Built in 1906, it stands in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Originally known as Wadsworth Hall, it was commissioned by banker and philanthropist Norman Wait Harris. Designed by Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge, the mansion features 14,145 square feet, 13 bedrooms, and 11 bathrooms on a 40-acre estate with 621 feet of lakefrontage. Landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, it was listed at $39.25 million and sold for $36 million.

Grand Entrance

Approaching the estate, a grand entrance welcomes visitors along a tree-lined driveway. A pair of stately pillars frame a magnificent brick entry, while manicured hedges and symmetrical landscaping accentuate the red brick facade. Elegant stone urns and lush greenery further highlight the refined character of this historic home. The circular drive and ornate gates evoke a timeless sense of prestige and grace, inviting guests into an era of distinguished sophistication.

Where is Lake Geneva?

Lake Geneva is a picturesque city in southeastern Wisconsin, renowned for its sparkling lake and historic resorts. Located roughly 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee and 80 miles northwest of Chicago, the city has been a beloved summer retreat since the Gilded Age. Its charming shoreline, elegant estates, and vibrant downtown offer visitors scenic boat tours, quaint boutiques, and cultural festivals celebrating local heritage and natural beauty.

Music Room

In the music room, sunlight pours through tall windows draped in golden silk, casting a warm glow over polished hardwood floors and crisp white paneled walls. A grand ornate piano commands attention, complemented by a classic grandfather clock and refined decorative accents. Intricate crown moldings and a carved doorway enhance the room’s architectural elegance, creating a formal yet inviting space ideal for intimate recitals and elegant gatherings with timeless charm.

Grand Foyer

Upon entering the grand foyer, a double-height space welcomes guests with a sweeping staircase adorned by a white balustrade. A spacious landing features ornate gold accents and decorative plasterwork overhead. Comfortable plush chairs and a delicate coffee table invite relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling paneling, tall windows, and a warm-toned rug complement the polished wood floors, creating a bright, airy, and stately atmosphere that exudes timeless elegance and refined sophistication with graceful poise.

Upper Landing

At the upper landing, an elegant gallery wraps gracefully around the corridor, bordered by a white balustrade. A painted ceiling mural and gilded moldings frame a crystal chandelier. Rich hardwood floors contrast with cream-colored walls, while tall windows draped in elegant fabric flood the space with natural light. This refined, gallery-like setting highlights exquisite craftsmanship and timeless sophistication, offering a quiet space that exudes both historic charm and modern elegance.

Dining Room

A stately, elongated table commands this formal dining space, surrounded by matching wooden chairs with intricately carved backs. Tall paneled walls feature ornate plasterwork and gilded accents, while a painted ceiling mural and crystal chandeliers elevate the room’s grandeur. A carved fireplace adds warmth and elegance, and a classic china cabinet displays fine tableware. Large windows allow gentle light to enhance the polished hardwood floors, creating a refined, sophisticated atmosphere for entertaining.

Living Room

This expansive living area is flooded with natural light from tall, multi-paned windows overlooking the lake. Cream-colored paneled walls and a coffered ceiling set a bright, airy tone, punctuated by sparkling chandeliers adorned with cobalt-blue glass droplets. Plush sofas and chairs in coordinating floral patterns create a cohesive, inviting seating arrangement around a mirrored coffee table. The soft neutral palette, elegant draperies, and scenic water views exude an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.

Bedroom

This elegant bedroom features two twin beds framed with soft blue-and-white checked fabric, giving the room a light, airy feel. The delicate fabric canopy over the beds adds a touch of classic sophistication, while the soft yellow walls create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A small vanity mirror and antique nightstands complement the vintage décor, while the large window lets in natural light and offers a view of the surrounding greenery. The room exudes a refined charm with intricate details, including the patterned carpet and soft lighting, perfect for rest.

Office

Rich wood paneling and deep, jewel-toned accents define this stately office. Heavy draperies frame tall windows, allowing filtered daylight to highlight the intricate carved fireplace and an imposing wooden desk. Stained glass panels flanking the fireplace cast subtle hues across the room, while an ornate rug adds texture and warmth underfoot. The overall effect is an intimate, scholarly retreat perfect for focused work or quiet contemplation.

