Illinois real estate is a dynamic mix of sleek urban sophistication and historic suburban grandeur, with Chicago standing tall as the epicenter of luxury living. From gold coast penthouses with panoramic skyline views to sprawling estates in Hinsdale and Winnetka, the market caters to those who seek both style and stature. Let’s unveil the five most expensive houses that define Illinois’s ultra-premium property market.
5. Lake Forest, IL – $5,400,000
Framed by lush gardens and mature trees in Lake Forest, Illinois, “The Adler” is a $5,400,000 single-family estate offering 11,000 square feet of living space. Built in 1914 by renowned architect David Adler, the home includes 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a pool, spa, tennis court, formal gardens, and a third-floor entertainment level with a speakeasy bar and sauna. Designed with 11-foot ceilings, marble finishes, ornate moldings, and 24kt gold fixtures, the residence also features a 3-car garage for car enthusiasts.
Where is Lake Forest?
Founded as a quiet haven for Chicago’s business leaders, Lake Forest, Illinois, grew into a city known for its history and natural beauty. It is home to the historic Onwentsia Club and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, which protects natural areas. The city’s architecture includes works by notable designers like Howard Van Doren Shaw and David Adler. Lake Forest also offers lakefront access, extensive trails, and a strong arts community.
Living Room
Lavish moldings, velvet sofas, and gold-accented furnishings fill this formal living room with ornate detail. Positioned near tall glass doors, the layout invites natural light while showcasing traditional drapery and parquet floors. Mirrors, chandeliers, and antique consoles enhance the symmetrical design of the space.
Dining Room
Glints of gold frame the formal dining room where carved chairs and chandeliers surround a long wood table. Located against large windows, the room is enveloped in natural garden views and wrapped in heavy brocade curtains. Wall sconces and a central fireplace add symmetry and balance to the setting.
Bar Area
Low lighting, mirrored shelving, and rich wood tones define this home bar tucked behind upholstered stools. Hidden below ground level, the layout centers around a hexagonal counter topped with granite. Mirrored walls and reflective surfaces give the bar an enclosed, lounge-like quality.
Bedroom
Fringed drapery, floral patterns, and vintage furniture wrap around this traditional bedroom’s arched headboard and cushioned bench. Positioned along the back wall, windows open to leafy views behind thick panels and layered fabric. Flanking end tables and built-in shelving add texture and symmetry to the space.
Bathroom
Marble covers most surfaces of this full bathroom, where a large vanity faces a glass-enclosed shower. Set beside a large window, the layout offers garden views paired with ornate drapes and crystal lighting. A wall mural adds softness behind classic fixtures in gold and brass tones.
Source: Carrie Mccormick @ @Properties Christie’S International Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
4. Chicago, IL – $6,995,000
In Chicago, Illinois, this single-family home is listed for $6,995,000 and offers 7,800 square feet of living space. Built in 2010, the property features 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a 900-bottle wine cellar, sauna, and a guest suite coach house with a full kitchen and lofted bedroom. Designed by Liederbach and Graham with interiors by Bruce Fox, the home sits on a 45-foot-wide lot with a private walled garden and includes a heated 3-car garage.
Where is Chicago?
Born at a crossroads of rivers and railroads, Chicago, Illinois, rose to become a powerhouse of trade and innovation. It is home to the nation’s second-largest public school system and a diverse culinary scene beyond its famous pizza. The city played a central role in the rise of the skyscraper and modern urban planning. Chicago’s neighborhoods reflect a broad mix of cultures, industries, and architectural styles.
Living Room
Towering wooden beams and exposed brick frame the double-height living room, where oversized windows pour in natural light. A large modern painting of a horse takes center stage above the fireplace, drawing attention to the artistic energy of the space. Seating arrangements of varied textures and styles form an eclectic, relaxed gathering area.
