Briona Dreams began as exactly that – a dream. Sean Giblin, born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, grew up valuing two things above all: family and hard work. Some of Sean’s favorite childhood memories are of summer evenings on a Midwest lake, where time seemed to slow down. As life moved forward and his career accelerated, Sean often remembered those simple moments of connection and calm. The idea for Briona Dreams sparked after Sean took a rare weekend getaway with his own family; out by a quiet lake, free from the ping of emails and the rush of city life, he felt a peace he hadn’t felt in years. He returned home with a realization: every family deserves a chance to experience that kind of restorative togetherness.

So Sean decided to build that chance from the ground up. Armed with a big vision and a bigger heart, he scouted for the perfect location and found it – a tranquil lakeside plot that felt like it was waiting for him. With inspiration (and plenty of “help”) from his young daughters, Brighid and Fiona, Sean rolled up his sleeves and began turning the dream into reality. In fact, the name “Briona” is a loving fusion of Brighid and Fiona – a tribute to the two little girls who fueled this labor of love. Father and daughters spent countless evenings poring over sketches at the kitchen table, imagining a home that could inspire joy and comfort for anyone who walked through its doors. Every beam, stone, and finish in Briona Dreams was chosen with intention: to maximize warmth, privacy, and that feeling of home. Sean even let the girls pick some of the cozy decor and family games you’ll find in the great room – so if you spot a whimsical touch or two, you know exactly who to thank.

Briona Dreams isn’t just a luxury retreat; it’s family legacy – built by family, for families. Sean’s Southside Chicago roots taught him to keep things real, to welcome others like neighbors, and to never lose sight of what truly matters. Those values live in every inch of Briona Dreams. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a guest – you’re part of the story. Sean’s hope is that you feel the genuine warmth and authenticity that went into creating this place. It’s in the way the sun pours through the windows each morning, inviting you to start fresh. It’s in the crackle of the fire pit at night, urging everyone to draw closer and share stories. And it’s in the little details – the handwritten welcome note, the s’mores kit waiting by the firewood, the photo wall where we invite families to add a snapshot of a memory made here. Briona Dreams was born out of a simple belief: time with loved ones is the greatest luxury of all. Sean built this home so that other families could slow down, find peace, and make memories to last a lifetime. We can’t wait to share that dream with you.