Originally encompassing an area of over 848 acres (3.43 km2),[4] the estate now contains a total area of 87 acres (0.35 km2). The entire complex features the Tudor Revival style Mayslake Hall, its retreat wing, and the Portiuncula Chapel, a replica of the Chapel of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.[3] Approximately 22 acres (0.089 km2) of wetlands, lakes, restored prairies and two small oak savannas are included within the 87 acres (0.35 km2) territory.
The Mayslake Peabody Estate was constructed from 1919 to 1921 for wealthy coal baron and Democratic politician Francis Stuyvesant Peabody. At the time of the estate's construction, Peabody was the owner of one of the largest coal companies in the United States, the Peabody Coal Company, which has since become Peabody Energy, the largest private sector coal company in the world.[5]
Peabody first began purchasing land in the eastern portion of DuPage County in 1910. He used the land to create Peabody Farms, later renamed Mayslake Farms. By 1919 Peabody had approximately 848 acres (3.43 km2) of land for use between parcels he owned and leased. Construction of Mayslake Hall, his Tudor Revival style country house began in 1919. The estate is named in honor of his first wife, who died in 1907, and his daughter, both of whom were named May.[4]
Only a year after Mayslake Hall was completed, on August 27, 1922, Francis Peabody died of a heart attack during a fox hunt on his property. Peabody was 63 years old at the time of his death.
After Francis Peabody's death, his family did not wish to reside at the estate, and on March 28, 1924, the estate was sold to the Franciscan Order for a total of $450,000.[4] Beginning in 1925, the Franciscans used Mayslake Hall as a retreat house. After Peabody's death, the Portiuncula Chapel, a replica of the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy, was added to the property in memory of him. Completed in 1926, the chapel was one of the first replicas of the original chapel in the United States. The Portiuncula Chapel at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in Washington, D.C. was also built around the same time. Originally, the chapel was located at the site of Peabody's death.[3] It was moved to its present location near the mansion in 1973. Behind the chapel, a semi-circular memorial wall surrounding a flower and herb garden, was constructed by the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor.
In 1927, the St. Joseph Seminary was added to the complex, but was later demolished. In 1951, an additional wing was added to the country house (now known as the retreat wing). St. Paschal's Friary was built on the estate between 1952 and 1964. The Friary was demolished in 2011. During the 1930s and 1970s, the Franciscans sold large portions of the estate.
In 1991, the Franciscans announced the pending sale of the remaining 87 acres (350,000 m2) to a developer who planned to raze remaining buildings and build 130 luxury homes. Conservationists, historic preservationists and DuPage County citizens formed a group to save the historic property.[4] With the assistance of the group's efforts, DuPage County voters approved a $17.5 million referendum providing the Forest Preserve District with funds to purchase Mayslake in 1992.[4] The area is now part of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Mayslake Hall hosts cultural and educational programs throughout the year, including lectures, art classes, and concerts. Restoration-In-Progress tours of the hall take place on Saturdays and Wednesdays.[6] The estate is also home to First Folio Theatre.
The Mayslake Peabody Estate has been used as a film location for several television and movie projects. It was used as the main location for the independent feature film, "Eye of the Sandman,"[7] produced by a Chicago-based non-profit organization, Split Pillow in November 2007.
Architecture
A hand-carved staircase of walnut leads guests onto the second floor. Architectural damage can be seen on the walls.
Mayslake Hall features a library, kitchen, private study, numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, servant's quarters, and other rooms. Francis Peabody's private study contains a secret staircase leading to a basement.[4]
During years of disrepair, the building suffered significant architectural and structural damage, but is being remediated by a restoration process within Mayslake Hall. The restoration is ongoing and is featured during tours of Mayslake Hall.
The service complex was designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw including servants' quarters, horse stables, garages, workshops, and a greenhouse, but these service buildings have since been razed.[8]
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