Step into the world of Illinois’ best-kept secrets: five secluded mansions that redefine elegance and privacy. Each of these estates offers a unique story, blending architectural mastery with hidden tranquility. In Lake Forest, discover a sprawling 3,200-square-foot haven where modern amenities meet classic charm. Just down the road, sits a 4,000 square feet home of timeless grace, complete with a formal dining room and lush patio views.
Head to Mettawa, where a 5,000-square-foot retreat on Southwoods Lane pairs luxurious interiors with wooded seclusion. For a cozier escape, Naperville’s Shamrock Court invites you with vaulted ceilings and cul-de-sac charm, while Lake Bluff’s Lakeland Drive dazzles with scenic lake views and a fireplace fit for unwinding. These five estates are exclusive destinations that whisper of luxury, privacy, and a life well-lived.
1. French Country Estate in Lake Forest
This historic French country estate was designed by architect David Adler in 1914. Spanning over 11,000 square feet, it features eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and elegant interiors with high ceilings, herringbone parquet flooring, and custom marble finishes. The 2-acre grounds include resort-style amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, tennis court, and formal gardens, offering privacy and luxury.
Where is Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois, maintains a distinct identity with its carefully planned residential developments, preserved natural spaces, and historic institutions. The city enforces strict zoning regulations to protect its wooded areas and lakefront access. Lake Forest College, founded in 1857, contributes to the city’s educational and cultural landscape. Market Square, one of the first planned shopping districts in the U.S., remains a central part of the community. The city is also home to the headquarters of several major corporations, including Brunswick Corporation and Tenneco. With its location along Lake Michigan and access to the Metra Union Pacific North Line, Lake Forest combines suburban living with direct connections to Chicago.
Living Room
Tall windows framed with ornate drapes allow ample natural light into the room. A large chandelier with detailed craftsmanship hangs from the ceiling, adding a focal point. Seating includes an upholstered settee and accent chairs, complemented by decorative mirrors, small side tables, and indoor plants. Warm-toned tile flooring and a neutral area rug balance the room’s opulent details.
Dining Room
Formal dining room featuring a long polished table with upholstered chairs in gold frames. Floor-to-ceiling windows with heavy patterned drapes bring in natural light. A decorative chandelier hangs above the table, and a carved fireplace adorned with candelabras and framed art serves as the room’s focal point. Detailed wall moldings and a patterned area rug enhance the classic style.
Kitchen
Dark wood cabinetry with glass-front doors surrounds the space, showcasing fine glassware and china. Black granite countertops contrast with the rich wood tones, while a gold sink and faucet add refined accents. A stained glass chandelier draws attention to the herringbone wood flooring, creating visual interest. Built-in wine storage and under-cabinet lighting enhance the kitchen’s functionality and design.
Bedroom
Richly patterned drapes with gold accents frame multiple windows, bringing attention to the natural light. A tufted bed with a decorative headboard sits between two bedside tables with vintage-style lamps. Built-in shelves filled with decorative items add visual interest to one wall. The wood floors and large area rug create warmth and complement the traditional design.
Terrace
An elevated stone terrace features a balustrade railing and a seating area with an outdoor table and chairs. A vibrant red-leaved tree stands out prominently against the surrounding greenery. Ivy climbs portions of the nearby walls, while large windows from the adjacent building overlook the patio. The backdrop includes additional trees, contributing to a natural and seasonal landscape.
Source: Coldwell Banker
2. Stone and Slate Roof Estate
This $3,250,000 luxury estate boasts 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 11,000 square feet of living space, and sits on a sprawling 4.44-acre lot. Located in Libertyville, the property showcases a stone exterior, slate roof, and dormer windows. A circular brick-paved driveway guides visitors to the main entrance, bordered by neatly trimmed greenery and garden beds. The design includes an attached garage seamlessly integrated into the structure. The well-maintained lawn and shrubs enhance the home’s refined appearance and symmetrical layout.
Where is Libertyville?
Libertyville, Illinois, is a village in Lake County located about 40 miles north of downtown Chicago. It has a historic downtown district with restaurants, shops, and local businesses. The village is served by Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School within Community High School District 128. Libertyville has a Metra station on the Milwaukee District North Line, providing commuter rail service to Chicago. The village operates several parks, recreational facilities, and trails, including the Libertyville Sports Complex and Independence Grove Forest Preserve. Major roads such as U.S. Route 45 and Illinois Route 176 connect Libertyville to surrounding communities.