Kitchen
Angular steel stairs ascend above the open kitchen, setting a dramatic contrast to the warm wood finishes and sleek black countertops. Barstools line the island, complementing the linear pendant lights and casual layout. Shelving displays vibrant pottery and colorful accents, energizing the heart of the home.
Bedroom
Colorful drapery and patterned bedding bring personality into the bedroom, which is anchored by a cozy fireplace built into an exposed brick wall. Wooden cabinetry flanks the entertainment area, while a vaulted ceiling adds dimension above. A pair of leather chairs and a rug in cool tones shape a laid-back sitting corner.
Bathroom
Golden veins streak through marble countertops and walls in the bathroom, where symmetry and soft lighting create a calming rhythm. The freestanding tub rests under a sloped ceiling and beside large windows framed in black. Natural wood cabinetry and leafy plants add warmth and life to the space.
Outdoor Lounge
Trailing vines weave around the pergola in the outdoor lounge, where cushioned chairs form a relaxed social circle. A mix of brick and greenery wraps the courtyard, blending architecture and garden seamlessly. A grill stands nearby, marking the area as an ideal spot for casual gatherings and meals outside.
Source: Emily Sachs Wong @ @Properties Christie’S International Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
3. Lake Forest, IL – $12,999,000
Set along over 400 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline in Lake Forest, Illinois, this $12,999,000 single-family estate offers 15,820 square feet of living space. Built in 1913 and designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the home features 6 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a synthetic ice rink, sports court, and plans for a future two-story glass atrium. Restored to its original grandeur, this historic estate blends architectural heritage with modern luxury.
Where is Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois, is a historic city located along the shores of Lake Michigan, north of Chicago. It is known for its preserved estates, tree-lined streets, and prestigious institutions like Lake Forest College. The city features Market Square, one of the country’s first planned shopping centers. Its open spaces, golf courses, and beach parks offer a range of outdoor activities.
Hallway
Flanked by columns and oversized windows, the hallway stretches the length of the wing with a checkered tile floor guiding the way. Crystal light fixtures drop from a carved ceiling between classic moldings and wide door frames. Stone planters and benches are placed along the sides for visual rhythm and pause.
Kitchen
Crisp white cabinetry and dark countertops give structure to the kitchen, where coffered ceilings and cobalt blue pendant lights add detail above. A large island and connected table serve both prep and dining functions. Cabinets with glass-front doors line the wall beside the range, offering display and storage.
Dining Room
A series of crystal chandeliers draw attention over the main dining table in the formal dining room. Elaborate moldings, rich curtains, and floor-to-ceiling windows add drama across the space. Multiple glass cabinets and a grand piano balance function and decor near the far end.
Library
Golden tones fill the walls of the library, wrapped in custom bookshelves and trimmed in carved wood. Red upholstered chairs, an ornate area rug, and antique-style seating gather around a low table in the middle. Light flows in through the tall glass doors that open out toward the patio.
Billiard Room
Cues are ready on the felt in the billiards room, where a bright blue pool table takes center stage beneath an arched ceiling. Red drapes hang alongside tall glass doors, adding a burst of color against the neutral-toned stone floor. A carved fireplace and matching wooden built-ins provide symmetry on the back wall.
Source: Patrick Milhaupt, Timothy Salm @ Jameson Sotheby’S International Realty via Coldwell Banker Realty
2. Lake Bluff, IL – $15,900,000
In Lake Bluff, Illinois, this single-family estate is priced at $15,900,000 and offers 9,990 square feet of living space. Built in 1994, the property features 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 30 acres of land, equestrian stables with 13 stalls, polo fields, a private 700-foot Lake Michigan beach, a pool, and a tennis court. The home includes a renovated primary suite, chef’s kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, formal and informal gardens, and detailed handcrafted millwork throughout.
Where is Lake Bluff?
Lake Bluff, Illinois, is a lakeside village located north of Chicago along Lake Michigan. It features a walkable downtown, historic homes, and a strong sense of community. The village hosts seasonal events like farmers markets, art festivals, and Fourth of July celebrations. Its beach, parks, and access to nature make it a popular spot for outdoor recreation.
