1301 South Fell Avenue, Normal
Built in 1906, the Broadview Mansion is a stately Edwardian Style Arts and Crafts Home on the corner of South Fell and Highland Avenue in Normal, Illinois. The home was named 'Broadview' by its original owners, Bird and Margaret Van Leer, due to the 'broad view' they had of Normal at the time the home was built. Back then, the home sat on one of the tallest points of the town, and the homes around Broadview were not yet built. Broadview Mansion and its nearly 4 acres of land are now located in an historic neighborhood of the Town of Normal. In addition to the home, Mrs. Van Leer built and dedicated the bell tower that prominently stands on the grounds to her late husband. It features northern Italian Romanesque architecture and is the only privately-owned bell tower in the country.
The home is the headquarters of the Immanuel Bible Foundation whose mission it is to enrich our community through the arts, faith, and preservation of the historic Broadview Mansion estate. In 2016, Broadview Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Step into the enchantment of the season during this year’s tour, where each room tells its own festive story. In the living room, a magical Christmas tree adorned with soft pinks and musical ornaments sets the scene, alongside a charming nativity on the fireplace and a snowy village display on the corner table. The dining room dazzles with original 1910 Wedgewood porcelain china, echoed by a coordinating tree that captures the room’s refined holiday spirit. In the foyer, red takes center stage with a striking red tree by the staircase and whimsical birds hanging from the
chandelier. Don’t miss the cozy kitchen, where the cheerful sounds of Salvation Army carolers fill the air, complemented by a quaint Christmas tree that warms the heart. Every room has decorations that are sure to delight!
2025 Christmas Highlights:
“The Bells Are Ringing” will be the theme for Broadview Mansion’s Christmas tour this year.
Visitors will step into the musical legacy of the Van Leer family, who filled their home and community with the joy of song.
The mansion’s recently restored bell tower, once again ringing across Normal, will serve as the heart of the celebration. Throughout the tours, guests will enjoy the sounds of Christmas carols chiming from the tower, echoing the family’s love of music and their enduring gift of harmony to the community.
Each room will be beautifully decorated to reflect the warmth, peace, and wonder of the season, offering a truly enchanting experience at this historic landmark.
