Empire’s luxe mansion gets a new king: Barrington Hills property sells

 An estate in Barrington Hills, once featured in the hit television series Empire, has been sold. The mansion at 45 Lakeview Lane, which served as the luxurious home of Terrence Howard's character, Lucious Lyon, became iconic as the backdrop for the Lyon family’s lavish lifestyle. This property’s star power and luxurious amenities made it a standout in Barrington Hills’ luxury real estate market.

Empire, which aired for six seasons from January 7, 2015, to April 21, 2020, featured an all-star cast including Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Grace Byers, and Nicole Ari Parker. These actors, along with guest stars and recurring roles, helped create the drama, music, and tension that turned Empire into a TV sensation.

Sam and Geralyn Cecola, the previous owners of the estate, have not publicly commented on the sale. Sam Cecola is known for owning Chicago's Admiral Theatre, a gentlemen’s club, and the former Club Paradise in Las Vegas. The couple built the impressive 17,600-square-foot mansion in 2008, drawing inspiration from the 1954 film Sabrina, starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and William Holden. This French Country-style estate includes six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and two half-baths.

Set on nearly eight acres, this sprawling property offers 17,597 square feet of living space. It features breathtaking French Country architecture with stunning barrelled and coffered ceilings, detailed millwork, and a glass-enclosed turret offering 360-degree views of the property’s two picturesque lakes. It is the perfect spot to watch both sunrise and sunset, with the colors of the sky reflecting off the tranquil lakes for a truly breathtaking view from every angle.

The lower-level walk-out of this luxury estate is designed for entertaining. It includes a state-of-the-art home theater, a poker and billiards area, a game room, a catering kitchen, heated floors, and a fully equipped bar. Additionally, the home boasts a sophisticated wine cellar, climate-controlled to store a collection worthy of any connoisseur. An elevator conveniently connects all three floors, providing effortless luxury throughout the house.

Before it was sold, the Lakeview Lane home was a sought-after venue for private events, particularly high-end weddings. The expansive grounds, elegant interiors, and picturesque backdrop made it a favorite for exclusive private ceremonies.

Architectural Digest once recognized the estate as the most stunning home for sale in Illinois, highlighting its remarkable design and meticulous craftsmanship. The property seamlessly blends privacy, elegance, and natural beauty, offering serene views of Keane Lake and Heather Lake as its stunning backdrop.

This sale is now the second-highest residential transaction in Barrington Hills, following closely behind the $7.5 million sale of 7 Fox Hunt Road in 2012. The property sold for $6.5 million and closed on Friday, April 25. The identity of the current owners has not been released.