This 1888 Chicago mansion has a literal cathedral vibe inside

If you have a spare eighteen million dollars lying around, you can buy a massive piece of Chicago history. Known as the Thompson House, this place is on the Gold Coast and looks like a castle dropped right into the city.

The scale of the stone exterior is hard to comprehend until you see it next to the modern high-rises around it. It even has its own detached carriage house off to the side.

The entry hall

Walk through the front door and you are immediately hit with an absolute wall of dark Honduras mahogany. The level of woodwork here is ridiculous, from the coffered ceilings to the massive columns.

The floor is a patterned marble that reflects the light from the chandelier, and there is a stained-glass window set right into the wall paneling. It feels more like a historic hotel lobby than someone’s actual foyer.

The main living rooms

Just off the entry is the first of several sitting rooms. The fireplace is carved marble with incredibly detailed woodwork wrapping all the way up to the ceiling.

The main salon is massive. The ceiling has a heavy wood grid pattern that contrasts with the pale walls, making the room feel slightly lighter while keeping that historic weight.

The kitchen and dining area

The dining room features a curved wall of leaded glass windows. The marble tile from the hallway flows right in here, connecting the spaces.

The kitchen handles the dark wood theme by wrapping the appliances in mahogany panels. The marble island has a curved end that mirrors the shape of the dining room.

For casual meals, there is a built-in banquette tucked into a corner with massive wood built-ins surrounding a TV.

Downstairs entertainment

The basement is not some dark concrete cellar. They turned it into a full lounge with leather Chesterfield sofas and wood paneling that matches the upstairs.

There is a massive wet bar down here with its own wine storage wall. It looks like a private club where you would go to drink expensive scotch.

And then there is the spa. Yes, there is a literal spa in the basement, complete with a mosaic tile hot tub.

Next to the hot tub, you have a glass-walled walk-in shower and a cedar sauna.

Up the stairs

The main staircase winds up the center of the house, but the real showstopper is when you look up. There is a stained-glass dome ceiling that filters colored light down through the center of the home.

The landings are wide enough to be rooms on their own. This mid-level lobby has a wrought-iron railing looking down over the stairs.

There is also a private office on this level, featuring a curved bay window and its own fireplace.

The bedrooms

The primary bedroom keeps the mahogany details going with a fireplace surround and paneled walls.

The closet is basically a high-end boutique with custom mahogany shelves and drawers.

In the primary bathroom, you get a massive soaking tub framed by dark wood panels.

Another bedroom sits directly under a circular ceiling dome, creating a completely unique shape for the room.

Even the attic bedrooms have character, using the sloped rooflines to create cozy sleeping spaces.

The carriage house and garage

The property includes a separate carriage house. The living area up here is surprisingly spacious and has its own kitchen.

The carriage house kitchen is fully equipped with mahogany cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Downstairs is the three-car garage, which looks more like a showroom with its polished stone floors.

Outside, a stone courtyard patio sits between the main house and the garage, complete with a pergola.