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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2009
Christie’s Great Estates Presents “Hidden Ponds,” a Reclaimed Botanical Wonderland in Chicago, Illinois
The 70 acre Hidden Ponds Estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois, now on the market for US$14.5 million
 Chicago, Illinois — One of the largest and most impressive homes in the entire Chicago area, the exquisite Hidden Ponds estate is on the market for the first time. Sequestered among 70 acres of reclaimed botanic beauty in Barrington Hills, Hidden Ponds is being offered for US$14.5 million by Koenig & Strey Real Estate. International marketing services are provided by Christie’s Great Estates.
Once the site of farmland, a gravel quarry, and a polo field, Hidden Ponds was acquired in the mid-1990’s by Thomas and Diane Wamberg, who imagined a grand estate with spectacular water and garden vistas. From their bold vision—and with the help of renowned landscape architect Brett Johnson—Hidden Ponds was created.
Introduced by a winding front driveway lined with mature trees, the spectacular 30,000-square-foot main residence offers sophisticated comfort and unsurpassed luxury. Designed with sumptuous Old World styling, Hidden Ponds is adorned with antique chandeliers, Brazilian Ipe-walnut flooring, and arched doorways with millwork. Highlights of the nine-bedroom home include heated bathroom floors, a prewired sound system, and a wood-finished elevator that accesses all three floors.
Style, size, and scale form a compelling combination throughout the interior spaces, many of which were designed specifically for elegant entertaining. The 6,000-square-foot downstairs gym doubles as a formal ballroom and has played host to numerous fundraising and charity events over recent years. More than 300 guests can be comfortably accommodated in the lower level, which also features a grand bar equipped with billiards and theater rooms.
“From what was once a stone quarry, the Wambergs artfully created what now stands as one of the greatest estates in Illinois,” says Kathleen Coumou, Vice President of Christie’s Great Estates. “With its magnificent European styling, luxurious appointments, and state-of-the-art amenities, Hidden Ponds offers the ultimate in upscale family living.”
The grounds at Hidden Ponds are an earthly paradise of terraced landscaping, rolling lawns, lush gardens bordered by hedges, waterfalls, and stone trails. Named after the estate’s five ponds that were created out of the naturally occurring underground springs, Hidden Ponds is replete with diverse flora and fauna. Swans glide on the ponds; perch and walleye swim below. Acres of meticulously manicured lawns stretch out in deep shade cast by century-old cottonwood, sugar maple, bur oak, apple, and pear trees. A three-hole golf course, a practice putting green, and a “serenity preserve” with a pagoda and benches provide an abundance of peaceful locations for relaxation and entertaining.
“A flourishing botanical oasis, Hidden Ponds boasts charming waterfalls, imaginative plantings, fully-stocked ponds, and stunning landscaping,” say Vera and Pat Purcell, listing brokers with Koenig & Strey Real Estate. “It is a privilege to be representing an estate of such elegance, grandeur, and horticultural beauty.”
Surrounded by equestrian estates, Hidden Ponds offers a tranquil, private lifestyle in the highly desirable enclave of Barrington Hills. The estate is located within easy commuting distance of downtown Chicago.
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