Architect of Elegance: David Adler’s Quiet Genius of Castle Hill

How did a quiet architect shape some of America’s most magnificent estates—yet remain largely unknown?

Discover the splendor of Castle Hill, a 56,000-square-foot summer estate designed by David Adler for industrialist Richard Teller Crane Jr. and his wife in the era of Great Gatsby sophistication. Nestled in Ipswich, MA, this National Historic Landmark draws inspiration from England’s Belton and Ham Houses, enriched with architectural salvage from the Earls of Essex library and intricate carvings by Grinling Gibbons, “the King’s Carver”. 

Join curator Susan Hill Dolan on an exclusive tour through Adler’s seamless fusion of 17th-century grandeur and 20th-century refinement. Though he crafted over 45 Great Houses, Adler’s brilliance remains quietly overshadowed. This episode also explores Adler’s early years and the elite clients who sought his refined aesthetic—captains of industry who could have hired anyone, yet trusted him to bring their visions to life. Through rare footage and original plans, discover the legacy of an architect who shaped an era—yet never sought the spotlight.

Port o’ Call: David Adler’s Refined Take on Early American Design

What happens when a 20th-century master of classical architecture reimagines early American design?

Perched along Lake Michigan, Port o’ Call is a refined 1926 estate designed by David Adler for the McCormick-Blair family— prominent figures in agriculture and finance. More than just a country house, this residence reflects Adler’s ability to merge historical influences with the style of modern living.

Guided by collections manager Thomas Gleason, explore the estate’s distinctive features, including architectural salvage from an 18th-century Virginia residence, rooms inspired by those in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and one of the nation’s oldest private indoor tennis courts.

This episode reveals how Adler’s European training and deep appreciation for historic architecture shaped his legacy as one of the Great Gatsby era’s most sought-after architects. It also delves into the McCormick-Blair family’s story, offering insight into the elite clients who shaped—and were shaped by—Adler’s vision. Through rare footage, original plans, and expert insights, discover a home that stands as a testament to Adler’s timeless artistry.

Innisfail II: Reviving Adler’s French Norman Manor

How do you restore an estate nearly lost to time? What drew Adrian Smith, an acclaimed modernist architect, to purchase and restore this Adler estate? Watch to find out! 

Step into the captivating restoration of Innisfail II, a 17,000-square-foot Norman-style manor designed by David Adler in 1930, during the Great Depression, for the influential Cudahy family, known for their companies, the Cudahy Packing, Morton Salt and Sinclair Oil. This episode features world-renowned architect Adrian D. Smith, the designer of the world’s tallest building, and his son Jason as they share insights on their monumental task of bringing the estate back to life—after it was nearly razed and lost to history.

Inspired by the picturesque villages of Normandy, Innisfail II showcases a series of connected outbuildings and features architectural salvage from Europe. Watch as Adler’s classical architectural mastery is revived through careful restoration.

Through exclusive interviews, before-and-after imagery, and a focused look at the home’s intricate design and restoration process, this episode highlights David Adler’s original artistry and the preservation of a nearly lost architectural gem.

An Era Ends: Adler’s Final Georgian Masterpiece

How did David Adler and his sister, renowned interior designer Frances Elkins, fuse Classical elegance with modern touches in his final Georgian design? Watch and see!

Journey through David Adler’s 1934 Georgian triumph, a home that marries the timeless beauty of Classical architecture with subtle modern touches. Join Arthur Hawks Miller, author and historian, as he delves into Adler’s meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Inspired by Cecil House in England and featuring European salvaged flooring, an elegant chinoiserie stair rail, and intricate plasterwork reminiscent of Claydon House, this Depression-era home marked the twilight of the Great House Era. Commissioned by Chicago industrial magnates, the Leslie Wheelers, it reflects Adler’s belief in the enduring relevance of Classical architecture, even as Modernism was rising. Witness Adler’s artistry in full scale with original architectural plans and discover why his work remains unparalleled in American residential design.

Pratt, Richard (1970). David Adler: The Architect and His Work. New York, New York: Art Institute of Chicago / M. Evans and Company, Inc.

Salny, Stephen (2001). The Country Houses of David Adler.  New York, New York: W. W. Norton and Company.

Thorne, Martha and Wilson, Richard Guy (2002). David Adler, Architect: The Elements of Style. New Haven, Connecticut: Art Institute of Chicago / Yale University Press.

Coventry, Kim and Meyer, Daniel and Miller, Arthur H. (2003). Classic Country Estates of Lake Forest, Architecture and Landscape Design 1856-1940.  New York, New York: W. W. Norton and Company.

Cohen, Stuart and Benjamin, Susan (2004). North Shore Chicago: Houses of the Lakefront Suburbs, 1890-1940. New York, New York: Acanthus Press.

Foreman, John (May 15, 2014). Outside Castle Hill, Big Old Houses.

David Adler: Great House Architect was honored with a Superior Achievement Award at the Illinois State Historical Society’s Best of Illinois History Awards in April 2023. I was proud to accept this recognition in person in Springfield, Illinois, celebrating the film’s contribution to preserving and sharing history.