The Lake Geneva Regional News from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin • 52

16 June 2013 Welcome Home Welcome Home June 2013 17 The name game: from Wadsworth Hall to The Stenning to The Driehaus Estate Xjt ufcmfmTti lUtohSllMe s1, 'vyY) y)), UMU 'IJjL, Ifcr. i.rrtvn. -raim i'jt itivw jf, ft XS- -7 4 4 i. By Jessica Franzene Wadsworth Hall by the numbers If you go: Ah, to build, to build! That is the noblest art of all the arts. Painting and sculpture are but images, are merely shadows cast by outward things on stone or canvas, having in themselves no separate existence.

Architecture, existing in itself, and not in seeming a something it is not, surpasses them as substance shadow. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Though it was built after his death, its nice to know that the architectural gem that is Wadsworth Hall would have met with H.W. Longfellows approval. It was named for him, after all. The Georgian Revival mansion was built by Harris Bank and Trust founder Norman W.

Harris in 1905, and he named it for the poet, who was his mothers cousin. The motive might have been to name-drop, but if Harris was really out to impress, he could have gone further than that: according to Whos Who in America, he was a direct descendant of Charlemagne. The Harris familys summer place remains one of Geneva Lakes most impressive landmarks and one of the highlights along the public shorepath that circles the water. It does not remain in Harris hands-it was bought in 1920 by Walden Shaw, who renamed it The Stenning after his ancestors English home. (His daughter Bessie married Daniel Peterkin heir to the Morton Salt Company fortune.) And in 1998, the property, which includes a 36-acre parcel of land, was purchased by Richard Driehaus, Chicago investment firm founder.

Through his efforts, the building and grounds have been restored and revived to their original glory. In the century-plus of its existence, the estate has been the site of countless celebrations. A June 1910 issue of the Lake Geneva Regional News describes the Pearl Harris-Murdock MacLean nuptials: Wed at Wadsworth The bride was gowned in an elaborate creation of white charmeuse satin trimmed in point applique lace with a veil of the same lace and carried a flower arrangement of lilies of the special train carrying the guests to the wedding passed through here, running to Williams Bay where the guests went by boat to the home. A large reception followed the ceremony. Nowadays, Driehaus throws legendary annual galas, each with its own fantastic sometimes fantastical theme.

The estate has been transformed into the Land of Oz and a three-ring circus, for example (see photo below left). He also offers up the property for local organizations to host fundraisers, as part of his philanthropic efforts. These events are the way the public can get a look at the interior of Wadsworth Hall, but thanks to the legacy of the shorepath, people can easily take in views of the states exterior (see If you go at right). 36 Number of acres the property includes. 630 In feet, the amount of lake frontage the property includes.

14,000 In square feet, the size of the mansion. 14 Number of bedrooms in the mansion 1 3 Number of bathrooms in the mansion. 1 Number of working bathrooms when Richard Driehaus purchased the property in 1 998. 12 Number of feet the front stairway extends. 50 Number of feet the front hall extends.

8 Number of fireplaces in the mansion. $5.45 In millions, the amount the property went on the market for in 1998. -29 Number of carpenters originally assigned to the 1998 renovation. 149 Number of carpenters working by the end of the renovation. Per the Wisconsin Historical Society.

The 19f)8 real estate listing has the number at seven, while other sources put it at 13. 4- Wadsworth Hallthe Driehaus Estate can be viewed from the Geneva Lake shorepath, which is accessible from Library Park at the west end of Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva. From there, it takes the average-pace hiker about film hour to reach the Richard Driehaus property. The shorepath is level for much of the hike, ranging from brick walkways to packed dirt, but there are steeper and trickier passages along the way. If you'd rather view this and many other shoreline mansions from the water, the Lake Geneva -Cruise Line offers daily tours that depart from the Riviera docks downtown.

The Geneva Bay tour, a one-hour trip, goes out beyond the Driehaus property. A full lake tour is also offered each day. For more information, visit www The entrance to the estate is off Snake Road (see photos at top left and right). Driehaus named the grounds Glanworth Gardens after his mothers ancestors' County Cork, Ireland hometown. Snake Road, one of Wisconsin's designated Rustic Roads, can be accessed off Highway 50 West just outside of downtown Lake Geneva.

of Mainland Broad rectvdqyjfntoffjrnTake Geneva All in the details Georgian Revival architecture Georgian architecture was named for the English kings who reigned from 1 714-1820. (That's why it's sometimes referred to as Colonial Revival in -the US) The original style called for strict symmetry in the building footprint and in the elements. When Georgian style came back into fashion in the 1900s, architects felt free to break the rules about symmetry, but maintained the pediments, columns and cornices. Modern comforts such as side porches and double or triple windows also were integral to the modernization of the style At right are other local examples of Georgian Revival structures as the style evolved. CJ A.