Lake Forest Homes for Sale

Lake Forest Homes for Sale

Welcome to Lake Forest, Illinois – a picturesque gem nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in Lake County. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this charming city boasts a rich history and a vibrant community spirit. With its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and breathtaking waterfront views, Lake Forest offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban sophistication.

As you explore Lake Forest, you’ll discover a wealth of recreational opportunities. The city is home to numerous parks, nature preserves, and scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls. The stunning beaches along Lake Michigan provide the ideal backdrop for summer picnics and water activities, while the local golf courses and country clubs cater to sports enthusiasts of all levels.

Lake Forest is also renowned for its top-notch educational institutions, making it a sought-after location for families. With excellent public and private schools, as well as access to prestigious universities, the city prioritizes quality education and community engagement.

For those looking to call Lake Forest home, you’ll find an impressive selection of homes for sale. From charming historic residences to modern luxury estates, there’s something for everyone. The real estate market here reflects the city’s elegance and charm, with properties that offer spacious layouts, beautiful gardens, and proximity to the vibrant downtown area filled with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat or an active community lifestyle, Lake Forest is an enchanting place to live. Explore the homes for sale today and discover your perfect slice of this idyllic city!

Newest Lake Forest Homes for Sale

$5,900,000
5 Beds 8 Baths 12751221 MLS NEW Status
Steps from Lake Michigan, this exceptional French Provincial residence was built by Distinctive Custom Homes in 2007 and reflects an extraordinary commitment to architectural integrity, craftsmanship, and enduring quality. From the moment of arrival, the circular drive, handsome brick exterior, slate roof, and copper gutters establish the striking curb appeal. Steps lead through two beautifully landscaped bluestone terraces to the custom 8' arched entry door. The impressive foyer features a groin-vault ceiling, imported stone flooring, and arched architectural niches. 10' ceilings span the first floor, enhancing the home's gracious scale and natural light. The formal living room is elegantly appointed with stained French doors, raised-panel wainscoting, substantial crown molding, and Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring. The expansive dining room boasts a wood-burning fireplace with a traditional white mantel, marble surround, and flush hearth, complemented by raised-panel wainscoting and coffered ceiling. French doors open to the bluestone front terrace, creating an inviting setting for summer entertaining. The handsome library provides a quiet and richly appointed retreat, with raised cherry paneling, custom built-in bookcases and cabinetry, a beamed ceiling with crown molding, Brazilian cherry flooring, and a wood-burning fireplace with marble surround. Front and rear staircases with wrought-iron balusters provide gracious and convenient access to all levels. At the heart of the home, the sophisticated kitchen features a dramatic antique Heart Pine beamed ceiling, furniture-quality cherry cabinetry, a large center island, and a separate breakfast area. Premium appliances are manufactured by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Bosch. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the expansive family room, creating an ideal environment for both everyday living and entertaining, while a beautifully appointed beverage station provides an elegant transition between the spaces. The family room features a striking limestone wood-burning fireplace and generous views of the grounds. The screened porch is an inviting retreat in its own right, distinguished by a wood-burning fireplace with raised hearth, floor-to-ceiling rough-cut stone, and cedar mantel. It offers tranquil views of the surrounding grounds-an ideal setting for morning coffee, quiet evenings, and relaxed entertaining. A private fifth bedroom suite on the main level offers exceptional flexibility for guests, extended family, or an au pair. The second floor is devoted to four generously proportioned bedroom suites, each offering privacy and comfort for family and guests. The luxurious primary suite features double-door entry, a vaulted and barreled ceiling, a comfortable sitting area, and a generous walk-in closet. The luxurious primary bath includes a steam shower, freestanding spa tub, separate vanities, and imported stone flooring with electric heat. The expansive lower level extends the living experience with a dedicated theater featuring tiered seating, a light-filled recreation room, exercise room, wet bar, wine cellar, and full bath-providing an exceptional setting for recreation, entertaining, and everyday enjoyment. Throughout the home, Pella Architectural Series French doors and windows, custom millwork, imported stone, rich hardwood flooring, and finely detailed moldings underscore the exceptional quality of construction and create an atmosphere of warmth, permanence, and timeless elegance. The four-car garage is an uncommon amenity and includes a newly constructed separate garage with a loft above, connected to the home by a charming portico. The vast, fully fenced rear yard is exceptionally private and offers ample room for a pool. Set within the serene, wooded landscape of east Lake Forest and moments from Lake Michigan, this remarkable residence offers a rare combination of timeless sophistication, exceptional craftsmanship, comfortable living, and impeccable condition.

