Glenworth Gardens

This stunning Georgian style estate is considered by many to be the most beautiful estate on Lake Geneva.  Originally constructed in 1906 for Norman W. Harris of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in Chicago, it was named Wadsworth Hall.

The immaculate landscaping was designed by The Olmstead Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmstead, who is considered by many to be the most famous landscape architect in America.  Some of Olmstead’s projects include: Central Park in New York City, the Capitol Grounds in Washington D.C., and the setting of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In 1920 the estate was purchased by Walden W. Shaw, founder of the Yellow Taxi Cab Company in Chicago, and renamed The Shenning.  By the 1930′s, it was owned by Shaw’s son-in-law, Daniel F. Peterkin, Jr., who was President of the Morton Salt Company.  The property remained in the Shaw-Peterkin family for nearly 80 years before it was sold to investment manager Richard Driehaus.

Mr. Driehaus had the property meticulously restored in 1999, and it is now officially named Glenworth Gardens.  You may hear many locals refer to it as the Driehaus Estate.  Richard is rumored to be one of the nicest guys in Lake Geneva.  A true philanthropist at heart, he regularly lets various charities use the estate for fundraisers.

Every year, in late July, Mr. Driehaus throws an amazing theme party, which includes an incredible fireworks show that the entire community gets to enjoy.  He recently donated the fountain in front of the Riviera…Perhaps you have taken a family photo in front of it.  Lake Geneva is blessed to have a man of this caliber among its residents.

Note: The Peterkin Family worked with the Lake Geneva Conservancy to place deed restrictions on the property that would prevent future owners from subdividing the property.