Inside the Mackinac Island retreat of late banking heiress Ann Loeb Bronfman, as it hits market for $2.9million
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With five children, 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren surviving her, it is no surprise the late banking heiress Ann Loeb Bronfman lived in an eight bedroom, ten bathroom mansion.
As one of America's most glamorously devoted but reclusive philanthropists, Bronfman, who died last year, spent most of her time on the grand Mackinac Island, Michigan property, which her children are now selling for $2.9million.
Along with magnificent views of the Straits of Mackinac, the historical resort home, known simply as Lakewood, also features horse stables and facilities, staff quarters, a library, wine cellar, and expansive gardens.
Retreat: Grand Lakewood Cottage, on Michigan's Mackinac Island, previously belonged to late heiress Ann Loeb Bronfman. Her family are selling the property following her death last year
Spacious: The mansion, which has eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, boasts an impressive 7,500sq ft
Island escape: Ann Loeb Bronfman, pictured with son Edgar Jr in 2007, split her time between Washington DC and the Lakewood estate
Bronfman descended from the storied 'Our Crowd' American German Jewish dynasties of both the Loeb and the Lehman families.
She was the daughter of John Langeloth Loeb Sr., a Lehman Brothers heir and a Wall Street investment banker whose company was a predecessor of Shearson Lehman/American Express.
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ShareAlso the ex-wife of Seagram distillery billionaire Edgar M. Bronfman Sr. who she was married to for two decades, Bronfman lived an exceptionally privileged, yet generous life, devoted to her family and helping other.
Two years before she divorced Mr Bronfman 1975, her eldest son, Samuel, was abducted from a family estate in suburban New York.
The 21-year-old was able to phone his father to inform him of his kidnapping and was held for more than a week before Mr Bronfman paid a $2.3 million ransom.
Heart of the home: The Mackinac property has a large eat-in kitchen, which has a cosy feel thanks to its wooden cabinets and floral tile splashback
Reading room: A generous corner of the main living space is lined with bookshelves
Perfect for people-watching: The front of the home has stunning views across the boardwalk and water
However In a predawn raid, the FBI and New York City police rescued Samuel where he was found with his hands bound and his eyes and mouth covered with adhesive tape in a Brooklyn apartment.
However the ransom money was recovered, along with the captors, a former limousine operator and former fireman.
They were convicted of extortion charges (but acquitted of kidnapping) and spent several years in prison.
Tranquil: The rear view shows balconies off the bedrooms and steps down to the gardens
Landscaped: Flanking the perfectly-manicured lawn are well-established trees and plants
Her son's kidnapping was as high profile as Bronfman's quiet life of charitable endeavors got.
She gave to causes including the arts, education and victims of domestic abuse.
She also donated vast amounts of money to International Planned Parenthood, the Visiting Nurse Association of New York and the New York Public Library.
After she died last year at age 78, the Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center named its gallery in her honor.
Ann Loeb Bronfman's Mackinac Island's Lakewood cottage is listed with Sothebys.
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