The Gerald Forsythe House defines luxury living in Inverness, Illinois. At 24,884 square feet, it was Cook County’s largest single-family home when completed in 2008. Built by energy mogul Gerald Forsythe, this architectural masterpiece showcases what happens when unlimited resources meet bold vision.
Construction crews say the basement includes a bowling alley, home theater, pool, and a large bar. The property represents more than just square footage—it tells the story of American entrepreneurship and the pursuit of the ultimate private retreat.
Gerald Forsythe House
Gerald “Jerry” Forsythe (b. 1942 in Marshall, Illinois) co‑owned the Champ Car World Series and built his fortune in business and auto racing. He chairs Indeck Power Equipment Company in Wheeling, Illinois, which builds and leases steam and cogeneration plants.
In 2024, his net worth stands at about $600 million, driven by energy services, auto racing, and a notable 1913 Liberty Head nickel in his coin collection.
The Forsythes have lived in Clark County for over 150 years, gaining a reputation as an entrepreneurial, philanthropic family in Illinois.
Location and History
The Gerald Forsythe House sits at 1765 South Braymore Drive in Inverness, Illinois. Inverness offers residents a lifestyle rarely found in other Chicago suburbs. Residential lots typically measure at least one acre, and most streets meander through countryside settings.
Forsythe purchased the property in 2003 for $1.85 million. The current lot spans 47,070 square feet (1.08 acres). The location provides privacy while maintaining easy access to Chicago’s business district and major transportation hubs.
Inverness features only one business district, Williamsburg Village, which consists of professional services. This zoning keeps the area residential and peaceful, perfect for a family seeking privacy.
Architectural Design and Interior Features
1. Layout, Bedrooms, and Bathrooms
The house contains seven bedrooms and eleven bathrooms spread across 24,884 square feet. The structure takes a U-shaped design, with side arms serving as garages and a Greek Revival-style pillared main building forming the base.
Inside, visitors find a curving main staircase, a 33-foot-long living room with a large black marble mantel, and an elevator connecting multiple levels. A stained-glass window creates a skylight in a rooftop tower.
The lower level doubles as an entertainment complex. It houses a bowling alley, theater, pool, bar, and even staff quarters with their kitchen and dining wing.
2. Mechanical and Sustainability Systems
The mechanical systems installed were described as “bleeding edge and extensive” by construction workers. A diesel train engine powers the backup generator system. This industrial-grade power solution reflects Forsythe’s background in energy equipment manufacturing.
The home includes elevators and sophisticated theater audio and video systems. These features demonstrate the integration of commercial-quality technology into residential spaces.
Cultural and Local Significance
Northwest Cook County claims seven of the ten largest homes. At the top sits the Forsythe estate, cementing Inverness’s luxury status.
The aerial photographer who tracked its build calls the estate “spectacular.” He highlights the lone orange oak by the driveway each autumn.
The property has hosted significant family events, including a granddaughter’s wedding that the aerial photographer describes as topping “anything I’ve ever seen” among hundreds of weddings captured from the sky.
Real Estate Value and Market Trends
In January 2025 Illinois home prices jumped 10.1% year‑over‑year to a $283,900 median. With just a three‑month supply, buyers face stiff competition.
Housing inventory in the Chicagoland area sits around two months’ supply, well below the healthy market average of six months. This shortage keeps prices elevated for luxury properties.
Property taxes on the Forsythe estate total $43,191 as of 2024. Illinois has the second-highest property tax rate in the country at 2.08%, with an average annual property tax of around $9,006.
Market conditions favor sellers in the luxury segment. 26.3% of Illinois homes sold above list price in early 2025, though this represents a decrease from previous years. However, 20.2% of listings now show price reductions, indicating increased seller flexibility.
Privacy, Security, and Access
Listing photos indicate the home remains vacant. Real estate professionals believe the home has not been occupied since Forsythe began renovations after purchasing the property in 2003.
Suburbs such as Winnetka and Lake Forest boast large estates, top schools, and views. Inverness matches that—and tucks you even farther off the beaten path.
Its size lends built‑in security. Forsythe’s family stayed onsite during construction, showing how hands‑on they were with every detail.
Bottom Line
The Gerald Forsythe House represents the pinnacle of luxury residential construction in Illinois. At 24,884 square feet, this Inverness estate showcases how successful entrepreneurs create private worlds that blend commercial-grade systems with family living spaces. While the luxury housing market in Illinois faces inventory challenges and high property taxes, properties of this caliber remain unique assets that reflect both personal achievement and architectural ambition.
