seeking that special buyer for a special home.

Dear Buyer,

Welcome to the Wilcox Estate at 681 Laurel Circle SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This iconic property in East Grand Rapids has been our family home for over 7 years during which time we have been stewards of a legacy that goes back to 1888.
This luxury French Eclectic Chateau styled home on professionally landscaped grounds was the built by renowned property developer, lawyer and city mayor, Frederick P. Wilcox on the original property of over 40 acres.

There is so much to share with you if you choose to be part of the history of this home and what it offers.
While this home has history and provenance, what we cherish most are the memories we have of time enjoyed with our kids, friends we have entertained,
in this quiet oasis that has all the amenities you would want.

We have chosen a very different approach to selecting the next homeowner to continue this legacy.
Before we list this home with a realtor, we seek interested buyers who are in no hurry to buy just any home, who appreciate the finer things in life, and who are willing to meet directly with us. (Realtors read more about how we work with you.)

During this preliminary stage, we will share with you a proprietary and unique way to compare homes that uses the latest Ai tools to assess the suitability of our home with what you seek.
This comparison method goes beyond the MLS and traditional methods of assessing value (i.e. based on number of rooms, square footage etc.), and provides a transparent and detailed assessment of the subjective aspects of a luxury home (e.g. style of architecture, flow, suitability to an owners desires like living with young kids and entertaining guests, etc.)
We believe that understanding “fit” between a home and your needs is the best way to assess value. (Read more about this process.) 

After an exhaustive market analysis (details available), professional adjustments for the value of the almost $2MM in professional upgrades (documentation available on request), the value of this once-in-a-lifetime estate is between 4.5MM and $5MM.
The home is move-in ready, has no deferred maintenance, and much of the custom furniture conveys.

Should you choose to be the next homeowner of this one-of-a-kind home, we would love to share all the details in a home tour, over a glass of wine and a full disclosure of what this home has to offer. We promise you will not be disappointed in the value and experience you will see in this home.

Reach out to find out more about the Wilcox Estate. Our list of interested buyers is growing. 

Mark and Amy Pereira

Experience

Enjoy the good times with friends and family. We have held house concerts, bridal showers, book club gatherings, coffee meetings with local business leaders, fund raisers and family get togethers. 

With plenty of parking in the driveway, enough indoor space and a gazebo for over 20, there is enough opportunity to share this home with others.

The expansive lawns allow for tented events on the grounds, with privacy from the public. With driveway parking for over 15 cars, and additional space on Laurel Circle SE, your guests have the convenience of visiting you at large events.

Entertain your friends with the eponymous signature cocktail (The Wilcox) that harkens to the heady days of the Gilded age.

The pool with shallows and a deep end with diving board is a fun draw for family fun through out the summer. Only a few steps to the relaxing 8-person jetted hot tub and you can enjoy a relaxing soak, even on chilly days.

The easy to access pool bathroom with shower is convenient for a quick warm shower and towel-off.  Additional towel and pool-toy storage is popular with kids.

Great for family get togethers and pool parties. Toddlers, teens and adults have all enjoyed our pool. We’ve even done scuba training in the deep end!

Savor the quiet oasis of Wilcox Estate–just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Gaslight District, with only a few street sounds. In a few minutes you can walk to elementary, middle and high schools.

So quiet are the grounds that we get the occasional deer, red fox, woodpecker, wild turkey and rabbit.

Enjoy the quietude and the crisp air most mornings as you walk down the driveway. 

Provenance

Frederick P. Wilcox: Pioneer of East Grand Rapids

Frederick P. Wilcox embodied the entrepreneurial spirit of late 19th-century America. Born in Rochester, New York in 1857, he earned his law degree from the University of Michigan before establishing his practice in Adrian, Michigan. In 1886, he married Carolyn Hill and boldly relocated to the rapidly growing city of Grand Rapids, where electric lights and telephones were just beginning to appear in homes.

Wilcox quickly pivoted from law to real estate and lending, demonstrating remarkable business acumen. He acquired farmland near Reeds Lake from George Young, John Apsey, and Mr. Reed, creating what became the San-Lu-Rae subdivision—named for three of his five children: Sanford, Louise, and Raymond. His office in the newly constructed Wonderly Building placed him at the heart of Grand Rapids’ commercial district.

