Property of Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Clark, Lake Forest, Illinois | Architect: Jerome Cerny

This carefully detailed house in Lake Forest, Illinois, fits the present needs of its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Lester A. Clark, yet can expand easily and gracefully whenever needed. It is furthermore attractive proof of the freedom of choice in daily living that follows in the wake of democracy. The Clarks wanted a two-story house because living on one floor makes them feel that they are living in an apartment. They wanted a basement with plenty of storage space, and a style of architecture that would enhance their collection of English and American antiques. They wanted their house arranged so that only occasional day help would be necessary to keep it running smoothly. This plan efficiently takes care of their wants and want-nots, both present and future. For the present it provides a basement, living room, hallway, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms (one of which is used as a library and easily becomes a guest room), two baths (one per floor), a porch and a garage. For the future it anticipates the following changes and additions: the garage will become a large all-purpose room with bath, which on occasions will be used for guests; the porch will become a library; and a new garage and porch will be added. Bay windows, front and back, and a second-story balcony off the bedrooms take advantage of the beautifully landscaped vistas of a once large estate, while the porch looks to the fairways of the Onwentsia Club. Careful placement of the house on its acre site permitted magnificent old trees to remain. Around them, Mr. and Mrs. Clark, who find pleasure in working out-of-doors, have filled in shrubs and plant beds, doing the landscaping themselves.

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source: House and Garden Magazine | January 1954