Mayslake Peabody Estate

What’s a coal baron doing building an English country manor in the heart of Illinois? That, my friends, is the story of Mayslake Peabody Estate. Right before your eyes stands Mayslake Hall, a stunning testament to the opulence and grandeur of the early 20th century. It was built by Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, a man who rose from humble beginnings delivering coal to becoming one of the wealthiest coal barons in America. Peabody named this sprawling estate after his beloved first wife and daughter, both named May. However, his time here was short-lived. Just a year after its completion, in 1922, Peabody died. But here’s where the story takes a turn. His family, not wishing to live in the grand home, sold it to the Franciscan Order. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Franciscans transformed Mayslake Hall into a peaceful retreat, adding their own touch to the estate. They built the Portiuncula Chapel, a meticulous replica of a chapel in Assisi, Italy, as a memorial to Peabody. Through the decades, the Franciscans preserved the estate, even as they sold off parts of the land. In a dramatic turn of events, they decided to sell the remaining land to developers, who planned to demolish the buildings. However, this ignited a firestorm of opposition. Local residents along with history and conservation enthusiasts banded together to save Mayslake Peabody Estate. This coalition successfully campaigned for a referendum which ultimately led to the DuPage County Forest Preserve purchasing the estate in 1992. Thanks to their efforts, we can stand here today, marveling at this architectural gem and feeling the echoes of its captivating past.