Living Room
Built-in wood cabinetry surrounds the fireplace, with decorative sconces and a large mirror enhancing the focal point. Curved, upholstered seating and neutral-toned pillows create an inviting conversation space around a long, gold-toned coffee table. A staircase with white railings and open archways leads to the adjacent areas. Large windows on the right let in natural light, complementing the clean, bright walls.
Open-Concept Kitchen
Bright kitchen featuring a large central island with marble countertops and seating for five. White cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, including a range hood, complement the space. Recessed lighting and a decorative chandelier provide ample illumination. The layout includes hardwood flooring, an arched doorway, and an adjacent seating area.
Formal Dining Room
A large crystal chandelier serves as the focal point above a dark wood dining table with seating for eight. Neutral walls and white wainscoting create a bright, cohesive look, complemented by light-colored upholstered chairs. A decorative mirror and sideboard enhance the symmetry of the room. Large windows provide natural light, while sconces add ambient lighting.
Bedroom
Large arched windows and glass doors allow abundant natural light into the bedroom, highlighting the hardwood floors. A decorative chandelier hangs from the vaulted ceiling, centered over the bed with neutral bedding and plush pillows. The room includes a dark dresser, a large mirror, and a classic armoire. Sliding doors open to a private outdoor area, adding connection to the surrounding greenery.
Slate Roof
This house features a steep slate roof with dormer windows and a tall chimney. The stone patio includes curved steps and built-in planters with flowers, leading to an outdoor dining area. Large windows and a side entry door open toward the courtyard, surrounded by stonework and greenery. The scene is framed by trees and a clear sky
Source: Coldwell Banker
3. Lake Forest Estate
This estate features a French-inspired facade with light stonework, symmetrical windows, and steep-pitched roofs with dormer accents. A large gravel driveway opens to a circular courtyard with a fountain centerpiece. The main building is flanked by wings that create a balanced, grand appearance. The surrounding grounds include hedges and mature trees, adding to the estate’s secluded setting. This home covers 25,000 sq. ft. with a whopping nine bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.
Where is Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois, is a city in Lake County located on the shores of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. It is known for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and planned residential developments. Lake Forest is home to several institutions, including Lake Forest College and the corporate headquarters of companies such as Brunswick Corporation and Tenneco. The city has a commuter rail station on the Metra Union Pacific North Line, offering access to Chicago. Public schools in Lake Forest are managed by Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115. The community also features public parks, a beach, and access to recreational activities along the lakefront.
Living Room
Wood-paneled walls with decorative moldings create a warm backdrop for multiple seating arrangements featuring a mix of armchairs, sofas, and coffee tables. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding elegance to the space. Large windows with French doors let in natural light, illuminating the detailed parquet floors and colorful area rugs. Plants and framed artwork contribute to the room’s refined and inviting ambiance.
Traditional Sitting Room
Living room with extensive wood-paneled walls, built-in bookshelves, and a central fireplace adorned with artwork. A large crystal chandelier hangs above an arrangement of armchairs and tables on a red patterned area rug. Decorative shelves display fine china and collectibles, contributing to the room’s formal ambiance. Classic furniture pieces and decorative accents enhance the traditional design.
Bedroom with Fireplace
Floral patterns on the bedding and curtains blend with the soft cream walls, creating a cohesive design. A decorative fireplace with intricate molding serves as a focal point, flanked by wall sconces for added lighting. The colorful area rug adds texture and warmth to the hardwood floors. Subtle detailing on the walls and ceiling enhances the traditional style of the room.
Sunroom
White metal tables and chairs are arranged across a sunroom with blue herringbone-patterned flooring. Large windows fill the space with natural light, while stained glass accents add decorative detail. Shelves and stands hold various potted plants, enhancing the room’s garden-like atmosphere. The beamed ceiling and ceiling fan contribute to the room’s airy, open design.
Entrance to Grand Manor
A paved driveway shaded by large trees leads to a gated entrance with stone pillars. Beyond the gates, a light-colored, multi-story estate with a mansard roof and dormer windows sits in the center of the property. Fenced greenery surrounds the entrance, creating a private, enclosed setting. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting intricate shadows across the driveway.
Source: Coldwell Banker
4. Brick and Stone Estate
This home boasts 10,400 sq. ft. with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It also features a blend of red brick and natural stone with large windows and an elegant turret-style entry. The stamped concrete driveway forms a circular loop around a central decorative fountain. The covered side portico connects to the main structure, creating a seamless flow for vehicles and guests. Manicured landscaping, including shrubs and flowering plants, frames the home, adding to its refined curb appeal.
