A gorgeous hilltop country estate of approximately 70 acres adjacent to Lake Indian Hill Subdivision. Tranquil privacy with sunset views overlooking a stocked pond with abundant wildlife. Boasts swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, birding, sumptuous, landscaped gardens, and a deer hunter’s paradise. Originally built in 1888 with oak and poplar framing, 8" thick walls, and oak & walnut trim. Lovingly maintained with many stylish renovations completed with quality materials and attention to architectural detail thus preserving the home’s historic style. The original staircase has been preserved. Hardwood oak floors have been refinished. A show-stopping 3 story tower with a whimsical iron spiral staircase. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, office, library, 2 decks, 200 + bottle wine cellar. Huge in ground pool and hot tub, nestled into surrounding gardens sloping into a field and forest. Geothermal HVAC. Gas fireplace insert. Cherry and oak cabinets, Wolf restaurant stove. A spacious detached 2 car garage with ample storage, a finished private studio and a massive unfinished attic above. Large barn and pastures for horses. Less than 15 minutes from downtown Carbondale, SIU, and Shawnee National Forest. 30 minutes from Veterans Airport in Marion. Only 1 mile away from a National Blue Ribbon winner, Giant City K-8 School. This estate has been occupied by one family for 47 years. The previous owner was John Gardner, a well-known and colorful writer, poet and professor at SIU.