This New England coastal-style Cape Cod is set on the tree-lined boulevard of Center Avenue blocks from Lake Michigan, downtown Lake Bluff, and the area's best parks and schools. A recently renovated exterior sets a classic tone with a new roof, fresh siding, and landscaping that reflect the same care carried through the interiors. Inside, the main floor establishes a natural flow from the entry to the formal living room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen, which is appointed with a farmhouse sink, Wolf cooktop and oven, a Bosch dishwasher, cherrywood cabinetry, granite counters, built-ins, and breakfast-bar seating. The spacious family room, anchored by a fireplace, opens to a paver patio and a privately fenced backyard with peaceful gardens. Hardwood floors, wainscotting, interesting millwork, and architectural details further lend the home character. A first-floor bedroom with easy access to a renovated full bath presents a flexible option for a guest room, a home office, or multigenerational living. Residing upstairs are three bedrooms and a full bath. The primary bedroom is generously sized, featuring two walk-in closets and custom built-ins, with space enough to build out an ensuite for the next owner. Completing the property is a partially finished basement with laundry and ample storage, a 1-car attached garage, newer windows, custom built-ins, a new washer and dryer, and many other updates that enhance its day-to-day livability. Owned and thoughtfully improved by the same family since 2013, this home reflects years of careful stewardship and pride of ownership. With convenient access to downtown Lake Bluff, the train, schools, parks, and beach, it is a rare find.
Re-activated
$975,000
222 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
4beds
2,493sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1955
6,098 Square Feet Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$391/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Farmhouse sinkBreakfast-bar seatingBosch dishwasherRecently renovated exteriorCherrywood cabinetryNewer windowsCustom built-ins
- 43 days |
- 849 |
- 34 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Annie Royster Lenzke 847-234-8000,
Coldwell Banker Realty,
Jean Royster, ABR,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12673357
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Rooms
- Room types: Recreation Room, Foyer, Storage
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 377 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X29
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 266 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19X14
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 196 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X14
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Main
- Area: 169 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X13
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 391 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X23
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 72 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 8X9
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Breakfast Bar), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 312 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X24
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 180 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X10
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 286 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X22
Recreation room
- Level: Basement
- Area: 529 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 23X23
Storage
- Level: Basement
- Area: 512 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X32
Heating
- Natural Gas, Forced Air
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
Features
- 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Windows: Screens
- Basement: Partially Finished,Full
- Attic: Dormer,Unfinished
- Number of fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Heatilator, Family Room, Living Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 2,493 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 1
- Parking features: Asphalt, Garage Door Opener, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Garage
- Attached garage spaces: 1
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Patio
- Exterior features: Outdoor Grill
Lot
- Size: 6,098 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 50X126X51X126
Details
- Additional structures: Shed(s)
- Parcel number: 12211170180000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Cape Cod
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Brick, Shake Siding
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1955
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Park, Tennis Court(s), Lake, Curbs, Sidewalks, Street Lights, Street Paved
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Lake Bluff
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $391/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $674,377
- Annual tax amount: $15,521
- Date on market: 7/15/2026
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/26/2026 | Listed for sale | $975,000$391/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12673357 Report a problem | ||
| 8/4/2026 | Contingent | $975,000$391/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12673357 Report a problem | ||
| 7/28/2026 | Listed for sale | $975,000$391/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12673357 Report a problem | ||
| 7/18/2026 | Contingent | $975,000$391/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12673357 Report a problem | ||
| 7/15/2026 | Listed for sale | $975,000+53.5%$391/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12673357 Report a problem | ||
| 3/24/2021 | Listing removed | -- |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/8/2013 | Sold | $635,000-0.8%$255/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #08328413 Report a problem | ||
| 4/25/2013 | Price change | $639,900-0.8%$257/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 4/2/2013 | Listed for sale | $645,000+61.3%$259/sqft |
Source: Owner Report a problem | ||
| 7/10/1997 | Sold | $400,000$160/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14,919 +4.9% | $244,953 +9% |
| 2023 | $14,218 +8.2% | $224,770 +10.7% |
| 2022 | $13,137 +3.6% | $203,136 +6% |
| 2021 | $12,677 +2.2% | $191,699 +0.3% |
| 2020 | $12,402 +3.7% | $191,096 +1.9% |
| 2019 | $11,957 -7.4% | $187,588 -10.3% |
| 2018 | $12,909 | $209,025 +1.7% |
| 2017 | $12,909 +4.7% | $205,531 +5.1% |
| 2016 | $12,328 +21.6% | $195,632 +6.2% |
| 2015 | $10,138 +2.7% | $184,211 +24% |
| 2014 | $9,872 +6.5% | $148,500 -0.9% |
| 2012 | $9,268 -6.5% | $149,788 -9.4% |
| 2011 | $9,907 +0.9% | $165,405 -7.5% |
| 2010 | $9,823 +0.9% | $178,766 -8.4% |
| 2009 | $9,734 +0.3% | $195,223 -2% |
| 2008 | $9,708 +5.7% | $199,125 +2.8% |
| 2006 | $9,188 +5.1% | $193,776 |
| 2005 | $8,738 +15.3% | -- |
| 2004 | $7,580 +1.2% | -- |
| 2003 | $7,488 +12.5% | -- |
| 2002 | $6,658 +10.3% | -- |
| 2001 | $6,039 +3.1% | $116,922 +5.6% |
| 2000 | $5,860 | $110,722 |
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: 60044
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 9/10Lake Bluff Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 0.9 mi
- 9/10Lake Bluff Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 0.3 mi
- 9/10Lake Forest High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Lake Bluff Elementary School
- Middle: Lake Bluff Middle School
- High: Lake Forest High School
- District: 65
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.