Kitchen

A large, stone-topped island anchors this spacious kitchen, set against a backdrop of custom cabinetry with glass-front upper units. The tiled floor and neutral backsplash balance the eye-catching blue range hood, which adds a pop of color. A wrought-iron chandelier hangs above, providing warm illumination, while tall windows dressed in sheer fabric let in soft daylight. Grand columns and open sightlines give the space a sense of scale and classical elegance.

Bedroom

This sumptuous bedroom features a regal canopy bed draped in rich, gold-hued fabric that complements the soft sage-green walls. A matching settee and plush armchairs form a cozy sitting area by the window, while an ornate chandelier adds a sparkling focal point. Delicate moldings and a large area rug complete the refined look. The gentle color palette, lavish drapery, and ample natural light create an atmosphere of restful opulence.

Bathroom

Warm-toned marble and decorative mosaic details set a luxurious tone in this spacious bathroom. Twin vanities with dark wood cabinetry and round mirrors flank the room, while a soaking tub sits beneath a window framed by light curtains. Brass fixtures and sconce lighting lend a hint of old-world glamour, balancing the bright, airy feel. The combination of plush amenities and refined finishes offers a spa-like retreat for relaxation.

Wine Cellar

A vaulted brick ceiling crowns this atmospheric wine cellar, lined with wooden racks and cubbies displaying an extensive collection of bottles. Soft, ambient light from a wrought-iron chandelier illuminates a central tasting table surrounded by high-backed chairs. The tile floor and arched brickwork create an old-world charm, while the warm wood tones add a cozy intimacy. Perfect for hosting tastings or enjoying a private moment among prized vintages.

Garden Fountain

A narrow reflecting pool flanked by tall, manicured hedges leads to the estate’s stately Neoclassical columns. Water cascades gently along the central channel, creating a tranquil focal point amid neatly trimmed boxwoods and elegant stone urns. The red brick facade and towering white columns in the distance offer a grand visual backdrop, blending classic architectural symmetry with lush, meticulously maintained landscaping.

Terrace Entrance

A wide stone terrace extends from the brick exterior, accented by colossal white columns that rise toward an ornate portico. A tall lantern in the foreground adds a touch of vintage charm, while sculpted planters and railings create visual continuity around the perimeter. The smooth flagstone surface and balanced proportions evoke a sense of timeless grandeur, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living.

Lakefront Facade

Sweeping views of the lake unfold behind the curved colonnade on this side of the mansion. The red brick walls, crowned by a balustraded rooftop, frame the grand rotunda, showcasing impressive classical details. Lush green lawn extends to the water’s edge, dotted with mature trees that provide shade and a picturesque natural setting. The combination of stately architecture and serene waterside ambiance offers an idyllic retreat.

Outdoor Seating

Steps lead up to a cozy seating area arranged on a raised wooden platform against the mansion’s tall windows. Wicker chairs and a matching sofa, upholstered in blue-and-white patterned fabric, create an inviting spot for relaxation or conversation. Black iron lanterns flank the arrangement, and the crisp white railings accentuate the estate’s classic style. Gentle breezes and lake views complete this open-air living space.

Poolside Patio

A spacious, sunlit patio surrounds a rectangular pool, bordered by elegant white railings and lush greenery. Wooden lounge chairs with rolled towels invite leisurely afternoons by the water, while a nearby outbuilding provides additional shade or storage. The brick mansion stands in the background, its grand facade offering a striking contrast to the bright, reflective surface of the pool. This refined outdoor space seamlessly merges relaxation with luxury.

Formal Orchard

A stone-paved pathway winds through a symmetrical arrangement of low hedges and neatly pruned fruit trees. At the center stands a graceful statue, creating a focal point within this tranquil garden room. Terracotta-colored pavers contrast with the vibrant green foliage, while soft lantern lighting adds an enchanting evening glow. The space reflects a harmonious blend of natural beauty and careful design, inviting quiet strolls and peaceful contemplation.

Source: Geneva Lakefront Realty