Built for a megabucks utilities magnate who ended up losing the bulk of his fortune, the Harley Clarke Mansion in Evanston, Illinois has, like its namesake original owner, gone from riches to rags over the years. After long stints as a private residence, frat HQ and arts centre, the rundown property was threatened with demolition before being saved for a number of years by a world-famous author.

As the future of this incredible estate once again hangs in the balance, click through the gallery to take a look around and discover its intriguing story.