However, Robert, during his relatively short life accomplished much. By the year 1882 Robert Baker had served as a school commissioner, alderman, mayor and was twice elected to the state senate. He was once elected the republican candidate for lieutenant governor and by age 24 owned over 25% of JI Case. Robert and Emily Baker were devout family people with great interest and concern for their community and country. They loved Lake Geneva, as we discovered after reading many letters written to friends and family back home in the east. The letters included poetic descriptions of the beautiful area around the lake and took great pains to name the trees, plants and animals of the region.

The warmth and respect of this family can be felt throughout the home with its rich woods of cherry, walnut, oak, maples, mahogany and fir. The unusual one-of-a-kind craftsmanship found in the 13 hand carved fireplaces which are inlaid with the original Mediterranean tiles are now lit nearly every night in winter for guests. The grand solid cherry stair case extending the full three stories of the great hall is breathtaking and only to be out done by the magnificent parquet floors and massive oak doors ornamented by intricate detailed brass hinges and closures, each one different in pattern and design. The open foyer with its stained glass windows and crystal chandeliers give a cathedral-like appearance to the great hall. The bar having been the family formal dining room remains almost in its original state with the exception of the cherry and marble bar addition. Then there are the dining rooms each with their own unique fireplace, ornate mantels, intricate Rocco plasterwork on walls and ceilings, antique mirrors and sparkling crystal chandeliers. A pair of huge matching oak doors lead out to the wrap around porch with its panoramic view straight up Lake Geneva. Truly a sight to behold.

In summer the home stands proud- sandwiched between the hotels on the prominent "Wrigley Drive". Her seven different patterns of fancy cut redwood shingles, copper roof and brightly painted gingerbread trim are often photographed by tourists and artists alike. Her tall tower a spectacle in the harbor among the municipal boat area, the Riviera Ballroom and famous boardwalk. Her gardens designed by one of her owners (an award winning landscape architect) are irresistible to passers by. Filled with many of the areas indigenous flowers and grasses much loved by her original owners. The gardens have quickly become a most desired spot for weddings and the renewing of vows. A kitchen garden offers fresh herbs for the evening fare picked daily by the chef and kitchen staff. Fall finds her surrounded by autumns color turning the view for diners into a collage of brilliant reds, yellows, orange and brown. The water fowl fill the shore and air with sound and movement causing diners to linger long sipping wine from their award winning wine list or perhaps cappuccino made with fresh organic coffee beans ground to order. Winter is absolutely magical at the mansion. All trimmed, thousands of lights turn her stately form with " witches cap tower" and "gingerbread" trim into a "fairy tale like castle". Upon entering, one will hear the live music of strings and woodwinds, harpists and piano. Her walls responding with the music of the holidays. The rooms and halls filled with boughs, wreaths, trees and trimmings. A family collection of angels, bright ornaments and flowers adorn every corner. A holiday treasure chest! The third floor "known as the servant's quarters" for at least a month in advance becomes " the elves workshop" Busy hands construct, glue, weave and tie till all is ready for December 1. Then we pull out all the stops with Holiday Tea, live music, Gilbert's Gift of Gold, extravagant holiday meals and a gala New Years Eve. January also brings Winterfest. February we feature special wine dinners, and a romantic Valentines day celebration.

Spring bursts forth with blossoms galore! Tulips, daffodils, magnolia and flowering crabs to name a few fill the front lawn, gardens and lakes area complimenting her grandness from every angle. The lake stretches out on clear view of her creating a most welcome site.

Chef Hnilo believes the health of the world depends on the health of its inhabitants. With his craft refined in some of the world's finest restaurants, Chef Hnilo has brought his talents and artistry home to where it belongs, with friends and family. Gilbert's offers healthful, tasty selections made with organic products. Every item on the menu has a reason for being there, with each dish balancing another, each flavor enhancing the last, and each texture leading to the next. This is true, modern cuisine. Having a collection of seasonal elements in perfect balance, every dish a symphony of herbs, spices and oils, in concert with meats, fowl, and fish into a splendid whole.

Gilbert's is located sixty minutes from Milwaukee, Madison and Rockford and ninety minutes from Chicago. Locally, our pier makes it easy to take a pleasant boat trip, or short drive if you prefer to our valet service.

 For more information on Lake Geneva, visit www.lakegenevawi.com

327 Wrigley Drive  Lake Geneva, WI  53147  262.248.6680

Lake Geneva Area Map

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