About Our Name
Indian Hill Manor was a “gentleman’s farm” built by Charles Cook Barrett in 1916. The property served as a country retreat from big city life popular among wealthy families in the 1900s. However, Charles and his wife, Esta, enjoyed the property together for a relatively short period of time before his death in 1918. After his death, Esta purchased the manor and farm from Charles’ estate (as she and his two brothers were all beneficiaries named in the will and assets needed to be divided).
In 2024, Indian Hill Manor was renamed to Esta Barrett Manor and Gardens. The new name acknowledges the role Charles Barrett played in the construction of the property; celebrates the sustainable landscape design of O.C. Simonds; and shares the remarkable story of Esta who lived in, entertained on, and enjoyed the property as her home until her death in 1947.
View the full history of Esta Barrett Manor and Gardens.
The Property
Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens stands majestically above the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Manor
Designed by noted architect Charles W. Bradley, the manor is an example of early Colonial Revival architecture and includes many of the modern conveniences of the day. A built-in vacuum cleaner system, intercom, electric stove, and commercial gas dryer for laundry were all features of the 1918 house.
The Gardens
The backdrop for countless soirees and social events, the landscape was conceived by nationally renowned landscape architect, O. C. Simonds, who designed the grounds and gardens in the naturalistic style, using native plants and an artistic eye to orchestrate the outdoor setting.
The landscape design integrated the buildings into the natural surroundings, enhanced the views of the river and woods, and emphasized the use of native trees and shrubs instead of the showy flowers and exotic plants popular in formal Victorian gardens at the turn of the century.
A formal sunken garden, with a fountain, pergola, and trellises, was an extension of the home, providing relief from the summer heat and a lovely place for Esta to grow and nurture her favorite flowers.
The Farm
The property includes a 160-acre historic farm which Esta Barrett ran as a true working farm for 29 years. The modern James Way dairy barn, chicken coop, and innovations in ventilation and sanitary procedures made the farm a cutting-edge model.
About Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens, Inc.
William and Lucile Smeja purchased the property in 1971 and began the process of restoring the manor which had been left unchanged since Esta died in 1947. Their passion and legacy to preserve the property continued when, in 2001, their children formed a nonprofit foundation to promote historic preservation and land conservation in the Kishwaukee community. Today, the core program of Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens, Inc. is the maintenance, restoration, and interpretation of Esta Barrett Manor and Gardens.
Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens, Inc. Board & Staff
Gerald Paulson
Board President
Susan Barnes
Board Treasurer/Secretary
David Byrnes
Board Member
Robert Grese
Board Member
Brian Reis
Executive Director
Jack Kozuszko
Caretaker
Nathan Hill
Historic Landscape Gardener
Preservation Efforts
The first task at Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens was to begin plans for the restoration of the manor and garage complex and to develop programs for the use of the buildings and grounds. Next, purchasing the farm portion of the estate began an intensive effort to stabilize and restore the barns and other buildings.
There are current preservation initiatives to restore the grounds and gardens to their former splendor, bringing O.C. Simonds’ vision back for all to enjoy.
Learn more about how you can support historic preservation.
Interested in Historic Preservation?
Read more about the efforts and insights that guide our process.