A civic leader as well as businessman, Wilcox served as one of the first presidents of the newly incorporated Village of East Grand Rapids from 1892-1893, when the community boasted just 300 residents. He championed education, serving on the U.B.A. Board of Trustees and funding youth scholarships.

Frederick and Carolyn were generous philanthropists, donating their Dutch Revival city home to the YWCA and contributing funds for what became Wilcox Park. When Frederick died unexpectedly in 1912 at age 55, Carolyn admirably continued his business while raising their five children. She divided their estate among the children in 1913, who built an interconnected family compound between 1924-1928, creating a lasting legacy in East Grand Rapids.

 

Carolyn Wilcox

The Wilcox Mansion: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Hidden deep within thirty wooded acres near Reeds Lake, the Wilcox mansion at 1940 Lake Drive stands as a testament to Gilded Age grandeur and architectural eclecticism. Built in 1888, this remarkable residence seamlessly blends French Eclectic, Italian Villa, and Beaux Arts influences into a cohesive masterpiece that captures the optimism and prosperity of late 19th-century America.

The home’s dramatic exterior immediately commands attention with its steep pyramidal hipped roof crowned by a distinctive flat-roofed tower bearing a molded crest and cross. Stucco walls punctuated by graceful palladium windows create an asymmetrical yet balanced composition, while decorative bracketing and balustrade balconies add refined European touches. A 1990s addition thoughtfully extended the dining room’s rounded bay to the second story, enhancing the château-like character without compromising the original vision.

Inside, the mansion unfolds as a series of carefully orchestrated spaces designed for both grand entertaining and intimate family life. The enclosed foyer opens dramatically into a vast reception hall that serves as the home’s heart, providing access to all major rooms while maintaining sight lines throughout the first floor. The formal dining room showcases exceptional craftsmanship with rich walnut paneling, ornate plaster reliefs featuring fleur-de-lis and thistle motifs, and stunning leaded glass windows depicting a galleon ship flanked by medieval lords and ladies.

Luxurious details abound: built-in library bookcases with leaded glass doors, an ornately carved fireplace mantel surrounded by decorative tiles, and rich dark wood floors that may be walnut or mahogany. An iron staircase with pointed balustrades leads to five second-floor bedrooms and four baths, while a third-floor room provides additional space under the dramatic roofline.

This architectural gem represents not just a family home, but a tangible link to Grand Rapids’ transformation from frontier town to sophisticated city.

(Read more about the storied past of the history of the home.)

The Wilcox Estate Brag Book

The brag book was compiled from archival records researched by interns at the East Grand Rapids public library. We will turn this over to the new owners of the estate.

The books has some key fun facts such as the lineage of the home, newspaper clipping of the major events of the previous owners, copies of documents about the life of the owners from the early 1900’s.

Here are some fun facts:
– The Wilcox Estate had a different address in: 1940 Lake Drive. The estate entry was routed off the main road in 1888.

– Frederick (Potter) Wilcox was born in 1857 in Rochester, NY. and got his law degree from the University of Michigan. (A Wolverine!)

– Mr. Wilcox died of a heart attack at age 55, one morning when walking on the lawn of the estate, leaving a widow, two daughters and three sons. (Obituary included).

 – A young Winston Churchill is purported to have visited the home during his invitation to speak at the Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids (Unconfirmed.)

– The home was listed for a princely sum of $65,000 in March 1965, and listed as a “majestic manor”

– San-Lu-Rae road in East Grand Rapids is named after three Wilcox children: Sanford, Louise, and Raymond.

 

 

 

About the property

Email Us to Get on The List

Neighborhood

East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Reeds Lake and just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, embodies sophisticated suburban living—a haven where heritage and impeccable quality of life converge to create quiet luxury. This exclusive enclave offers an unparalleled lifestyle: award-winning schools for your family’s future, boutique shops and fine dining along Gaslight Village’s charming streets, and endless outdoor pursuits from sailing on the lake to strolling lush parks. Just moments from Grand Rapids’ thriving arts, culture, and business scene, East Grand Rapids invites you to elevate your legacy in a community where every detail inspires excellence and serenity.

High quality of life. Quiet luxury. Unbeatable convenience.

