I would suggest getting a drone and showing the NOW of these properties after you tell the days of ol-----this would make it fantastically interesting

A crime we didn't copy England with a National Trust for historic properties. It was so very beautiful... 😢

@CenturyHomeProject

8 ай бұрын

I was thinking this exact same thing.

@seanlee6439

8 ай бұрын

Most of these homes weren’t really historic though. They were mostly 30-70 years max. English properties were 300 years

@strummercash5601

8 ай бұрын

@globalheart How awesome is GlobalHeart deserves its own reply. I agree completely! I was born in Minneapolis, and from our extensive and effective trolley car system that was ripped out in favor of buses, to many of our most architecturally interesting downtown buildings, when i peruse old photographs of my birthplace, I shake my head and cry. On Lake Minnetonka, referenced by Prince in Purple Rain, yellow Chris-Craft “Taxi-Boats” delivered the wealthy to their Summer Lake Estates. Those boats, when no longer needed were sunk into the lake?! I can not even… Anyway, your comment got me thinking, and I was compelled to reply. I really enjoy this channel because the history provided with the great homes reviewed, is so fascinating. Have a great day!

@globalheart

8 ай бұрын

@@seanlee6439 they'll not have that chance now. That's the point!

@globalheart

8 ай бұрын

@strummercash5601 oh, sad to hear about the Chris crafts as well as the lake!! I hear you though..being near Cleveland, I can attest to the fact that Millionnaires' Row exists no more, but for an odd building turned for another purpose... and sadly, many a fine smaller mansion in the burbs have been thoughtlessly butchered, even statuary sold off, either for tax debts, or "modern improvements". It's truly unthinkable!!!

Always sad to hear of the demise of these grand works of art. I loved the grounds. Looked so peaceful. Poor Edith. She may have squandered a lot of money on seemingly foolish things, but she also donated to very worthy causes. Thank you for another fascinating video, Ken!

Fabulous job Ken. I have been hoping you would feature Villa Turicum. There are many grand country estates, commissioned by some of America's most distinguished business leaders, still standing in Lake Forest, IL. This is one town that could occupy a year's worth of the magic you bring to us. Thank you!

I grew up in Lake Forest and we used to explore the McCormick mansion ruins, the remnants of the pool was still visible in the lake. The tea house was still standing. We never went in the mansion, though. It has since been developed into multiple large homes, so no more exploring.

I just must say: this channel has one of the coolest combinations of greatness that I’ve found on KZread. I love old houses and buildings, their histories and different eras or iterations. Plus, the biography and history of the builders, owners, and occupants is always fascinating regardless of the edifice. And, lastly, the calm and factual narration almost belies the jabs, such as “…his ruthless tactics…” etc. which are both accurate and endearing. I dunno it’s like a we-the-people historical adventure every time, if that makes any sense whatsoever. Peace, folks. Spend this day well!

@Maliceless100

8 ай бұрын

Agreed.

Wow! $40 million (est. $1 billion today) as a wedding gift

@ZER0-C00L

8 ай бұрын

You clearly weren’t listening very well, he said the $40 million is worth the modern day equivalent of $ 1.5 billion dollars .

While I am always amazed by the vast size of these homes, there seems never to be given any thought to the future but simply to the now. What I want now is important. That means when these people died most all of these once amazing properties goes by the wayside. The only one I remember who kept properties was Huegette Clark…that was quite the story.

@ThisHouse

8 ай бұрын

Empty Mansions was one of the most enthralling books I’ve read in a long time. Her story is so fascinating!

@nancychavez5952

5 ай бұрын

The Clark mansion was also demolished shortly after her father died

Hey, Ken...me again. I love your videos and truly appreciate all the hard work that must go along with getting them out here to us. Thank you for that. I find sometimes, for me at least, that the backstory of the house is a bit more interesting than the house itself. How it started, the trials and tribulations they went through to be able to afford such luxury. It's a guilty pleasure of mine to watch your videos and imagine living this way. Thank you, again for sharing with us. 😊

@ThisHouse

8 ай бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoy the videos with a biographical component! Thank you for watching, cheers!

They tore that house down?! That was a beautiful building with classic northern Italian style! 🇮🇹 Reminds me of Lake Lugano, and tells a story of a bygone time.

It was one of my playgrounds growing up. I loved the terrace/garden area that had on elevator that would take you to the pool that was built half way down the bluff. Even as a 10 year old I knew that the pool was too dangerous to play around any more because it was slipping down the bluff.