- $1,140,3004 bd4 ba2.2k sqft224 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Off Market
- $1,818,8003 bd2 ba1.7k sqft216 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Off Market
- $1,512,6002 bd3 ba2.6k sqft210 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Off Market
- $1,075,0003 bd4 ba2k sqft228 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Sold
- $950,700-- bd3 ba2.2k sqft217 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Off Market
- $1,052,5004 bd2 ba1.5k sqft219 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Off Market
- $934,0004 bd2 ba2.2k sqft215 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Sold
- $962,5003 bd3 ba2.9k sqft221 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044Sold
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
A local lender can help you make sure your offer is ready when you are.
Similar homes
- $999,0005 bd3 ba3.3k sqft2100 Stirling Rd, Bannockburn, IL 60015New
MLS ID #12733613, Nathan Freeborn, Redfin Corporation. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $998,0005 bd4 ba2.7k sqft250 Wilshire Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045Active
MLS ID #12645941, Kimberly Shortsle, Jameson Sotheby's International Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $995,0004 bd3 ba3.5k sqft890 Dryden Ln, Highland Park, IL 60035New
MLS ID #12739925, Beth Wexler, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $850,0004 bd5 ba3.2k sqft2120 Kenton Ln, Libertyville, IL 60048Active
MLS ID #12716742, Shaunna Patterson, @properties Christies International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID - $1,200,0004 bd3 ba3.1k sqft1695 Overland Trl, Deerfield, IL 60015NewMLS ID #12736901, Ryan Pavey, Baird & Warner. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $1,295,0003 bd3 ba2.8k sqft430 N Western Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045NewMLS ID #12740873, Anne Hardy, Berkshire Hathaway-Chicago. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $799,9004 bd4 ba2.8k sqft5544 Oak Grove Dr, Long Grove, IL 60047ActiveMLS ID #12739395, Jane Lee, RE/MAX Top Performers. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $775,0004 bd3 ba2.7k sqft1752 McCraren Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035ActiveMLS ID #12734839, Matt Laricy, Americorp, Ltd. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $925,0004 bd3 ba2.5k sqft25 Birchwood Ave, Deerfield, IL 60015ActiveMLS ID #12719535, Alan Berlow, Coldwell Banker Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $679,0004 bd3 ba2.6k sqft815 Barberry Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035NewMLS ID #12644189, Cheryl Waldstein, CRS, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $900,0004 bd3 ba2.6k sqft2699 Lisa Ct, Northbrook, IL 60062ActiveMLS ID #12716312, Winfield Cohen, Keller Williams Success Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $873,5004 bd2 ba2.6k sqft1538 Oakwood Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035ActiveMLS ID #12699488, Mirella Caputo, ABR,SFR, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $849,9004 bd4 ba3.4k sqft21884 N Andover Rd, Kildeer, IL 60047Price ChangeMLS ID #12724441, Renee Clark, CSC, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $699,0004 bd3 ba3.1k sqft88 Open Pkwy S, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047NewMLS ID #12744378, Helen Oliveri, Helen Oliveri Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $849,0005 bd4 ba2.9k sqft2120 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062ActiveMLS ID #12727355, Pauline Apostolopoulos, Redfin Corporation. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $675,0004 bd3 ba2.9k sqft2330 Coach Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047NewMLS ID #12741959, Peter Babjak, Sky High Real Estate Inc.. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $750,0004 bd3 ba2.4k sqft6 Londonderry Ln, Lincolnshire, IL 60069ActiveMLS ID #12719149, Laurian Greenbury, @properties Christie's International Real Estate. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $589,0004 bd3 ba2.4k sqft15033 W Redwood Ln, Libertyville, IL 60048Price ChangeMLS ID #12721677, Allison Carollo, CSC, Real Broker, LLC. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $975,0004 bd4 ba3.1k sqft1268 N Palos Ave, Palatine, IL 60067ActiveMLS ID #12702945, Joseph Woodbury, Baird & Warner. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
- $1,195,0004 bd4 ba3.6k sqft1741 Stanford Ct, Lake Forest, IL 60045ActiveMLS ID #12701270, Donna Mancuso, Jameson Sotheby's International Realty. MRED as distributed by MLS GRID