586 Spruce Avenue, Lake Forest

$3,395,000
4 Beds 6 Baths 12751508 MLS NEW Status
Completely renovated from top to bottom, this East Lake Forest home combines fresh, bright design, exceptional functionality, and an open floor plan in a private wooded setting overlooking the ravine. Large windows span the back of the home, bringing in abundant natural light and bridging the interior living spaces and the backyard beyond. Throughout the main level, rooms are distinct yet visually connected, allowing family and friends to come together while enjoying different areas of the home. The kitchen is at the center of it all, with an oversized island, Sub-Zero and Wolf high-end appliances, generous storage, and a wide expanse to the family room just steps below. It is adjacent to the window-filled sunroom with skylights and access to the upper deck. An oversized butler's pantry connects the kitchen and dining room and includes a sink, beverage and wine refrigerators, extensive cabinetry, and swinging glass doors. The dining room is open to the front hall with sightlines to the family room, while the remodeled living room just off the entry features beamed cathedral ceilings, marble fireplace, and large windows overlooking the wooded setting. A well-designed mudroom and three-car garage complete the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite includes two walk-in closets, a spacious spa-like bath, and a private deck overlooking the backyard and ravine. Each of the three additional bedrooms has its own ensuite bath, and an open family room provides a comfortable additional gathering space. An upstairs laundry room and large walk-in cedar closet add to the home's exceptional storage and functionality. The finished lower level features an additional bedroom and separate office with above grade windows, a full bath, family room with wet bar, exercise/play space, second laundry room, and abundant storage. The home's connection to its setting continues outdoors, where the wooded ravine provides a private backdrop for the stone patio and fire pit, while the upper-level decks offer additional spaces to enjoy the property. A new composite roof, new windows and updated mechanicals complement the extensive interior renovation. Located just blocks from Lake Michigan and the beach and close to downtown East Lake Forest, this is a thoughtfully reimagined home where design, function, and setting work beautifully together.

1221 Loch Lane, Lake Forest

$1,099,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 12749840 MLS NEW Status
MULTIPLE OFFERS RECEIVED. ALL HIGHEST AND BEST OFFERS ARE DUE BY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH AT 5PM. Move-in-ready Colonial in an incredible Whispering Oaks location within the Cherokee Elementary School district. Set on beautifully landscaped grounds with mature trees and exceptional privacy, this four-bedroom, 2.1-bath home offers 2,936 square feet above grade, plus a finished basement. Hardwood floors extend through much of the first floor. The gracious living room features a fireplace and custom built-ins, while the formal dining room provides ample space for holiday gatherings. The white kitchen includes granite countertops, a Wolf range, newer Bosch refrigerator and dishwasher, and breakfast-bar seating. An adjoining breakfast room opens to the spacious family room addition, where a vaulted ceiling, walls of windows, and multiple sets of French doors fill the space with natural light and connect the interior to the yard. A well-designed mudroom with built-in storage and a powder room complete the first floor. Upstairs are four comfortable bedrooms and two full baths, including a generously sized primary bedroom. The finished basement provides additional recreation space and plenty of storage. Outside, the paver patio overlooks a quiet, park-like yard surrounded by mature arborvitae and layered plantings. Major improvements include a new roof in 2023, Renewal by Andersen windows in 2021, two newer furnaces, and one central air unit replaced in 2024. Additional features include two-zone heating and cooling, lawn irrigation, backyard storm drainage connected to the city storm sewer, and an oversized two-car garage. Walk to Cherokee Elementary and the train, with easy access to downtown Lake Forest and Route 41.

777 Cherokee Road, Lake Forest

$975,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 12752140 MLS ACTIVE Status
Welcome home! This stately 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence is nestled on an expansive, tree-lined 0.53-acre lot. Located in the Lincolnshire Village pocket of Lake Forest, this picturesque home is also near the highly coveted, quiet Whytegate subdivision with close access to award-winning local schools. Boasting over 3,700 sq feet of thoughtfully designed living space, 313 Whitmore blends traditional architectural charm with everyday modern functionality. The spacious foyer offers 20-foot ceilings and a flowing, semi-open concept layout. Oak flooring is prominent on the main level while featuring sun-drenched rooms with crown molding throughout. A formal dining room, living room, and an office upon entry lead to a gorgeously designed chef's, eat-in kitchen. Upgraded Wolf appliances, a double oven and a gas range wrap around the large island. The oversized family room beside the kitchen features a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace and several skylights masterfully designed to accentuate its 20-foot cathedral ceiling. Open those sliding glass doors to a step outside to your massive deck, surrounded by trees and more importantly privacy. Want more relaxation? No problem! Your gazebo can easily fit a hot tub that was removed and easily replaceable. So party on or enjoy a quiet suburban evening without the neighbors. Upstairs, the tranquil primary suite offers a private retreat, while three additional spacious bedrooms provide walk-in closets and plenty of room for family, guests, a dedicated home office or hey, maybe even a workout room. Who knows? The en-suite provides 2 separate sinks, a jet tub, walk-in shower and a skylight for soaking and stargazing.The massive footprint of the 3 car garage includes separate access to the finished basement. This "suite" addition serves as a secondary living space, featuring a fully equipped wet bar for hosting or game days. Looking to add value? The layout includes an ideal, flexible space designed to easily accommodate an additional bathroom as well. There's not much left to say...EXCEPT Schedule your tour today!

