Inside the Lyon’s Den: A Tour of the Luxury Home in TV's "Empire"

For the hip-hop world’s elite, being in the game means owning a plush pad (or several) —preferably one that’s outfitted with enough luxury amenities and stylish touches to brag about on a new album. That’s why when filming their wildly popular series Empire, the Fox Network searched high and low to find the perfect home to demonstrate the success and sophistication of the main character, Empire Records CEO Lucious Lyon. Lyon, played by Terrence Howard, is a streetwise rapper turned successful entertainment industry mogul fighting for control of the record company he built from the ground up. This regal residence, which features prominently in the series, has become a de facto star of the show—a stunning backdrop in which the Lyons family drama comes to life, and falls to pieces. Lyon might be a work of fiction, but this luxury 14-room, five-bedroom estate really exists just outside Chicago, and it’s packed with incredible details and an array of amenities that make it simply one-of-a-kind.

From the gated drive, fans of Empire will immediately recognize the distinctive, nearly 20,000-square-foot home from the show’s exterior shots. Its unmistakable turret with floor-to-ceiling windows, porte cochere, and massive custom walnut doors recall the Old World elegance of a French country estate.

This elegant estate is located in prestigious Barrington Hills, Illinois.

Just off the light-filled main hall, a formal dining room with coffered ceilings and chandelier looks out on the patio from its expansive windows. In the other direction, the living room offers an elegant yet cozy interior replete with decorative mirrors, a working fireplace, sweeping views of the property, and a stately grand piano—a must for a music maven like Lucious Lyon.

The dining room is highlighted by elegant features and finishes such as oversized windows, coffered ceilings and a magnificent chandelier.

Every detail in the living room was crafted from the finest materials to create the feel of luxury in each and every room.

The series often depicts Lyon holding court from behind a massive desk within the estate’s magnificent study. This office is handsomely appointed with walnut paneling, coffered ceilings, and a fireplace. The custom woodwork took years to complete and exudes an air of authority.

Features like custom detailed millwork and walnut paneling are just part of this offices' old world charm.

A majestic stairway with decorative ironwork and marble tiling spirals up to the home’s second floor. It’s not hard to understand why this cinematic space features in so many of Empire’s interior scenes.

This elegant staircase, made up of decorative ironwork and marble tiling spirals, was crafted from the finest materials.

On the lower level, a fully equipped wet bar is perfect for entertaining guests. With its unique color-changing light fixture, this space channels a chic urban nightclub. The adjoining sitting area surrounds a beautiful fireplace that’s ideal for family gatherings.

This lower level bar is the perfect place to entertain with custom color-changing lighting.

This lower level family room, which is adjoined to the wet bar, surrounds a cozy fireplace.

Water lovers will rejoice that this property includes a heated swimming pool and two lakes on its eight manicured acres. Lucious Lyon’s character has a passion for luxury cars, and this home offers ample room to store an impressive collection with capacity for six vehicles in its attached garage.

This estate sits privately on over eight acres of beautifully manicured lawns, mature trees and two gorgeous lakes.

Step out to the gorgeous patio which connects to the heated in-ground swimming pool, where you can take in all this property has to offer.

This spacious garage can hold more than a handful of luxury vehicles.

But that’s not all. Elevator access, high-tech security and sound systems, and a custom gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, nuHaus cabinetry, and Wolf appliances only add to the appeal of this Barrington, Illinois, mansion.

This custom gourmet kitchen features granite, nuHaus cabinetry & Wolf Appliances among other luxury features.

“This estate is a ‘star’ in and of itself,” said Rick Moeser, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate, “offering a myriad of amenities – spread over three floors – as well as sweeping acreage in one of Chicago’s most sought-after suburbs.”