Foyer
Light pours through tall arched windows into the grand entry hall, where a wide staircase splits into two curving paths. Carved iron balusters and polished railings guide the eye upward toward the balcony landing. Underfoot, a cream marble floor with black inlay reflects the room’s elegant symmetry.
Living Room
Twin chandeliers and gilded mirrors frame the soft seating arrangement in the formal living room. A carved fireplace anchors the space across from two French doors leading to the exterior. Centered on a red Persian rug, the layout balances antique details with open flow.
Kitchen
Bright tones and carved detailing define the kitchen, where double chandeliers hang over a generous island topped with dark wood. Cabinets stretch high with glass-paned doors for display, and a built-in dish rack rests between them. Large windows and doors in the back offer views and daylight to the cooking area.
Dining Room
Soft blue floral wallpaper sets the tone in the dining room, stretching behind a long wood table lined with white chairs. Crystal chandeliers float above, echoing the polished ceiling trim and adding sparkle. Natural light enters from the French doors that overlook the water beyond.
Home Office
Mahogany-trimmed French doors and crown molding set a distinguished tone in the office. A wood desk faces outward toward the double-door exit, surrounded by built-in shelving, horse-themed art, and sculpture. Traditional furniture choices complete a purposeful and balanced workspace.
Source: Andra O’Neill @ @Properties Christie’S International Real Estate via Coldwell Banker Realty
1. Chicago, IL – $18,500,000
Built in 1888 and spanning 13,400 square feet, the Thompson House in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood is listed for $18,500,000 and features 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a 1-bedroom carriage house above a heated 3-car garage.
Restored beginning in 2009, the home blends original architectural details by Cobb & Frost with modern smart-home upgrades, including an elevator, Control4 system, and advanced HVAC.
Set on a historic lot, the property also includes a private walled courtyard with fountains and a fireplace, luxurious indoor spa amenities, and one-of-a-kind finishes such as hand-carved mahogany, Italian marble, and custom stained glass.
Where is Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood?
The Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago is located on the Near North Side, bounded roughly by North Avenue to the north, Oak Street to the south, Clark Street to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east. It developed rapidly in the late 19th century after Potter Palmer built his mansion on Lake Shore Drive, attracting Chicago’s wealthiest families to the area. Today, the neighborhood remains a symbol of historic affluence, home to opulent residences, architectural landmarks, and some of the city’s most exclusive shopping and dining.
Main Hall
Glowing under a chandelier’s soft light, the main hall is wrapped in paneled wood and polished stone flooring. A curved staircase leads upward beside a red marble fireplace framed by dark velvet chairs and a gold-trimmed mirror. Just beyond the archway, dining chairs peek from a nearby room.
Living Room
Tucked beneath coffered ceilings, the formal living room blends plush textures and classic silhouettes. Two velvet sofas face a tufted ottoman while tall windows pour in natural light through sheer drapes. A grand piano, antique cabinet, and crystal chandelier complete the scene.
Home Office
Sweeping windows curve across the back wall of the study, wrapping around a traditional desk. A fireplace, bookshelves, and a tailored sofa frame the room with deep-toned millwork and soft lighting. Elegant furnishings suggest quiet productivity surrounded by timeless decor.
Bedroom
Morning light filters through three tall windows in this second-floor primary bedroom. A chandelier centers the room above a cream rug, anchoring the space around a bed flanked by dark wood nightstands. The seating bench and console near the wall hint at a blend of comfort and formality.
Bathroom
Tones of marble and polished wood meet in the spacious main bathroom. A freestanding tub sits by a large window while a glass shower stands opposite a double vanity stretching the length of the wall. Reflections from overhead lights catch on chrome fixtures and glossy cabinetry.
Source: Millie Rosenbloom @ Baird & Warner via Coldwell Banker Realty