313 Whitmore Lane, Lake Forest

$2,995,000
5 Beds 8 Baths 12718826 MLS ACTIVE Status
The ultimate expression of town-and-country living in East Lake Forest. Set at the end of a long, private tree-lined drive, this Steve Rugo-designed estate in coveted East Lake Forest evokes the romance of the French countryside set on 1.6 fully fenced acres. Defined by mature trees and sweeping south-facing lawns, this park-like setting creates an idyllic backdrop for a residence completely transformed from top to bottom and is only minutes from downtown Lake Forest, award-winning schools, the Metra station, and the beach. Recently reimagined with a complete whole-home renovation, the residence balances classical architectural proportions with transitional interior design. Every corner of its 5,824 square feet displays meticulous attention to detail and craftmanship. Materials and bespoke finishes were carefully chosen for their enduring quality-from the refinished staircase to hardwood floors, exquisite millwork, and custom Baldwin Estate hardware throughout. A two-story foyer introduces a main level flowing effortlessly between formal and informal spaces. Deep bay windows anchor the living room, filling the space with natural light as a French door leads to a bluestone entertainer's patio, thoughtfully positioned to maximize outdoor privacy. The formal dining room is equally captivating as an entertaining space with picturesque garden views. Set away from the main level entertaining spaces, a wood paneled library offers a quiet retreat with a wet bar, bespoke built-ins, a fireplace, and direct access to the yard. The renovated kitchen serves as the home's centerpiece with custom cabinetry, quartzite countertops, top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, an expansive island for prep and eating, plus an expanded pantry and renovated mudroom. The adjoining breakfast area is anchored by a brick hearth and a wall of windows framing the outdoors beyond. Bathed in natural light and surrounded by views of the grounds, the family room presents a comfortable gathering space with a dramatic brick fireplace sweeping all the way to the ceiling. The adjacent green house also offers a beautiful year-round retreat as it connects to the gardens and landscape. Upstairs, a primary suite set within its own private wing is accompanied by four secondary bedrooms and three additional full bathrooms. Designed as a quiet sanctuary, the primary bedroom features volume ceilings, a fireplace, a Juliet balcony overlooking the grounds, multiple walk-in closets, and dual spa baths luxuriously appointed with European marble floors, quartzite surfaces, and designer finishes. The fully finished lower level adds over 2,000 square feet of versatile space, including a recreation space, double-doors opening to a flex space that can serve as a sixth bedroom, a full bath, a wine cellar, extensive storage, and an art studio with a dedicated sink. Modernized mechanical systems, an elevator-ready shaft, a three-car attached garage, and a comprehensive list of upgrades complete this unforgettable turnkey offering.

1177 Edgewood Road, Lake Forest

$3,600,000
7 Beds 8 Baths 12735399 MLS ACTIVE Status
RARE LAKE FOREST OFFERING - Set on more than two private acres bordering the Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve, this exceptional estate represents one of Lake Forest's rarest offerings-a place where protected open lands, resort-style amenities, and walkability come together in a setting that is increasingly difficult to find. Imagine mornings with coffee overlooking the preserve as deer quietly wander through the backyard, peaceful walks along miles of scenic trails, and the convenience of being just a short walk from schools, downtown Lake Forest, and the beach. For years, this property has been a gathering place for family and friends. Summer afternoons unfold around the heated pool and terrace, tennis matches continue into the evening on the tennis and sport court, children create lasting memories in the charming playhouse, and thoughtfully designed gardens bring color and beauty throughout the seasons. The expansive grounds provide a sense of privacy and tranquility rarely found so close to town. The timeless brick residence offers more than 8,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, balancing grand entertaining areas with comfortable everyday living. Highlights include seven bedrooms, seven full and one half baths, a dramatic great room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace, an expanded primary suite with a spa-inspired marble bath, five en-suite bedrooms on the second floor, and a spacious third-floor suite with a family room, bedroom, and full bath-ideal for teens, guests, or extended family. Seamless indoor-outdoor living extends from the home's gracious gathering spaces to the terrace, pool, and surrounding grounds. A four-car garage with a private three-room apartment above provides exceptional flexibility for guests, extended family, an au pair, or a private home office/gym. Significant investments have been made throughout the property, including a cedar roof, new generator, updated HVAC systems, extensive landscape and hardscape enhancements, front-yard regrading and stormwater management improvements, pool infrastructure upgrades, and continued modernization of the home's interiors and amenities. These thoughtful improvements reflect a commitment to both preserving and enhancing the property for years to come. More than a home, this is a place where memories are made-a private sanctuary bordering protected open lands, offering an unmatched combination of nature, recreation, privacy, and connection to everything that makes Lake Forest special.

