Listing provided courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ChicagoMREDas Distributed by MLSGrid- MLS# 12404241MLS Provider

285 W Westminster AvenueLake Forest, IL 60045

Single Family · 7 Beds · 7 Full Baths · 1 Half Bath · 8,135 Sq. ft. | 2.02 Acres
$3,795,000 Active

285 W Westminster Avenue Overview

Time on Site:
300 days
Visits:
113

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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285 W Westminster Avenue Facts & Features

  • Type Single Family
  • Sq. ft. 8,135
  • Price/Sq.ft. $467
  • Lot 2.02 Acres

Details

General

Association/HOA

  • Association Fee Frequency: Not Applicable
  • Association Fee Includes: None

School Information

  • School District: 115
  • Elementary School: Sheridan Elementary School
  • Middle Or Junior School: Deer Path Middle School
  • High School: Lake Forest High School

Building Information

  • New Construction: No
  • Year Built: 1982

Location/Region

  • County Or Parish: Lake
  • MLS Area Major: Lake Forest
  • Township: Shields

Community/Development

  • Community Features: Park, Pool, Tennis Court(s), Lake, Curbs, Street Paved

Tax Information

  • Tax Annual Amount: $62,319.00
  • Tax Year: 2023

General Information

  • New Construction: No
  • Ownership: Fee Simple
  • Parcel Number: 12322010330000
  • Property Type: Residential
  • Special Listing Conditions: List Broker Must Accompany

Interior

Building Information

  • Approx. Total Finished SqFt.: 9640
  • Basement SqFt.: 1903
  • Disability Access: No
  • Total SqFt.: 8135
  • Unfinished Basement SqFt.: 398

Parking Information

  • Garage Spaces: 4

Beds/Baths

  • Bathrooms Full: 7
  • Bathrooms Half: 1
  • Bathrooms Total: 8
  • Bedrooms Total: 7
  • Bedrooms Possible: 7

Building Interior

  • Below Grade Finished Area: 1505
  • Fireplace Location: Family Room,Living Room,Master Bedroom,Other,Bedroom,Den/Library,Great Room,Kitchen

General Information

  • Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, High End Refrigerator, Freezer, Disposal, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator, Cooktop, Oven, Range Hood, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven, Electric Oven, Humidifier
  • Basement: Finished, Crawl Space, Egress Window, Concrete, Rec/Family Area, Storage Space, Full
  • Cooling: Central Air
  • Door Features: French Doors,Storm Door(s),Pocket Door(s),6 Panel Door(s)
  • Electric: Circuit Breakers, 200+ Amp Service
  • Fireplace Features: Gas Log,Gas Starter
  • Fireplaces Total: 4
  • