Heritage & Archives
Bird Acres endures as one of Lafayette’s most recognizable Italianate homes. Once stewarded by naturalist and writer
Eliza Dana Weigle, the estate functioned as a private bird sanctuary and an early hub for ornithological observation in Indiana.
🏛 Bird Acres: An Italianate Treasure Reimagined
Built in 1880, Bird Acres stands among Lafayette’s most enduring architectural landmarks — a distinguished example of
Italianate design set upon nearly two acres of manicured grounds. Once the residence of noted naturalist and writer
Eliza Dana Weigle, the estate served as one of Indiana’s earliest private bird sanctuaries, where its namesake acres became a living
canvas for her fieldwork and writings on avian life.
More than a century later, new stewards embraced both the challenge and privilege of preservation. When the current owners acquired Bird Acres in 2011,
they inherited not just a home, but a legacy — one deserving of renewal without compromise. What followed was a decade-long restoration and expansion
that respected every historic line while introducing modern comfort and refinement.
In 2013, a major architectural addition designed by Wahl Architecture and constructed by Resolute LLC
redefined the home’s flow and livability. The thoughtful integration added a fireside family room, marble-clad primary suite, dual offices, a new kitchen, and
expansive outdoor living spaces — including screened and covered porches, a two-level deck, and a garden terrace — all harmonized with the home’s original
Italianate rhythm.
Over the years that followed, continued enhancements further elevated the estate: reconstructed drives and patios, rebuilt chimneys and fireplaces,
modernized systems, custom millwork, and intricate landscape design that celebrates both order and organic beauty. Each improvement, from the smallest finish
to the largest structural addition, was guided by respect for the home’s provenance and an eye toward enduring quality.
Today, Bird Acres offers nearly 5,000 finished square feet of refined living across five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, surrounded by sweeping lawns,
mature trees, and gardens that invite reflection. A home once known for its sanctuary of birds now offers its own sanctuary of calm — a tranquil retreat
affectionately called “Shangri-La” by its owners, where history, nature, and craftsmanship coexist in perfect harmony.
Selections from the private archive and local press are shown at right, along with a 2013 floor plan sheet.
