Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Museum

Address: 1421 Lake RoadYear built: 1928Architect: David AdlerOriginal owners: Richard Bentley and Phoebe Norcross Bentley

Sited to take advantage of a densely wooded ravine andsweeping lake views, the Bentley home was a uniquely informal departure fromthe grander, European-inspired designs David Adler was producing at thattime. Both Richard and Phoebe Bentley had come from establishedChicago families. He was president of the Chicago Bar Associationand editor-in-chief of the American Bar Association Journal. She wasa trustee of Lake Forest College, a conservationist, president of the LakeForest Garden Club and an 11-term Democratic committeeman for ShieldsTownship. This more relaxed country home combines elements inspired bytwo differing styles. The South African influence is best displayed in thebentwood staircase with unusually shaped balustrades. Shutters on thehouse and the interior use of Delft tiles reflects architecture and designfound in the Netherlands.In the late 1930s, the Bentleys subdivided theproperty. The original coach house, now at 1435 Lake Road, was restored byAmbrose Cramer, who once worked for the firm of Adler andDangler. He also designed a new garage, as well as a playroom andlibrary addition off the south side of the house. The striking blackand white fencing is attributed to Cramer.Landscape architects Fletcher Steele and Annette HoytFlanders added to Adler’s plan for the original garden, including his oval forthe west garden. As a president of the Lake Forest Garden Club, Phoebe Bentleyhosted many meetings in her house and gardens.The Bentleys continued to change the property to theirliking for 50 years. Architect Stanley Anderson was hired in 1950 to remodelthe service wing, garage and adapt the coach house to a single familyresidence.

The Bentley House: A David Adler Home Overlooking Lake Michigan