See why we love it here
Built in 1880
Historic home updated for modern living with all conveniences
1.68 acres
Extensive estate grounds with professional landscaping, mature trees and professionally maintained shrubbery.
7850 sq.ft
Interior space spread over 3 floors, with extensive remodeling exceeding $2MM in upgrades.
Professsonal Landscaping
Extensive lawn, mature trees, and shrubs.
Professional design and construction
Construction and design by luxury home contractors, professional architect and designers, so no hidden surprises.
Timeless aethetics
Transitional design elements strike the right balance between traditional and modern living.
5 Bedrooms
5 bedrooms with additional sleeping space in multi-purpose room
5.5 Bathrooms
5 full bathrooms (shower/tub), powder room, and Jack-and-Jill sink room
Garage
Two-car heated garage, high-amp EV charger, epoxy floor and garage door openers. Driveway parking for up to 10 more cars.
Pool
Full swimming pool with diving board, with easy-maintenance features
Safe Room
Hidden secret family safe room for extreme weather shelter, home intrusion refuge, with emergency supplies.
Custom Furniture
Hard-to-find custom furniture conveys. Circular seat, chaise lounge, window seat cushions, theater seating in media room
Ensuite
Main floor ensuite with attached bath, and kitchenette for flexible use as nanny quarters, mother-in-law unit, or guest room.
Move-in-Ready
Move in ready means you can start living on day one. Over 50 items of furniture, tools, portable small appliances convey.
No Deferred Maintenance
Painstaking fixes to all items on inspection report. Includes new roof, some new HVAC systems, new smoke detectors etc. Full documentation and house plans.
Privacy without Isolation
Location is shielded by trees from traffic and most street sounds. Yet, location is under 1 mile from Gaslight District City Center.
Home Maintenance Contracts
We have optional services for HVAC maintenance, pest control, lawn care and snow removal, pool maintenance, etc.

Amenities

Read the complete list below

  • Chef's kitchen and pantry
  • Sub-Zero Kitchen Fridge
  • Commercial WOLF gas range
  • Infra-red warming shelf
  • Bosch low-dB dishwasher
  • Counter-free microwave drawer
  • Externally vented range
  • Backup 2nd Freezer
  • Backup 2nd Refrigerator
  • Kohler farmhouse double-sink
  • Front-load Washer and Dryer
  • Chef's pull-down spray faucet
  • Tankless hot water at sink
  • Heavy-duty garbage disposal
  • Backup dehumidifiers
  • Gas fireplace
  • Central Air Conditioning
  • High-efficiency boiler (new)
  • Central humidifiers
  • Radon mitigation system
  • Double-hot-water tanks
  • Tankless hot water heaters
  • Heated floor in atrium
  • Heated floor in master bath
  • Heated floor in 2nd floor bath
  • Always-on hot water recirc
  • Energy efficient thermostats
  • Rainshower heads and hand-sprayers
  • Bathroom bidets
  • New copper hot water piping
  • New PEX piping
  • Wired smoke/CO detectors
  • Storm window/double-glazing
  • Mesh Wi-Fi
  • 1 GB broadband with Cat5
  • Central network management
  • 15-zone Irrigation with WiFi
  • 50-Amp EV charger
  • 60-Amp service for 2nd EV
  • Alexa all-room intercom setup
  • Alexa Kitchen/Office Show
  • 50-inch LED TV in TV room
  • 65-inch OLED in media room
  • Surround sound media room
  • DVD-VHS stereo system
  • Energy efficient LED lighting
  • Separate home office WiFi
  • Networked WiFi color printer
  • Dimmers on primary lights
  • Retractable pool cover
  • Loop-Lock winter pool cover
  • Natural-gas chef's BBQ grill
  • Outdoor propane fireplace table
  • Ice-melt system walkways
  • Ice-melt system garage apron
  • Natural-gas garage heater
  • External hose bibs
  • Outside electrical receptacles
  • Holiday LED lighting for trees
  • Pool-side fountain
  • Outdoor pavilion ceiling fan
  • Pavilion LED party lights
  • Lighted swimming pool
  • Pavilion bluetooth speaker

Review a detailed listing of all amenities and a comparison with common amenities expected in luxury homes. You’ll be surprised at how much you get.

Map & Directions

Location. Location. Location.

