Ellwood House

Ellwood House is a Victorian mansion from 1879 set on ten acres of parkland with seven historic structures, including the main residence and the Ellcourt House from 1900. The complex features a collection of antique carriages in a former carriage house, gardens, and exhibition spaces that document the family's life.

The mansion was built in 1879 for Isaac Ellwood, a barbed wire manufacturer who developed the property into a significant estate. Expansion with additional buildings and gardens over several decades shows how the family's wealth and influence in the region grew.

The mansion displays Victorian design choices such as carved Italian marble fireplaces and mahogany bookcases that reflect how a wealthy family lived around 1900. The rooms tell the story of residents' daily habits and taste through their furnishings and decoration.

The property offers guided tours through the historic buildings and gardens with exhibitions at the visitor center. Since the estate spreads across several acres, visitors should wear comfortable shoes and plan time for walking depending on the season.

The property preserves a 15-meter tall limestone water tower from 1879 and a tiny house replica in miniature scale. The miniature house once participated in local parades and shows the creative details of residents from that era.

Location: DeKalb

GPS coordinates: 41.93534,-88.75255

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02