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

The pool wasn't on the bluff, it sat on the beach which the lake swallowed over the years. In the 70's the lake had just about destroyed the pool. The staircase and fountain have been restored. The pool is gone

@chrisyore3233

Күн бұрын

@@g24thinf I was there and the pool was not on the beach. It was at least 50 feet below the terrace (tea garden).

The exterior and gardens seemed nicer than the actual house. Based on the photos, it was more like a museum than a comfortable house! Too bad it's gone and the once great gardens are just a memory!

Thank you Ken for showing us around this stunning mansion in Lake Forest.

Such a sad story. The Villa and property were opulent and stunningly beautiful. But I felt the interior was cold and uncomfortable.

In Europe, estates are in the hands of families for multiple generations and hundreds of years. And yet, here in the richest country in the world, most only last for a couple of generations, and the houses end up destroyed by "developers."

@sherriianiro747

8 ай бұрын

True. Wealth stops after the second generation most likely because of trust funds.

@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669

8 ай бұрын

Most of the great houses went down primarily because of income tax being implemented. Coupled with WW1 and 2 with the Draft, servants, chefs, chauffeurs, gardeners were all off to Europe. There was no one left to maintain these estates. Alot of the marbleworkers, ironworkers, plasterworkers, woodworkers and other craftsmen from Europe didn't survive the war. Then you have the Stock Market crash. Millionaires lost everything almost overnight. So add all that up and you can see why so many of the homes couldn't survive.

The interiors were modest by standards of the day among the wealthy. How many marble clad and gilded Louis style interiors faced the wrecking ball in NYC. A truly amazing story, but with the same sad ending.

What an incredible loss. It amazes me to these structures built of the best materials and building practices of the time and no one thought of the future value...a loss to our culture never to be seen or the likes of which to never be built again..thank you for sharing with us Ken..i thank you for your research

I was a student at Lake Forest College in the late sixties. The house was gone but the gardens were still somewhat visible. You could go down to the lake shore and see the pool. There was a tunnel from the house that led to the pool, which was on the beach. I would have loved to see it when it was in its prime!

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

I did the same myself. The property is divided up now, but the teahouse and stairs to the lake are there and have been restored.

That is so very sad.

Clinical depression is a terrible thing

@Dulcimertunes

8 ай бұрын

She had children who died

@johnmiller8975

8 ай бұрын

@@Dulcimertunes and i get that. but this sounds like more than losing a child or more than one.

I really hate how many of these incredible homes are gone. This is why we can't have nice things.

Thank you for yet another wonderful and informative video! As a teen I remember walking into that tunnel that ran from the home to Lake Michigan

Thank you, Ken for another well made, interesting video! My favorite room was the drawing room and thanks to Edith for the Brookfield Zoo❣️Also, thank you for informing us on a house from the North Shore, it’s such a fascinating Chicago area icon❤️

I have friends who live in LF and I visit frequently (I'm a native son of Dixie) and you need to visit and drive down Lake Road if you're ever there. Beautiful set of huge, historic homes.

Another great video, and such an interesting central character. Once again, the story proves the old adage, "money doesn't buy happiness." There is a great biography that came out a couple of years ago entitled "Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick" by Andrea Friederici Ross, for those who want to learn more about Edith.

@ThisHouse

8 ай бұрын

Her biography was an amazing read!

When I was a teen in the 70's took some friends there to show what was left. Not much. I do remember the fountain @2:14, stairway @2:33 and the pool at the lakeshore someone else mentioned was falling into Lake Michigan. Mom & Dad said they went there as teens to look around and it was just starting to be vandalized. They took us kids there once which is how I knew it was there. Thanks for the memory.

Another good report, Ken. That said I was mostly impressed with the topographical changes for Chicago lake shore property.

Thank you. I visited the remains of 4he mansion while in High School in the early Seventies, though I never knew the story of it. A part right off the shore of Lake Misigan was still there and traces of the foundation. Even the remains were impressive.

@MrMustangrick

8 күн бұрын

Mark, I was born and raised in LF, and attended LF High in the early 70’s

Always disapointed when something grand doesn't exist anymore. AI can colorise photos, be interesting to see these in colour.

@ThisHouse

8 ай бұрын

While AI has made great strides, this took me about 2.5 hours to colorize the thumbnail (even with help from Photoshop’s colorize tool). That being said, this coming up Sunday I’m releasing a video with multiple colorized rooms that I’ve been working on for months.

As always Ken, great shots and information, thank you

so sad that history disappears through misuse or no use at all. beautiful home

My friends and I would explore the ruins of this place in the 80s. We were Army brats at Fort Sheridan. It was a very scary place and seemed haunted. Just a typical free range 80s kid adventure. You could tell it was once beautiful but the vandals ruined it. One beautiful eagle wall carving had the head replaced by a swastika.

