Illinois real estate is a tale of two worlds—where glittering penthouses overlook Chicago’s skyline and sprawling estates stretch across the quiet, oak-lined suburbs. From historic mansions in Lake Forest to sleek, glassy high-rises on the Magnificent Mile, luxury living in the Prairie State offers both timeless elegance and cutting-edge design.
Along the shores of Lake Michigan, waterfront properties command top dollar with views that rival any coastal city. Even beyond Chicago, exclusive retreats in Hinsdale and Barrington blend privacy with prestige.
Now, let’s explore the five most expensive homes currently for sale in Illinois.
5. Lake Bluff, IL – $5,495,000
On over 8 acres in Illinois, the 7,905 square foot Ralph H. Poole House is offered at $5,495,000 and includes 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Originally built between 1911–1914 by David Adler with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted, the estate was fully restored in 2017.
The main residence features a limestone staircase, terrazzo and white oak floors, multiple fireplaces, and a state-of-the-art kitchen. A pool with bluestone patio, two-bedroom coach house with garage, and an additional detached garage complete the property.
Where is Lake Bluff?
Lake Bluff is a small village on the shores of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. It has a walkable downtown with local shops, a train station, and a village green used for community events. Residential areas include a mix of older homes and newer construction. The lakefront, parks, and nearby trails provide access to outdoor space throughout the year.
Living Room
Seating arrangements form around a central table in the living room, where sofas and accent chairs face a carved stone fireplace. Crystal chandelier hangs above, with light reflecting off framed art, books, and layered textiles. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural views. Walls are finished with detailed molding and soft color contrasts.
Kitchen
Marble island sits at the center of the kitchen, surrounded by flat-panel cabinetry in a muted tone. Wall of built-ins includes integrated refrigeration and wine storage. Herringbone tile hood and white subway backsplash frame the cooking area, which sits below a large arched window. Pendant light fixtures hang from the ceiling across the space.
Dining Room
Dining table is surrounded by a variety of chairs, and anchored by a large globe pendant light. Walls feature ornate paneling, patterned wallpaper, and framed art, while a dark sideboard lines one edge. Drapes frame the windows, which open to a view of the yard. Hardwood flooring and a large area rug ground the space.
Bedroom
Patterned rugs cover the floor of the bedroom, layered beneath a large bed, velvet chaise, and glass coffee table. Dark walls are decorated with artwork and mirrors, with windows bringing in natural light. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, centered above the main sitting area. Assorted furnishings, books, and decorative items fill the room.
Patio
Wooden patio furniture surrounds a central black umbrella, creating several seating areas on the stone-paved terrace. Planters, lounge chairs, and manicured greenery define the borders, with a mix of potted plants and in-ground landscaping. A small shingled structure with dormer windows and striped awning sits along one side. Fenced gate and pathway provide entry from the surrounding yard.
4. Barrington, IL – $5,950,000
Valued at $5,950,000, this 20,513 square foot estate in Barrington Hills offers 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms on 22 private acres. Built with dramatic architectural features, it includes a cathedral Cypress ceiling, chef’s kitchen, main-floor primary suite, library, gym, indoor basketball court, and a walkout lower level with theater, bar, and wine corridor.
Outdoor highlights include a four-acre pond, waterfall, and space for equestrian or recreational use. The 4-car heated garage features a Tesla charger.
Where is Barrington?
Barrington is a suburban village located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. It has a historic downtown district with local shops, restaurants, and a commuter rail station. The area is known for its large residential lots, equestrian properties, and nearby forest preserves. Barrington is part of a broader community that includes several surrounding villages and shares schools and local events.
Great Room
Stone fireplace rises from a raised platform in the great room, framed by wood beams and a curved ceiling above. Multiple seating arrangements circle the fireplace and grand piano. Tall windows curve along the back wall, revealing the landscape outside. Sculptures and decor are placed throughout the space.
Kitchen
Stone arch frames the cooking area, where a double range and hood are built into the recess. Cabinetry wraps around the kitchen, and a multi-level island provides both prep space and seating. Pendant lighting hangs over the curved counter. Ceiling angles upward with wood planks extending overhead.
