Property of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Ledder Jr., Lake Forest, Illinois | Jerome Cerny

Unlike the ready-built house, which must be planned to suit the average family (and average needs), the custom-built house sums up the tastes and particular way of living of its owners. This one, which belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Ledder Jr., of Lake Forest, Illinois, is a good example of a house built to the specifications of the owners.

The Ledders are interested in traditional architecture. This can be readily seen on all sides of their one-story Georgian house. It is shrimp brick, set off by a slate blue door and white trim. The approach is through a delightfully landscaped garden and bluestone-paved terrace designed around a pair of stone statues. The recessed, double front door has traditional paneling, Colonial hardware. On either side of it are large floor-to- ceiling bay windows. At the rear, a screened porch is enhanced by New Orleans iron work. Inside, this house has what few small houses have today: i.e., a separate dining room, which is what the Ledders specified. Also planned as part of the house is the screened porch, strategically placed so it can be reached directly from both kitchen and living room. It is used for buffet suppers and cocktail parties in warm weather. The final result is a house easy to run with only part-time help, but which at the same time lends itself to large-scale entertaining.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
source: House and Garden Magazine | September 1954