Where is Naperville?
Naperville, Illinois, is a city in DuPage and Will counties, located about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago. It has a strong local economy supported by industries such as technology, healthcare, and education. Naperville is home to several corporate headquarters and research centers, including those of Nokia and Edward-Elmhurst Health. The city operates its own public library system, which is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Naperville’s downtown area includes retail shops, restaurants, and the Naperville Riverwalk, a public park along the DuPage River. The city is served by two Metra stations on the BNSF Railway line, providing commuter access to Chicago. Naperville has highly rated public schools within Naperville Community Unit School Districts 203 and 204.
Grand Foyer
Double doors with decorative glass panels open to a bright foyer featuring a marble-topped table on an ornate red rug. A large crystal chandelier hangs above, highlighting the curved wooden staircase with intricate wrought iron railings. Plants, artwork, and a mirrored console table enhance the welcoming ambiance.
Formal Dining Room
Rich orange walls contrast with white columns and large windows, creating a balance of warmth and brightness. A detailed chandelier hangs from a circular ceiling feature above a carved wood dining table and upholstered chairs. The adjacent sitting area with a piano enhances the openness and flow of the space.
Kitchen
Spacious kitchen featuring rich wood cabinets, granite countertops, and a large island with bar seating. A stone range hood with decorative copper accents creates a focal point above the cooktop. Pendant lights hang above the island, and stainless steel appliances contribute to a modern yet traditional design.
Breakfast Nook
A round marble-top table with wrought iron chairs is centered beneath a modern pendant light. Large bay windows with decorative Roman shades provide ample natural light and views of the greenery outside. The area connects to a deck through a glass-paneled door, while rich wooden cabinetry contrasts with the room’s light-colored floor tiles.
Patio and Pool
A brick house features tall windows and a covered balcony supported by columns. The stone patio includes a metal outdoor dining set and leads to a landscaped garden and in-ground pool. Green hedges, trees, and flowers surround the pool, creating a private and scenic outdoor space.
Source: Coldwell Banker
5. Lake Bluff Brick Estate
Located in Lake Bluff, this 7,418 sq. ft. home features a symmetrical brick facade with a slate roof and dormer windows. The central entrance includes an arched doorway framed by stone accents and decorative lanterns. Multiple chimneys, bay windows, and a sunroom extension add character and functionality. The manicured front lawn and mature trees frame the estate, creating a stately curb appeal. This home also includes five bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
Where is Lake Bluff?
Lake Bluff, Illinois, is a village in Lake County located along the shores of Lake Michigan, about 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. It is primarily a residential community with a historic downtown area that includes shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Lake Bluff is served by Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65 and Lake Forest High School in District 115. The village has a Metra station on the Union Pacific North Line, providing commuter rail service to Chicago. Public parks, a beach, and access to the Robert McClory Bike Path offer outdoor recreation options. Lake Bluff also has a history of naval training activity due to its proximity to the former Naval Station Great Lakes.
Living Room
Framed by large curtains, the grand piano sits near a cozy seating area that features a blue sofa and floral-patterned armchairs. Built-in shelves on either side of the fireplace showcase framed photos and decor. Ornate details on the crown molding, mirror, and fireplace mantel add elegance to the space, while soft lighting from table lamps creates a warm ambiance.
Formal Dining Space
Deep blue walls contrast with white crown molding and frame the room’s ornate wood cabinetry and fireplace mantel. A long dining table with polished wood chairs and blue upholstered seats is centered under two brass chandeliers. A large glass-front cabinet displays fine china, while a red and blue patterned rug adds vibrant color to the hardwood floor.
Bedroom
Light-filled bedroom featuring an arched window with floral drapes and a built-in window seat. The ceiling is painted with a sky design, and mural-style artwork decorates the walls. A vintage-style metal bed frame, soft carpeting, and a rocking chair create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Sunroom
A narrow sunroom features red brick walls and large windows, creating a bright space with views of the outside. The sloped glass ceiling with exposed wooden beams allows additional natural light to enter. Wire shelves line one wall, while a built-in sink and counter provide functionality for gardening or outdoor meal prep.
Pool
An in-ground pool with an attached circular spa is surrounded by a stone deck and black metal fencing. The seating area includes lounge chairs, a table with an umbrella, and potted plants for decoration. The surrounding lawn and garden feature mature trees and vibrant flowers, creating a secluded outdoor space.
Source: Coldwell Banker
