285 W Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Local realty services provided by:Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
285 W Westminster Avenue,Lake Forest, IL 60045
$3,795,000
- 7 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 8,135 sq. ft.
- Single family
- Active
Listed by: juli hallas
Office: berkshire hathaway homeservices chicago
MLS#:12404241
Source:MLSNI
Price summary
- Price:$3,795,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$466.5
About this home
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....
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Home facts
- Year built:1982
- Listing ID #:12404241
- Updated:August 04, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Rooms and interior
- Bedrooms:7
- Total bathrooms:8
- Full bathrooms:7
- Half bathrooms:1
- Rooms Total:15
- Dining Description:Separate Dining Room
- Bathrooms Description:Double Shower, Double Sinks, Full Body Spray Shower, Separate Shower, Soaking Tub, Whirlpool
- Kitchen Description:Cooktop, Dishwasher, Disposal, Electric Oven, Freezer, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven, High End Refrigerator, Kitchen, Microwave, Range, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator
- Basement Description:Egress Window, Finished, Full
- Living area:8,135 sq. ft.
Heating and cooling
- Cooling:Central Air
- Heating:Forced Air, Natural Gas, Zoned
- Central air:Yes
Structure and exterior
- Roof:Shake
- Year built:1982
- Building area:8,135 sq. ft.
- Lot area:2.02 Acres
- Lot Features:Corner Lot, Cul-De-Sac, Forest Preserve Adjacent, Landscaped, Mature Trees, Natural Preserve Adjacent, Wooded
- Architectural Style:English
- Levels:3 Story
Schools
- High school:Lake Forest High School
- Middle school:Deer Path Middle School
- Elementary school:Sheridan Elementary School
Utilities
- Water:Public
- Sewer:Public Sewer
Finances and disclosures
- Price:$3,795,000
- Price per sq. ft.:$466.5
- Tax amount:$62,319 (2023)
Features and amenities
- Amenities:CO Detectors, Ceiling Fan(s), Generator, Multiple Water Heaters, Security System, Sprinkler-Lawn, Sump Pump, TV-Cable
Parking
- Total parking spaces:8
- Parking description:Asphalt, Attached Garage, Brick Driveway, Garage, Storage
- Garage:Yes
- Garage spaces:4
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