Hare International Airport.