285 W Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest

$2,700,000
5 Beds 7 Baths 12677205 MLS ACTIVE Status
Luxury New Construction meets exceptional design in this stunning Lake Forest residence. Offering approximately 6,000 square feet of Custom Finished Living Space across three levels. Thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this home showcases high-end finishes, soaring ceilings, and impeccable craftsmanship throughout. At the center of the home, a chef's kitchen features premium Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, and a sophisticated quartzite countertops. A butler's pantry and separate walk-in pantry provide exceptional storage and functionality, while the four-season room offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy views of the backyard year-round. A flexible floor plan includes a sought-after first-floor bedroom with a private bath, ideal for a primary suite, in-law arrangement, or live-in childcare. A dedicated first-floor office, custom mudroom, wide-plank white oak flooring, and 10-foot ceilings add both style and functionality to the main level. Upstairs, you're greeted with another luxurious primary retreat! Additional 3 spacious ensuite bedrooms provide comfort and privacy. Expanding the home's impressive living space, the fully finished English basement features a sixth bedroom, full bath, theater room, exercise room, bar, and additional recreation area. This home was built for convenience boasting a heated 3-car garage with EV readiness, zoned heating and cooling, high-end plumbing fixtures, second-floor laundry, outdoor deck and patio, and private bathrooms for every bedroom. An exceptional opportunity to own brand-new luxury construction in one of Lake Forest's most desirable locations! Contact listing agent for additional questions. ~4,000 Sq Ft - first and second floor ~2,000 Sq Ft - fully finished English style basement with full bath, bedroom, theater room, exercise room and bar. ~10' ceilings on first floor; 9' on second floor and basement

1138 S Ridge Road, Lake Forest

$5,275,000
8 Beds 11 Baths 12720778 MLS ACTIVE Status
Ralph Lauren print campaigns, features in Architectural Digest, film productions, and even the latest Crate & Barrel holiday catalog all point to one thing: great architecture never goes out of style. And more than a century later, David Adler's "Innisfail I" is every bit as extraordinary today. Set on over two breathtaking acres, this landmark estate is ready now to be experienced through a new 2026 lens. The pool, spa, tennis court, and sauna all are just the side features that bring this magnificent lifestyle home to life, as David Adler designed is country luxury estate with one thing in mind...a destination for all to enjoy. His one primary focus with his interiors was "proportions"- always wanting his rooms to have volume with soaring ceilings but still feel intimate. He finished these spaces with endless sets of French doors bringing the gardens inside, and exquisite original details from intricate millwork to Versailles and herringbone parquet floors. The oversized reception hall immediately sets the tone, opening through 10-foot doorways to the spectacular great room where walls of French doors, handcrafted millwork & grand chandeliers frame the endless terraces & gardens beyond. Sun-drenched entertaining spaces flow effortlessly from the living to the dining room, richly paneled library and sunroom, while the Chef's kitchen, oversized butler's pantry and sunny breakfast room make the house equally suited for everyday living. Upstairs, a beautiful hotel-level wrapped wrought-iron staircase leads to eight bedrooms, including the expansive primary suite with fireplace and private dressing room. The third floor changes the mood completely with a speakeasy-style bar, bedroom and full bath-proof that a house this important can still have a little fun. And then there are the grounds which alone today to duplicate would be over $2m in just design and install. Originally designed by legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen, the estate unfolds across formal gardens, sweeping lawns and mature trees, with a pool, spa and tennis court creating the ultimate private country retreat. Innisfail I has been photographed, published and filmed for generations for a reason. Today estates can be built, not doubt about that, but there is nothing like architecture that can always withstand the test of time. NOW it's time to re-imagine this space with a hue of transitional colors, clean-lined furniture and a revamp from gold to simply white. This is a designer's dream palate as this estate is just waiting to be the next showpiece estate in the North Shore as the pedigree is already in place!

275 Sussex Lane, Lake Forest

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