The Drake House, also known as Aloha Lodge, is a magnificent colonial-style mansion situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Built in 1900 for Tracy Drake of the renowned Drake hotel family, this 12-acre estate boasts 16,000 to 20,000 square feet of living space, featuring white pillars, a grand portico, and sweeping lake views. Recently sold for $21.85 million, the Drake House stands as a testament to Lake Geneva’s rich history and architectural grandeur.
What is the History of Drake House Lake Geneva?
The Drake House in Lake Geneva has a storied past, deeply intertwined with the Drake family’s legacy in the hotel industry. Let’s explore its history through key events and milestones:
- 1898: Tracy Drake purchases 12 acres of lakefront property from Arthur Kaye.
- 1900: Construction begins on Aloha Lodge, designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw.
- 1901: The Drake family moves into their newly completed summer home.
- 1910: Tracy Drake and his brother open The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.
- 1920: The Drake Hotel in Chicago is opened by the Drake brothers.
- 1936: Due to financial difficulties, Aloha Lodge is sold to Richard Lydy.
- 2024: The estate is sold for $21.85 million, previously owned by the Harold Byron Smith family.
What Are the Architectural Features of Drake House Lake Geneva?
The Drake House is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture and luxurious amenities. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Main House
- Colonial style with white pillars rising three stories
- Portico facing the lake
- Ornamental glass entry door inscribed with “Aloha Lodge AD 1900”
- 16,000 to 20,000 square feet of living space
- 40-foot living room on the main floor
- Large ballroom on the third floor
Property
- 12 acres of lakefront land
- Additional structures:
- Captain’s House
- Train station
- Five boat slips
- Wooded gardens
Views
- Panoramic vistas of Lake Geneva Country Club to the west
- Views of downtown Lake Geneva to the east
Who Were the Original Owners of Drake House Lake Geneva?
The original owners of Drake House Lake Geneva were:
- Tracy Drake: Heir to the Drake family fortune
- Annie Drake: Tracy’s wife
Tracy Drake inherited his wealth from his father, John Burroughs Drake, who was a successful hotelier in Chicago. The Drake family was known for:
- Operating the Tremont House in Chicago
- Founding The Drake Hotel
- Establishing The Blackstone Hotel
Tracy and his brother continued the family’s hotel business, opening The Blackstone Hotel in 1910 and The Drake Hotel in 1920.
How Did the Drake Family Acquire the Property?
The acquisition of the Drake House property unfolded as follows:
- Tracy Drake and his wife Annie visited Lake Geneva as guests of their friends, Simeon and Elizabeth Chapin.
- They fell in love with the area during these visits.
- In 1898, Tracy Drake purchased 12 acres of lakefront property from Arthur Kaye.
- This purchase set the stage for the construction of Aloha Lodge, which began in 1900.
What Led to the Sale of Drake House Lake Geneva?
Despite their success in the hotel industry, the Drake family faced financial challenges that ultimately led to the sale of Aloha Lodge:
- The Great Depression likely impacted the family’s finances.
- In 1936, financial difficulties forced the sale of Aloha Lodge to Richard Lydy.
- Interestingly, Annie Drake’s decision not to sign a “wrap around” mortgage earlier helped protect the home from being grouped with other assets during this financial crisis.
Is Drake House Lake Geneva Open for Public Tours?
Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding public tours of Drake House Lake Geneva. As a private residence, it is unlikely that regular public tours are offered. However, interested parties may be able to arrange private viewings through real estate agents, especially during times when the property is on the market.
Can Drake House Lake Geneva Be Rented for Events?
There is no indication that Drake House Lake Geneva is available for rental. The property has typically been sold or transferred through private ownership and does not appear to operate as a rental property or event venue. Its status as a private residence suggests that it is not open for public events or rentals.
What is the Current Status of Drake House Lake Geneva?
As of 2024, the current status of Drake House Lake Geneva is as follows:
- Recently sold for $21.85 million
- Previously owned by the estate of Harold Byron Smith
- Smith family is known for founding Northern Trust Bank and Illinois Tool Works
- Continues to be a private residence
- Maintains its historical significance and architectural integrity
How Does Drake House Lake Geneva Compare to Other Lake Geneva Estates?
Drake House Lake Geneva stands out among other estates in the area for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: Built in 1900, it represents a key piece of Lake Geneva’s architectural heritage.
- Size: With 12 acres and up to 20,000 square feet of living space, it’s one of the larger estates on the lake.
- Architectural Style: Its colonial design with white pillars is distinctive and grand.
- Additional Structures: The property includes unique features like a train station and Captain’s House.
- Location: Offers views of both the Lake Geneva Country Club and downtown Lake Geneva.
- Recent Sale Price: The $21.85 million sale in 2024 indicates its continued value and prestige.
While Lake Geneva boasts many impressive estates, the Drake House’s combination of history, size, and architectural beauty makes it a standout property in the area.
References:
- https://www.fox6now.com/news/historic-lake-geneva-estate-wisconsin-mansion-drake
- https://atthelakemagazine.com/aloha-lodge-tracy-drake/
- https://biztimes.com/geneva-lake-home-sold-for-22-million/