Dining Area
Dining table seats twelve, arranged beneath a rectangular chandelier lined with pillar-style lights. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across one wall, revealing views of the surrounding trees. Spiral staircase and upper-level balcony are visible in the background. Kitchen is accessible through an open pass-through framed by built-in cabinetry and display shelving.
Bedroom
Window grid spans two stories in the bedroom, bringing in daylight and forest views. Bed faces a wall-mounted television across from a pair of leather chairs. Large sectional sofa sits under the windows, and a circular chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Wood and carpet flooring divide the room’s function.
Bathroom
Freestanding tub is centered between two vanities, with mirrors and light sconces above each. Round table sits on patterned flooring in the middle of the room. Windows fill the back wall and rise to the ceiling, wrapping around the tub. Shower with glass door is positioned off to the left.
Source: Heidi Seagren @ Compass via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Saint Charles, IL – $6,850,000
Cross a private bridge over Ferson Creek to reach this 12,680 square foot estate on over 9 acres in St. Charles, offered at $6,850,000 with 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Built in 2003, the home spans three levels with a walkout basement and features a 22-foot living room, custom kitchen, office with private patio, gym, and a first-floor primary suite with private stair access.
The lower level includes an Irish oak bar, wine cellar, recreation space, two fireplaces, and a full bath. Outdoor amenities include a pool, hot tub, fire pit, sport courts, and a 2,450 square foot bank barn with vaulted ceilings, walkout basement, balcony, and additional garage space.
Where is Saint Charles?
Saint Charles is located along the Fox River, west of Chicago in the Fox Valley region. The city has a historic downtown with theaters, restaurants, and riverfront views. It hosts seasonal festivals and community events throughout the year. Surrounding neighborhoods, parks, and forest preserves give residents access to trails and open space.
Kitchen
Detailed woodwork frames the kitchen, where carved corbels and trim separate the main work area from the bar seating. Granite countertops wrap around the space, with a large range, stainless steel refrigerator, and double sink included. A small round table with built-in bench seating sits beside the windows. Light tile flooring runs throughout.
Dining Area
Two crystal chandeliers hang from the double-height ceiling in the formal dining and living area. Arched windows extend nearly floor to ceiling, matched by French doors leading to the patio. A long dining table with cushioned chairs sits beside a large fireplace and white sofa seating. Light tile flooring and cream-colored paneling unify the space.
Bedroom
Large windows line two walls of the bedroom, filling the room with natural light. A wooden bed with an iron-accented frame faces a chaise lounge placed in the corner. Crown molding outlines the vaulted ceiling, and a fan hangs from its center. A soft carpet covers the floor.
Bathroom
Marble flooring and countertops define the bathroom, where two separate vanities with ornate cabinetry line the walls. A raised soaking tub sits beneath a window in a recessed alcove. A glass-door shower is framed in stone and set into the corner. Sconces and an overhead light fixture provide layered lighting.
Pool Area
Concrete decking surrounds the rectangular in-ground pool, with black loungers, side tables, and dining sets arranged along the perimeter. A circular hot tub is tucked into one corner near a white umbrella and two chaise lounges. Landscaping includes ornamental grasses and planters with seasonal flowers. The home’s rear elevation features a wide stone terrace, twin staircases, and large arched windows across the upper level.
Source: Debora McKay and Roger Erikson @ Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Barrington, IL – $7,500,000
Overlooking Keane Lake and Heather Lake, this 17,597 square foot estate in Barrington Hills spans 8.32 acres and is offered at $7,500,000. The home includes 6 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, with three levels connected by an elevator.
The lower level features a theater, poker and billiards room, catering kitchen, full bar, radiant heated floors, and a sixth bedroom/game room. Detailed millwork, coffered ceilings, and a glass-sided turret highlight the architectural design. A detached coach house offers additional space for storage or future conversion.
Where is Barrington?
Surrounded by forest preserves and horse farms, Barrington is a village northwest of Chicago. Its downtown area includes shops, dining, and a train station that connects to the city. The community hosts local events and maintains a blend of residential neighborhoods and open space. Barrington is part of a larger area known for schools, conservation efforts, and a suburban lifestyle.
