Just steps from downtown Highland Park's shops, restaurants, library, train, and close to Lake Michigan, Thornycote is a home where location and history come together beautifully. Designed in 1901 by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, this English Arts and Crafts residence is a remarkable expression of craftsmanship, proportion, and grace. Set on more than an acre of lush, landscaped grounds, Thornycote offers a rare sense of privacy while remaining connected to everything that makes Highland Park special. A handsome foyer sets the tone, introducing the home's elegant proportions, exceptional woodwork, and remarkable architectural integrity. Throughout, Shaw's thoughtful design is evident in the details, from the formal living room anchored by a commanding wood-burning fireplace to the expansive family room, which opens onto a generous terrace. The gracious dining room flows naturally into a bright sunroom, equally suited to morning coffee or evening conversation. A richly detailed library provides a quiet retreat, while the renovated kitchen brings modern function to the historic setting with custom cabinetry, a butler's pantry, coffee bar, and mudroom. An extra-wide staircase leads to the second floor, where the primary suite offers a private retreat with an adjoining sitting and dressing room, wood-burning fireplace, and spacious updated bath overlooking the grounds. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath and connect to a cozy sitting room ideal for reading or play. A second-floor laundry adds everyday convenience. The expansive third floor offers remarkable flexibility, with four bedrooms, two full baths, and a large bonus room that can adapt to whatever life requires, from playroom and home office to media lounge or studio. Beyond the main residence, a 1,600-square-foot coach house adds an extraordinary layer of possibility. With four garage bays, a two-bedroom suite, and a conference room overlooking dramatic ravine views framed by two stone bridges, it is a rare setting where work, creativity, and nature come together. And then there are the discoveries. A hidden speakeasy tucked behind a mirrored door. Secret gardens. Winding pathways made for wandering. At Thornycote, the experience extends well beyond the architecture. More than a residence, Thornycote is a singular piece of Highland Park history, where Howard Van Doren Shaw's artistry remains very much alive.
Active
$1,599,000
215 Prospect Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035
6beds
5,000sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1901
-- sqft lot
$-- Zestimate®
$320/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Remarkable architectural integrityElegant proportionsSecret gardensExtra-wide staircaseHandsome foyerGracious dining roomExceptional woodwork
- --
- 2,176
- views
- 138
- saves
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Keith Goad 773-750-5201,
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12733085
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 7
- Full bathrooms: 6
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Bedroom 5, Bedroom 6, Eating Area, Library, Bonus Room, Tandem Room, Sitting Room, Heated Sun Room, Foyer
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet), Bathroom (Full, Double Sink, Tub & Separate Shwr)
- Level: Second
- Area: 342 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19X18
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 300 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 20X15
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X15
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Third
- Area: 224 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X14
Bedroom 5
- Level: Third
- Area: 140 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10X14
Bedroom 6
- Level: Third
- Area: 100 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10X10
Bonus room
- Level: Third
- Area: 391 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 23X17
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 285 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X19
Eating area
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 91 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 07X13
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 399 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19X21
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 108 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 09X12
Other
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 96 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 08X12
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Table Space, Galley, Island, Pantry-Butler, Pantry-Closet, Custom Cabinetry, Updated Kitchen), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 260 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X20
Laundry
- Level: Second
- Area: 35 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 05X07
Library
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 255 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X15
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Sitting room
- Level: Second
- Area: 180 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X12
Other
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Second
- Area: 96 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 08X12
Heating
- Radiator(s)
Cooling
- Small Duct High Velocity, Wall Unit(s)
Appliances
- Included: Double Oven, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Freezer, Cooktop, Oven, Range Hood, Gas Cooktop
- Laundry: Upper Level, Gas Dryer Hookup, Sink
Features
- Sauna, In-Law Floorplan, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Historic/Period Mlwk, Special Millwork, Granite Counters, Pantry
- Flooring: Hardwood, Carpet
- Basement: Exterior Entry,Other,Storage Space,Walk-Up Access,Full,Walk-Out Access
- Attic: Finished,Interior Stair
- Number of fireplaces: 3
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning, Family Room, Master Bedroom, Other
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 5,000 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 4
- Parking features: Gravel, Heated Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Detached, Garage
- Garage spaces: 4
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 3
Lot
- Dimensions: 135X342.37X105.89X342.37
- Features: Landscaped, Wooded
Details
- Parcel number: 16234110160000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
- Other equipment: Sump Pump, Sprinkler-Lawn
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: English,Prairie,Other
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Shingle Siding
- Roof: Shake
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1901
- Major remodel year: 2017
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Circuit Breakers
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Street Paved
- Subdivision: East Highland Park
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Highland Park
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $320/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,580,462
- Annual tax amount: $45,964
- Date on market: 8/14/2026
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/14/2026 | Listing removed | $1,690,000$338/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12666476 Report a problem | ||
| 5/12/2026 | Price change | $1,690,000-4.8%$338/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12518546 Report a problem | ||
| 4/13/2026 | Price change | $1,775,000-5.3%$355/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12518546 Report a problem | ||
| 11/17/2025 | Listed for sale | $1,875,000$375/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12518546 Report a problem | ||
| 10/1/2025 | Listing removed | $1,875,000$375/sqft |
Source:  Engel & Volkers #12330124 Report a problem | ||
| 6/8/2025 | Listed for sale | $1,875,000+404.5%$375/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12330124 Report a problem | ||
| 12/16/1993 | Sold | $371,666$74/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $43,650 +6.6% | $558,743 +6.1% |
| 2023 | $40,952 +8.7% | $526,768 +10.9% |
| 2022 | $37,665 +8.5% | $474,823 +11.9% |
| 2021 | $34,725 +4.1% | $424,147 +3.4% |
| 2020 | $33,347 +3.5% | $410,002 +0.5% |
| 2019 | $32,214 +3.3% | $408,084 -3.9% |
| 2018 | $31,175 | $424,702 +0.6% |
| 2017 | $31,175 +16.7% | $422,253 +5.8% |
| 2016 | $26,722 -3.8% | $399,115 +17.3% |
| 2015 | $27,785 +1.6% | $340,230 +0.1% |
| 2014 | $27,336 +2.9% | $339,846 -0.6% |
| 2012 | $26,577 -6.9% | $341,829 -12% |
| 2011 | $28,547 -19.7% | $388,511 -28.9% |
| 2010 | $35,549 +2.7% | $546,700 -5.6% |
| 2009 | $34,621 +3.1% | $579,377 -1% |
| 2008 | $33,595 +12.5% | $585,229 +4.8% |
| 2006 | $29,868 +5.5% | $558,691 |
| 2005 | $28,308 +15.7% | -- |
| 2004 | $24,460 +6% | -- |
| 2003 | $23,080 -6.3% | -- |
| 2002 | $24,635 -1.4% | -- |
| 2001 | $24,975 +59% | $370,508 +68% |
| 2000 | $15,703 | $220,596 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.Climate risks
Neighborhood: 60035
Nearby schools
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Indian Trail Elementary School
- Middle: Edgewood Middle School
- High: Highland Park High School
- District: 112
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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