Oak Shores

The estate known as Westgate graced the southern shore of Fontana for nearly 100 years. It was a magnificent Tudor, with sweeping rooflines and half timber walls. It was everything an historic lakefront mansion should be. And then, without much warning, it was demolished over the period of three days a few winters ago. For those who, like me, watched in horror as the land was laid bare and the pieces of that iconic estate were carted off on trailers destined to be re-purposed in some twenty-first century iteration of new construction, the destruction of that estate was a disappointment of epic proportions. There are estates on Geneva, new estates and old estates, but there aren’t as many vintage estates as there once were. This much is obvious. Many of the stick-built mansions burned in the first half of the last century, and unfortunate consumption due to improper wiring or overzealous coal loaders, or perhaps both. The estates that burned exist merely in photographs and coffee table books, but the sturdier estates- those built of concrete and stone and imported brick- many still exist today.

This brief history snippet finds us now, today, in the front lawn of the original Oak Shores estate, a brilliant example of Tudor design that has anchored the southern shore of Geneva since 1910. There are times when estates are purchased and subdivided, an unlucky consequence of the price of land on our hallowed lake. There are other times when estates are purchased and hastily torn down. And there are times, like now, when estates ooze so much vintage charm and original character that no one would ever consider allowing a wrecking ball within three miles of the front door. Oak Shores is such an estate, and by virtue of me writing about it, you have already guessed that is my newest listing, available for your purchasing pleasure as of today.

On paper, the state is most impressive. The grounds total 2.4 wooded acres. The manor house is 10 bedrooms, hosts 7 baths, and features nearly all of the original features- the hardwood floors, the original trim, and five masonry fireplaces. The pier is prodigious, with 3 slips and ample mooring possibilities. The coach house is capable of housing five cars, and features a stellar three bedroom residence on the second floor, a residence that boasts a fantastic lake view and square footage not typically found in the coach houses of even the most significant Lake Geneva estates. But I’m getting ahead of myself talking about nuts and bolts and material details. The allure of Oak Shores is in the important Netherland’s brick as much as it is in the history of this still grand estate.

In 1910, Mr. John Mitchell Johnson, hired Richard Soutar to construct his 24 room tudor mansion. Mr. Johnson was a railroad magnate with the Missouri and Pacific Railroad, and had the home built to provide his family a lakeside retreat from the heat and humidity of a St. Louis summer. The estate was 10 acres in total, with orchards, a caretaker residence, a hog and chicken barn, an ice house, and the original coach house. While Mr. Johnson owned the property through 1926, he ultimately sold to Mr. Guyon, owner of the Paradise Ballroom, who in turn sold nearly a decade later to Mr. James Slattery, a US Senator from Illinois. The estate was ultimately subdivided in 1950 into what is now the current day Oak Shores subdivision. You’ll undoubtedly recall the boulevard entrance to this subdivision just to the West of the Fontana Country Store and to the East of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. The close proximity to the venerable LGYC provides ample regatta watching opportunities throughout the summer months, and offers families with children the desirable possibility of having their children simply walk a short ways down the shorepath to their chosen sailing lessons. The original call box still resides in the front hall of the main house, with buttons labeled to call the caretaker or the guest wing, buttons that can be pushed today without the lingering promise of someone answering on the other end.

Today, the estate remains in fine condition. The current owners made Oak Shores their primary home for the the better part of the last decade, and they have enjoyed renovating and then living in a fully functioning piece of Lake Geneva architectural history. The vintage features of this home are most outstanding, and any buyer who finds promise in the spectacular estates of early twentieth century would do well to find their way to the sweeping gables and ample lawns and manicured perennial gardens of Oak Shores. This estate is offered in its entirety for $4.295MM, with private, confidential tours available at your request. Create an indelible imprint on the future of your family, and consider inscribing your name on the deed of this lakefront jewel.