Living Room
Tall windows span one wall of the living room, filling the space with light. A fireplace is framed by a carved mantle and flanked by tall mirrors. Two patterned armchairs and a leather sofa are arranged around a square coffee table. Crown molding, recessed lighting, and a ceiling fixture complete the room’s details.
Kitchen
Three pendant lights hang above the central island in the kitchen, which features a granite countertop and seating for four. A professional-grade range is set beneath a large custom hood. Surrounding cabinetry includes glass-fronted sections and a built-in microwave. A row of bay windows lines the far wall above the sink, offering outdoor views.
Dining Room
A round dining table with six chairs sits on a patterned rug in a room with marble tile flooring. Large windows and a glass door open to the outside, framed by striped drapery. A crystal chandelier hangs above the table, centered in a coffered ceiling. Arched doorways lead to adjacent spaces.
Study
Wood paneling covers the walls and ceiling in the study, with a large coffered design framing a central light fixture. A carved fireplace sits beneath a painting, surrounded by seating that includes a tufted leather sofa and two angled chairs. Built-in shelves line the wall to the right, and large windows with floor-length drapes bring in natural light. A wooden desk is placed near the entrance.
Bedroom
Two upholstered chairs sit at the foot of a bed with a tall, textured headboard in the bedroom. A fireplace with a stone surround is built into the wall across from the bed, flanked by tall windows on both sides. Coffered ceilings and a crystal chandelier add overhead detail. Neutral tones are used across the rug, drapery, and furniture.
Source: Michael Lafido @ Lpt Realty via Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Lake Forest, IL – $10,900,000
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, this 11,416 square foot lakefront estate in a gated setting is offered at $10,900,000 and was built in 2020. The property includes 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms across three levels, with lake views from nearly every room.
It features a private white sand beach accessed by stairs or funicular, a beach house with its own kitchenette, baths, and porch, and main home amenities such as a chef’s kitchen, multiple living areas, a music room, sauna, gym, theater, elevator, and a 20-zone sprinkler system. The lower level adds a secondary kitchen, game and billiards rooms, and additional en-suite bedrooms.
Where is Lake Forest?
Bordered by wooded areas and the Lake Michigan shoreline, Lake Forest sits on Chicago’s North Shore. The city features historic homes, quiet neighborhoods, and a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants. Lake Forest College brings a small-campus presence to the community. Parks, trails, and beach access offer outdoor space throughout the year.
Kitchen
Dark cabinetry anchors the large kitchen island, topped with a light granite surface and surrounded by seating. A black farmhouse sink faces a set of French doors leading to the yard, with a coffered ceiling and double chandeliers overhead. Wood flooring runs throughout, and a rounded window near the cooking area brings in natural light. The range sits beneath a custom hood backed by a detailed tile backsplash.
Dining Room
A round wooden table fills the bay window dining area, encircled by high-back upholstered chairs. The vaulted ceiling is finished in white planks, and a chandelier hangs from the center point. Multiple tall windows wrap the space, offering views of the trees and lawn outside. Wood floors match the rest of the adjoining kitchen.
Bedroom
Carpet flooring softens the bedroom, where a fireplace is built into a white surround with stone detailing. A dark wood bed faces a bay window that overlooks the water. Recessed lighting and a ceiling fan are installed overhead. A mounted television sits above a small dresser across from the bed.
Bathroom
Stone tiles line the walls and floor of the bathroom, which includes a large walk-in shower with dual showerheads and a glass door. A patterned tile band breaks up the wall finish. Through the doorway, a soaking tub sits beneath a large window with plantation blinds. The layout separates wet and dry zones while maintaining visual flow.
Patio
Wicker-style outdoor furniture is arranged on a flagstone patio with two seating areas and a dining table. A circular fire pit anchors the lounge space, while a larger table nearby is surrounded by chairs. The yard opens into a wide grassy area with a tree-lined edge and a view of the water. A gravel path curves through the lawn toward the perimeter.
