Situated in the heart of Lake Forest's picturesque Historic District, just a few blocks from the vibrant downtown, this enchanting five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom Four Square-style home seamlessly blends the charm of its original 1903 design with modern luxury. Offering over 5,200 square feet of finished living space, this meticulously updated residence boasts all-new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, ensuring both comfort and efficiency. Spanning three expansive levels-including a finished basement and a rare walk-up third floor with a full bath-the home's gracious floor plan is designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. Highlights include a welcoming screened porch ideal for summer evenings, a dedicated first-floor office with a fireplace, and French doors leading to the porch. The large formal dining room showcases an elegant bow window with a built-in seat, while the stunning kitchen-featuring high-end white cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, and premium stainless steel appliances-flows effortlessly into a cozy family room. Throughout the home, historic millwork, four fireplaces, and rich hardwood floors add warmth and character. Outside, the professionally designed landscaping by renowned landscape architect Craig Bergmann creates a breathtaking retreat. A brick paver courtyard, draped in flowering vines beneath a trellis, offers a serene escape, while a bluestone dining patio, lush lawn, garden shed, and landscape irrigation and lighting complete the outdoor oasis. Timeless elegance meets modern convenience in this exceptional Lake Forest home-offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of history with all the comforts of today.
Closed
$1,699,000
261 Vine Ave, Lake Forest, IL 60045
5beds
5,200sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1903
0.3 Acres Lot
$1,799,400 Zestimate®
$327/sqft
$6,719 Estimated rent
Home value
$1,799,400
$1.62M - $2.00M
$6,719/mo
Zestimate® history
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Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Bonnie Tripton 773-896-5628,
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Bought with:
Bonnie Tripton
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12307494
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Office, Recreation Room, Game Room, Exercise Room, Bedroom 5, Loft
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Second
- Area: 377 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 29X13
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X13
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 169 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X13
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X13
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Third
- Area: 156 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X12
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 210 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X14
Exercise room
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 120 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X10
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 270 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X15
Game room
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 400 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 20X20
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Table Space, Island), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 330 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X15
Laundry
- Level: Basement
- Area: 168 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X12
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 286 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X13
Loft
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Third
- Area: 455 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 35X13
Office
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 240 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 20X12
Recreation room
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 324 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X18
Heating
- Natural Gas, Forced Air
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Range Hood
Features
- Built-in Features, Center Hall Plan
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Basement: Finished,Full
- Attic: Finished,Interior Stair
- Number of fireplaces: 4
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Gas Starter, Family Room, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Den/Library
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 5,200 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 3
- Parking features: Asphalt, Garage Door Opener, On Site, Garage Owned, Detached, Garage
- Garage spaces: 3
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 3
- Patio & porch: Patio
Lot
- Size: 0.3 Acres
- Dimensions: 51X249X51X263
- Features: Landscaped, Mature Trees
Details
- Additional structures: Garage(s)
- Parcel number: 12331260070000
- Special conditions: None
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: American 4-Sq.
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stucco
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1903
- Major remodel year: 1995
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 200+ Amp Service
- Sewer: Public Sewer, Storm Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan, Public
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Sidewalks, Street Lights, Street Paved
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Lake Forest
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $327/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,313,025
- Annual tax amount: $23,677
- Date on market: 3/14/2025
- Listing terms: Conventional
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/14/2025 | Sold | $1,699,000+6.2%$327/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12307494 Report a problem | ||
| 8/30/2024 | Sold | $1,600,000-5.6%$308/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12081948 Report a problem | ||
| 7/19/2024 | Contingent | $1,695,000$326/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12081948 Report a problem | ||
| 6/21/2024 | Listed for sale | $1,695,000+398.5%$326/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12081948 Report a problem | ||
| 7/5/1995 | Sold | $340,000$65/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $26,171 +10.5% | $454,217 +3.8% |
| 2023 | $23,677 +11% | $437,631 +13.9% |
| 2022 | $21,324 +2.9% | $384,210 +7% |
| 2021 | $20,730 +2.3% | $359,158 +0.3% |
| 2020 | $20,267 +5.3% | $358,030 +1.9% |
| 2019 | $19,254 +16.4% | $351,458 +13.4% |
| 2018 | $16,545 | $309,969 -4.1% |
| 2017 | $16,545 +5.5% | $323,337 +5.1% |
| 2016 | $15,676 +9.5% | $307,764 +6.2% |
| 2015 | $14,320 +1.2% | $289,796 +11% |
| 2014 | $14,156 +2% | $261,016 -0.9% |
| 2012 | $13,882 +2.5% | $263,280 -9.4% |
| 2011 | $13,549 -13% | $290,728 -19.4% |
| 2010 | $15,582 +3% | $360,766 -8.4% |
| 2009 | $15,121 +1.7% | $393,979 -2% |
| 2008 | $14,869 -0.2% | $401,855 +2.8% |
| 2006 | $14,893 -2.3% | $391,062 |
| 2005 | $15,247 +16.8% | -- |
| 2004 | $13,051 +3.3% | -- |
| 2003 | $12,636 +10.6% | -- |
| 2002 | $11,422 +4.5% | -- |
| 2001 | $10,929 +1.7% | $238,082 +5.6% |
| 2000 | $10,752 | $225,459 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: 60045
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Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 10/10Deer Path Middle School EastGrades: 5-6Distance: 2.1 mi
- 10/10Deer Path Middle School WestGrades: 7-8Distance: 2.1 mi
- 9/10Lake Forest High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 1.2 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Sheridan Elementary School
- Middle: Deer Path Middle School
- High: Lake Forest High School
- District: 67
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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Estimated market value
$1,799,400
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Estimated market value
$1,799,400
- Illinois
- Lake County
- Lake Forest
- 60045
- 261 Vine Ave
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