Built in 1930 as an Illinois orphanage, a 17-bedroom property later became a family mansion; now its 10-acre estate was at auction with a $975,000 suggested bid, against an advertised earlier value above $2.25 million
A 1930 orphanage building in Illinois was later converted into a private family residence, transforming the building’s institutional past into a sprawling country mansion today. According to Homes.com and Daily Herald.com this property built in 1930 as an orphanage in Illinois was later converted into a private family residence. Located at 5747 S. Peek Home Road in Polo, the approximately 10,000-square-foot property was advertised for auction with the suggested opening bid of $975,000, against a previously stated valuation of more than $2.25 Million.
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The property sits on 10 acres, with another 10 acres available for purchase, offering a combination of extensive indoor space and rural surroundings. According to the Rick Levin & Associates in conjunction with Michael LaFido of Luxe Group LPT Realty, auction was on 27th October 2026. Furthmore, these listigns note thate the building has been partially rehabbed, leaving room for a prospective buyer to complete the interiors according to their preferences. Its history, size and collection of outbuildings distinguish it from a conventional country home.
From an orphanage to a private residence
According to the Auction and Real estate listings, The building’s origins date back to 1930, when it was constructed as an orphanage. It has since been converted into a single-family residence, giving the property a different purpose from the one for which it was originally built.The listings give an insight into the building’s former use but provide no detail regarding the operations of the building as an orphanage or the circumstances surrounding its conversion into a private home. What it does establish is that the property has undergone a change in use over the decades, with its present identity shaped by both its earlier history and subsequent renovation work.
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For a buyer interested in properties with a history such as this, the building offers an opportunity to become a beautiful home and family mansion. However, given that the mansion has been only partially rehabilitated, and additional work may be required to finish the interiors.
A 10,000-square-foot mansion with original details
The auction listing describes the property as a 17-bedroom mansion, with approximately 10,000 square feet of space. Its original millwork, hay barn, mini barn with paddock, grain and bar, 5-car detached and 2-car detached garage, are noted in the home.com listing as some of the architectural details that have remained part of the building’s appeal.The interiors have scope for further personalisation, according to the auctioneer, making the property a potential project for someone prepared to undertake additional renovation. The existing structure and retained details could provide a starting point for a buyer looking to adapt an older building to contemporary residential requirements.The property listing also records a full, unfinished basement, while the separate real estate listing identifies the exterior as brick. The latter records 12 beds, rather than the 17 bedrooms advertised by the auctioneer, so the bedroom count would need to be clarified with the listing representatives before a purchase.These facilities add to the range of spaces available across the estate, although their condition and suitability for different uses would need to be assessed by a prospective purchaser. The listing does not establish whether the outbuildings could be converted for other purposes, so any proposed changes would depend on the relevant property requirements and approvals.
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