26/09/2025
A Historic Home, Reimagined —
We’re proud to share the completion of a remarkable renovation at Twin Oaks, an estate with deep Indianapolis roots.
Originally built in 1941 by Lyman S. Ayres II and his wife Isabel in the Colonial Revival style, Twin Oaks has long been a landmark of elegance. The Ayres family moved in just a month after Pearl Harbor, and later expanded the grounds with gardens designed by noted landscape architect Frits Loosten.
In 1955, the property was purchased by Josiah K. Lilly Jr., grandson of Eli Lilly. With architect David V. Burns, the Lilly family transformed the home’s exterior into a European country-house style, raising the roofline, reconfiguring the kitchen, and adding distinctive features like the octagonal breakfast room with its pepperpot roof. By 1961, Mr. Lilly had also built a special wing for his collections and creative pursuits.
Today, Twin Oaks carries forward its legacy through a bold interior renovation that balances historical reverence with modern luxury—featuring dramatic marble, gilded fixtures, bespoke cabinetry, and even a custom spiral slide.
Architect: Still Architecture
Interior Design: EURO TRASH – Annie Brahler
Contractor: Boaz Construction
Photography: The Addison Group LLC
From its historic lineage to its new chapter of design, Twin Oaks continues to be an Indianapolis treasure.