Two Continents.
One Vision.
"This French carver had worked on chateaux in France, modeling fireplaces and sculptures. He came here and did the same."
— Henri Giugni, Owner
Somerset Manor was not built — it was assembled by masters. From the limestone quarries of France to the timber yards of England, every material was sourced at the highest level, and every artisan was chosen for their irreplaceable skill. The result is a structure that could not be replicated today — not for any price.
Eight French limestone fireplace surrounds, each a replica of a famous French château fireplace. Designed and carved in France by master stone carvers, then shipped to Illinois and reassembled on-site by the same artisans.
Beamed ceilings imported from England, including English white oak. The timber carries a remarkable provenance — sourced from the same supply as wood salvaged from the Windsor Castle fire.
Limestone and wood floors imported from France, hand-laid by a dedicated European team brought specifically to the site. The stone was quarried, cut, and finished in France before making the Atlantic crossing.
Clay roof tiles imported from France, giving the manor its authentic Old World silhouette. The tile profile matches the great country houses of the Loire Valley.
The exterior and select interior walls are finished in Indiana limestone — the same material used in the construction of the Empire State Building and the Pentagon. The walls reach 24 inches in thickness, built on a 12-inch reinforced concrete block frame.
Jeremy Rawlings, an English architect, designed Somerset Manor and traveled between England and Illinois throughout the construction process — ensuring that every detail met the exacting standards of authentic English Gothic Revival architecture.
The Giugnis discover the Lincoln Road property. Henri begins planting trees and shaping the land.
Construction begins. English architect Jeremy Rawlings is engaged; he travels between England and Illinois throughout the build.
The 18-acre lake is excavated by hand. The earth is sculpted into the vineyard terrace.
French limestone fireplaces arrive from France. Master stone carvers travel to Illinois to install them.
English beamed ceilings and French limestone floors are installed by European craftsmen on-site.
Somerset Manor at Castle Park is complete. The result of six years of construction and two decades of vision.