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Pleasant Home: A Prairie School Gem

Explore Pleasant Home in Oak Park: A stunning example of Prairie School architecture and a National Historic Landmark offering tours and events.

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Pleasant Home, also known as the John Farson House, is a National Historic Landmark in Oak Park, Illinois, showcasing early Prairie School architecture. Designed by George W. Maher in 1897, this opulent mansion features intricate woodwork, stunning art glass windows, and serves as a museum and event space.

A brief summary to Pleasant Home

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursdays for self-guided tours and guided tours, available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of Pleasant Home, known as Mills Park.
  • Check the Pleasant Home website for information on special events, workshops, and classes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Chicago, take the CTA Green Line or Metra UP-W line to the Harlem Avenue station. From there, walk east one block to Home Avenue, then south one block to Pleasant Street. Pleasant Home is located at the corner of Pleasant Street and Home Avenue. A single fare on the CTA is $2.50, and Metra fares vary depending on the distance.

  • Walking

    Pleasant Home is conveniently located near downtown Oak Park. From the intersection of Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue, walk south on Oak Park Avenue, then turn right onto Pleasant Street. Continue west on Pleasant Street until you reach the intersection with Home Avenue. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Driving

    From the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), take the Harlem Avenue exit. Drive north on Harlem Avenue to Pleasant Street, then turn right onto Pleasant Street. Continue east on Pleasant Street to Home Avenue. Street parking is available around Pleasant Home, but restrictions may apply until 5 p.m.. Alternatively, the Lake Street Parking Garage is a 10-minute walk away. Parking fees at the garage typically range from $0.10 to a couple of dollars.

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Discover more about Pleasant Home

Pleasant Home, an architectural jewel in Oak Park, Illinois, stands as a remarkable example of early Prairie School design. Designed in 1897 by George W. Maher for John Farson, a prominent investment banker, the 30-room mansion broke from traditional Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark owned by the Park District of Oak Park, serving as a museum, cultural center, and event venue. Maher's design embraces the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing fine craftsmanship and incorporating the local environment. The interior boasts intricate woodwork, art glass windows, and unique decorative motifs like lions' heads and shields, unifying the space. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, living and dining rooms, and the library with its glass-domed light fixtures. Beyond its architecture, Pleasant Home has a rich history. It was once a family residence, later used by the Red Cross during World War II, and eventually acquired by the Park District of Oak Park. The surrounding grounds, now known as Mills Park, offer a lovely community space with historic vistas and a children's discovery area. Visitors can take guided tours to delve into the home's history and architecture or explore the first floor at their own pace. Pleasant Home also hosts various events, exhibitions, and educational programs, making it an integral part of the Oak Park community.

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