What a waste. All that money and no happiness.

Awesome video and fascinating history!...Thought the loggia facing Lake Michigan was the highlight!!...Hope there are more Lake Forest videos estates of the rich in the pipeline!!!

How marvelous. Thank you.

I've been hiking around the old property about 10 years ago. I snuck down the lake front and climbed the stair case that once went to the in lake pool. It's sad to see it in the condition it was in but exciting to see the historic past still available. I am not aware of how much still remains today but if you live in the Chicago land area and want to see some abandoned history that's a place to find it. As I don't condone trespassing, this is after all private property, it was a sight to see.

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

The teahouse and staircase have been restored. The pool is gone, I don't know how much of the gardens is still there.

Unlimited wealth is no guarantee of long lasting success.

Great vid thank you

Edith only spent one night at the Lake Forest estate. Yet it was kept fully staffed and ready for many years. I've been on the property many times.

What a sad story all around. I really liked the courtyard next to the loggia.

I watch you all the time and love what you do. This has to be the saddest I've ever seen. That lady had serious problems. First time I've listened without actually watching.

Sad story.

Ken your awesome love the videos .

Sad that this beautiful mansion was not valued and saved. I would have loved to tour the extensive gardens; they look just stunning. A very interesting story! Imagine having so much money that you had to have new fine jewelry for each party!

I wish there were a series of book containing all these lovely houses including floor plans and generous amount of photos. I would snap them up in a minute. Probably have to be multi volumes either by year or better yet location. Even a couple volumes on old hotels that were so magnificent like the Waldorf-Astoria.

@pyrexmaniac

8 ай бұрын

Look for "Lost Chicago" and "Chicago Interiors." Also, "Lost New York." They are filled with interesting facts as well as contemporary photos and illustrations that are utterly fascinating to see. Another great book is titled "The Grand American Avenue." All are out of print but are easy to find second hand.

Thanks!

@ThisHouse

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the support! Cheers! -Ken

Gorgeous house and grounds - a massive loss for Chicago. Maybe you could feature Black Point, the H.H. Rogers estate at Southampton. Built by Walker & Gillette in 1915, damaged by a hurricane in 1938 and demolished. Some photos were taken and published in Vogue and House & Garden in 1915 (all online photos come from this group). The available photos are sadly not really enough for the full treatment you like to give us. Maybe you could unearth more?

These house videos are a stark reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that the only point of accumulating wealth is to give it to other people who need it more.

Goodnight from Ireland!

So sad it is no longer there.

If she lived in Lake Forest well that's all you have to consider because it's very dark in the winter their. I was based at Great Lakes Navel Base and in the winter it's very depressing.

Almost makes me want to cry.

Another awesome This House !! Gorgeous gardens and house - but an Italian Renaissance villa set in snowy Chicago winters seems like ketchup on filet mignon. It must've looked out of place November - March. Money ain't class lol.

Ken... just wanted to suggest that you do a video on Graytowers in Pike County PA - very interesting story about a great home and the Founding of the US Forestry Service (not to be confused with Gray Towers Castle - also in PA and interesting in its own right)

sick

Wow, all sad...

At first I kind of despised Edith and her Husband. Just an insane amount of wealth. But as the story went on, I felt sorry for her. Money clearly does not buy happiness. I loved the room with the glass ceiling. It seemed simpler than some of the soaring ceilings of other mansions, but it was the style, based on Roman Villas. I actually prefer it. The gardens were fantastic! Nice to hear a bit more about Chicago. Thanks, Ken. :)

He states this was the largest estate in Lake Forest, not even close. Harold's brother had a estate near by called "Walden" that was theee times the size.

How sad a story.

Sounds a little like the Stotesbury Estate in Wyndmoor outside of Philadelphia

Its a shame that homes if this stature and significance of affluent people from the past, were not preserved by historic preservation societies, and their original owners in some way.

I could never understan why people have such a negative view or JDR.

@GrubbyPigeon

8 ай бұрын

Sounds like you don’t know much about history then

Please see her project, Carol Beach in Pleasant Prairie, WI.

The McCormick's originally hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design a sprawling Prairie style mansion on the site of this home. At the time, FLWs Prairie style in Chicago was considered outdated, hence the choice of Platt to design the villa. During Edith's waning years, she resided in a mansion on Lake Shore Drive and Belleview Place just north of Michigan Avenue. It is said that she would summon her driver to bring her Rolls-Royce limousine to drive her to her favorite private club for dinner, located directly across the streeet from her mansion.