Interior Photo Gallery

Multi-Million Dollar Updates | Every amenity | Attention to details

Details

Hidden gems | Comfort and elegance | Professional construction

3d Tour

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Video

Experience our home and neighborhood.

Floor Plans

Space. Layout. Flow.

How to Own Our Home

7 Steps to Making an Offer Before We List

We plan to list our home for sale--eventually. Should you have a flexible timeline and if you choose to participate in our private transaction, you can join the list of select buyers who have expressed interest. Read more about the details of how this would work. The seven key steps are described below.

Step 1

Review luxury homes in the East Grand Rapids to get a sense of what is available. Our luxury home (homes over $2MM list price) tracking page can help you with comparing what is currently available and what homes were previously listed in the MLS.

Step 2

Review our website and set up time to take the tour. Prospective buyers must provide proof of funds or a mortgage pre-qualification letter prior to scheduling a property tour.

Step 3

Email or call us to set up time to meet with us over a glass of wine, and to tour the home. We'll share with you how many interested buyers are currently considering our home.

Step 4

Meet with us for about an hour and tour the home. If you are remote, we can set up a video call instead.
Get your questions answered. Share your timeline. Get a copy of our proprietary Comparative Home Analysis (CMA) so you can assess whether our home is for you

Step 5

Evaluate the Buyer Package and website and make your offer. We confirm what furnishings and other property convey. We put all other discussions and pending interest on hold while we review your offer. You and we agree on a price and timeline for possession.

Step 6

If w accept your offer, we will give you access to the home for a property inspection. We finalize terms, price and set a date for closing.

Step 7

We close at a trust lawyer with your lawyers and ours present. You transfer funds, we start process of moving out. You set time to move in. We give you the keys on moving out.

Future dreams

Unfinished Dreams | Optional Value Creation | Customization

Just about every room in Wilcox Estate has been professionally remodeled making the home move-in ready. Ove the years, we dreamed about remodeling the basement–the last unfinished area of the home. Our regret for these unfinished projects is an opportunity for future homeowners. 

Add these new features and amenities to suit your style and needs while adding value to Wilcox Estate in the future.

We share our dreams below. 

  • An infra-red indoor sauna (in basement opposite entrance door). Expected project cost: $15,000 [Expected return 80%]
  • Him and hers workout room or yoga studio (@ utility room). Expected project cost: $5,000 [Expected return 95%]
  • Built-in wine storage (@ existing staircase to old pantry). Expected project cost: $15,000 [Expected return 50%]
  • Weekend workshop (@ existing basement storage room): Expected project cost: $5,000 [Expected return 70%]


Mark & Amy Pereira

Homeowners

  • mark.pereira@outlook.com
  • 616-300-5118

Mark and Amy have been stewards of the Wilcox Estate for over 7 years. Along with their twin children who grew up enjoying the East Grand Rapids environs, the Pereira’s have found this home to be their dream home to raise kids, entertain friends and family, and to make a base for year-round living.

Mark, a former executive with Amazon.com, runs a portfolio of family businesses in publishing and eCommerce. He co-founded an invitation-only, meetup group for local business leaders who discuss topics of mutual interest every week, over a cup of coffee. The group meets in the full-outfitted home office at the Wilcox Estate, with its expansive views and coffee station! He is active on local not-for-profit boards and is an active learner having learned and applied artificial intelligence technology in his businesses. He spends an inordinate amount of time with his college-going kids, advising them and convincing them that parents still have wisdom.

Amy is the solopreneur and Founder of ImagineSpaces. She has successfully designed and remodeled over 11 residential homes, in recent years, from small cosmetic changes to “down-to-the-studs” demo and rebuilds. She works with her own crew and selective clients who appreciate eclectic and updated designs implemented on a budget. She fits her work in between bouts of golf with her women’s league when weather permits, and started a women’s Mahjong group when weather does not permit. Like Mark, she too spends most time strategizing about conversations and activities for the kids.

With the kids in college, Mark and Amy are looking at the next chapter in their lives. This is prompting them to leave Michigan (hence the home sale) for a warmer state, closer to family. They will sorely miss the Wilcox Estate but hope that the new buyers will steward this stately, iconic home for the future.

Amy and Mark founded Starfish Philanthropy with its unique model of multiplying impact through personal giving. 

Join us for a Glass of wine and a home tour.

Interested in a
unique Comparative Home analysis? 


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