These three exceptional properties showcase a blend of historic charm and modern luxury in some of Illinois’ most desirable communities. From the renovated 1899 home in La Grange with beautifully preserved details to the Tudor-style estate in Wilmette’s Indian Hill Estates featuring an indoor pool, each home offers unique architectural character with contemporary upgrades. The historic 19th-century Kenwood estate, designed by renowned architect Jarvis Hunt, presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Chicago’s rich architectural history while enjoying modern comforts.
1. Renovated 1899 Home
This $1,995,000, 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom home in La Grange spans 5,566 sq. ft. and has been meticulously renovated and expanded while preserving its historic character. The residence features a grand foyer with wainscoting, a formal living room with a decorative fireplace, a dining room with custom built-ins, and an open-concept kitchen with quartzite countertops, Thermador appliances, and a spacious island. The second level includes four bedrooms, a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bath and heated floors, and a second-floor laundry room, while the third floor offers two additional bedrooms and attic expansion potential. Set on a large, professionally landscaped lot near top-rated schools, parks, dining, and train stations, this home provides a rare blend of timeless elegance and modern convenience.
Where is La Grange?
La Grange, IL, is a suburban village located in Cook County, approximately 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. Known for its historic homes, vibrant downtown, and strong sense of community, La Grange offers a mix of small-town charm with easy access to the city via the Metra BNSF Railway Line. With top-rated schools, parks, and a variety of dining and shopping options, it is a highly desirable location for families and commuters alike.
Living Room
Cozy seating arrangement surrounds a white marble fireplace with built-in shelving. Dark wood trim and French doors contrast with light-colored walls and furnishings. Glass coffee table, decorative pillows, and artwork add warmth and character to the space.
Dining Room
Wood dining table with navy upholstered chairs sits on a vibrant patterned rug. Built-in cabinetry with glass doors and under-cabinet lighting provides storage and display space. Contemporary chandelier and dark wood trim add contrast and elegance to the space.
Bedroom
Plush bed with a textured woven headboard is adorned with soft gray bedding and accent pillows. Large window with roman shades allows natural light to brighten the space. Wooden nightstand, black reading lamp, and a chunky knit blanket add warmth and comfort.
Bathroom
Double vanity with sleek white countertops contrasts with rich dark wood cabinetry. Glass-enclosed shower with built-in bench sits adjacent to a large window bringing in natural light. Neutral tones, recessed lighting, and minimalist decor create a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
Porch
This inviting covered porch offers a serene outdoor retreat with a comfortable seating arrangement. A neutral-toned sofa with colorful accent pillows sits opposite two black wicker chairs, complemented by a stylish blue ceramic side table. A ceiling fan adds comfort, while the lush greenery surrounding the space enhances its peaceful ambiance. Perfect for relaxing afternoons or morning coffee.
Source: Coldwell Banker
2. Classic Tudor-Style Estate
This $2,550,000, 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom Tudor-style estate in Wilmette’s Indian Hill Estates spans 7,362 sq. ft. on over an acre of landscaped grounds. Built in 1928, the home blends classic craftsmanship with modern upgrades, featuring grand living spaces, a chef’s kitchen with quartzite counters, and a richly paneled office. The property includes an elegant dining room, a screened porch, and an indoor swimming pool with soaring ceilings that connects to a bluestone patio and expansive backyard. Additional amenities include a primary suite with a newly updated spa-like bath, a lower-level recreation room, a wine cellar, a wet bar, and an exercise room, offering timeless elegance and contemporary comfort in a prestigious North Shore location.
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Where is Wilmette?
Wilmette, IL, is a suburban village located on Chicago’s North Shore, approximately 14 miles north of downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan. Known for its top-rated schools, historic homes, and strong community atmosphere, Wilmette offers a mix of classic architecture and modern amenities. The village features beautiful parks, lakefront beaches, the renowned Bahá’í House of Worship, and convenient access to the city via Metra and CTA rail lines, making it a desirable location for families and professionals.
Living Room
White walls contrast with dark wooden ceiling beams. A fireplace with a white mantel is centered on a soft blue accent wall. Large windows allow natural light to brighten the space.
Dining Room
Beige walls contrast with dark hardwood flooring and white trim. A glass dining table with eight upholstered chairs sits on a light-colored area rug. A large bay window with wooden framing allows natural light to enter.
Bedroom
Light gray walls contrast with dark hardwood flooring and white trim. A king-sized bed with white bedding is flanked by a black nightstand and a modern table lamp. A large area rug, upholstered bench, and small seating area add to the layout.
Pool
Large glass doors and windows provide views of the surrounding garden and allow natural light to enter. The vaulted ceiling with multiple skylights enhances the open feel of the space. A basketball hoop is positioned at one end of the pool for recreational use.
Source: Coldwell Banker
3. Jarvis Hunt-Designed Gem
This $1,400,000, 9-bedroom, 4-bathroom historic estate in Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood was designed by renowned architect Jarvis Hunt and offers a rare opportunity for restoration. Featuring grand rooms in a largely original layout, the home retains exquisite period details, including plasterwork, neoclassical millwork, original doors, hardware, and even a built-in icebox. The property includes expansive grounds, a sprawling backyard, and a masonry porte-cochère, though modifications have been made from its previous use as an office for the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Located in the Kenwood Chicago Landmark District, this home presents significant restoration potential while preserving a piece of the city’s architectural history.
Where is Chicago?
Chicago, IL, is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest in the United States, located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It is approximately 90 miles south of Milwaukee, WI, 280 miles west of Detroit, MI, and 180 miles northeast of Springfield, IL, the state capital. As a major cultural and economic hub, Chicago is known for its world-class architecture, diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and renowned institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Wrigley Field. The city also serves as a key transportation center with O’Hare and Midway International Airports, extensive public transit, and major interstate highways connecting it to the rest of the country.
Foyer
Ornate wooden railings and carved details highlight the staircase leading to the upper level. A glass-block window and transom above the door allow natural light into the space. Wide openings lead to adjacent rooms with traditional trim and moldings.
Home Office
Geometric ceiling moldings add architectural interest to the space. Large windows and a glass-paneled door bring in natural light. Simple office furnishings contrast with the ornate detailing of the room.
Bathroom
White subway tile walls contrast with a classic pedestal sink and hexagonal tile flooring. A built-in medicine cabinet and a wall-mounted glass shelf provide storage. A window with colorful curtains allows natural light to enter.
Patio
A covered patio with brick columns and tiled flooring provides a shaded outdoor seating area. Arched French doors with decorative windows lead into the home. A built-in grill and metal dining table offer space for outdoor meals.
Source: Coldwell Banker
I love how these historic mansions not only showcase stunning architecture but also offer guided tours. It’s such a treat to explore their rich histories and unique designs firsthand!
I feel the same! Exploring their stories made me appreciate architecture on a whole new level!
Those tours really bring the architecture to life. such a fascinating experience!