In 1881 this French 2nd Empire style home with mansard roof, fully bracketed and articulated, with a plain Italianate base and Gothic Revival interior was started. The home's frame was constructed with pegs (no nails at all!) by the original owner (Frederick Potter I, a retired shipbuilder) who also created the cornices, tower, doors and sash. He designed the woodwork and each piece was numbered, as was each piece of lumber in the 16 room house. From the two etched marble fireplaces to the grand dining room with mahogany built ins to the original Queen Ann glass window in the 50' tall tower, this home is incredible. In 1964 after 5 generations of the original Potter family living in the home, it was sold outside the family and has been occupied almost continuously since. The home has been registered with the Central Illinois Landmark Foundation and wears a plaque to show it. The huge lot includes a gorgeous carriage house and a greenhouse that was imported from Europe.