❤😊

Money, art work, lavish homes... No one says by what means they wear gained. Trickery, killing and bribe, how selective in memory some are!

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

Harold's father invented the cotton gin. What have you invented to serve mankind?

Sad!!

What a sad ending

Terracotta roof in Chicago’s winters?😆😆😆😆😆 Oh and Brookfield zoo is not in Chicago, Lincoln Park zoo is.

An obscenely wasteful country. Since about 1850, the amount of money that the richest Americans have squandered is an abomination. The loss of this marvelous house, and esp its gardens, is criminal.

@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain

8 ай бұрын

Most of the time it’s the children and other descendants that are scummy and waste money. The people who first earn USUALLY are good with their money and more upstanding. I think that’s a big reason “old money” hates “new money”.

What a shame

It would be nice in these videos if you included photos of these sites as they appear today from Google Earth.

@TheLordOfNothing

Ай бұрын

was able to locate where this mansion once stood. It was located close to where Circle Lane is in Lake Forest today, near McCormick Drive and Turicum Drive.

A VERY SAD ENDING TO AN ALL TO HUMAN DISASTER.

Crazy, at the end of her life she literally had no wealth and it was all tied up in trust….the family knew she was mental and indirectly found a way to keep money out of her hands….

$2 million when compared to 1 1/2 billion dollars seems really cheap.

"ruthless business tactics..." huh? Ruthless: having no pity, merciless, cruel.

Can you still see photos of any of the ruins?

I'm pretty sure that was not a fireplace...

I hate to see history destroyed

Sounds like she might have been a little manic, sad there wasn't much for people with this then. Very odd how her property and her trust wouldn't pay for each other,

Why don’t they ever show pictures of these properties being built? 🤔

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

Because no one cared

Where was Jackie Kennedy in those days?!

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

Being born 30 years later

Beautiful and wasted

We don’t value history in this country. It’s a sin.

@victoriacole7661

8 ай бұрын

Exactly.

Terribly sad, I wish I hadn’t watched this video.

Exorbitant waste of money, all the upkeep, to abandonment. The Legal mess served no value. WTH didnt they sell the Home? Ridiculous waste ... Wealth to such a level is Highly Overrated. Find your centered spot if feeling Harmony and feel ut ... The "Universal Law of Attraction" is Absolute, we each are creating our own Reality Experiences. It's wise to gain a Comprehension of this Law. 😘

2 million for three hundred acres of riverfront property doesn’t sound right but I’m sure that’s what the record books say. Have you ever questioned the timeline narrative they always give us regarding all of these robber baron palaces? All of them were supposedly constructed almost simultaneously during a time when electric utilities were very rare, there were no power tools, hydraulic machinery or even the general infrastructure for shipping all of the necessary construction materials to the site other than the sparse railroads not close by and only primitive horsepower in the form of carts, wagons and buggies. I believe these robber barons are the finders of a preexisting and covered up part of our true historical narrative. Why aren’t there any construction photos of these grand estates? If these fabulously wealthy families built these buildings they would have documented the entire process in photos ad nauseam- their egos could not resist the enhanced bragging rights if they had any photographic proof that they were the originators of all that perfect architecture and craftsmanship. Why have we stopped building beautiful buildings like that now that it’s so much easier with modern tech?

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

The estate cost 7 million to build in 1912 dollars

@g24thinf

Күн бұрын

Lake Michigan is not a river

What a phenomenal waste of money…the entire estate was a grandiose vulgar display of excessive wealth. Its sad that Edith could not receive the mental health care she needed. Sad story, all the way around.

How depressing poor little rich girl has it all, and hates her life.

Too much money not a lot of sense 😊

Overpriced for that time for sure.

Why dont you write where the locations are ? So people can drive by.

@TheLordOfNothing

Ай бұрын

I was able to locate where this mansion once stood. It was located close to where Circle Lane is in Lake Forest today, near McCormick Drive and Turicum Drive.

What I took out of that was although she was wealthy, she was a miserable person and died miserable

Why are we whispering?

Jesus gave her 1 billion dollars 😮

Edith Rockefeller paid dearly for her selfishness and prideful attitudes, I am not surprised that she became mentally ill. I feel sorry for her staff and her husband 😔. It's just my bluntly honest opinion.

My daughter comes with a dowry of $1.5 billion. It's worth it to get that angry, spoiled brat away from me. Just kidding, but seriously, $1.5 billion.

Jung, “pseudo-scientific”? Stay in your lane, Ken.

I was looking at houses on Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma, and saw the thumbnail for this. 👁️ 🏡 🪚 👍 I thought I'd check it out. 🤔 ✅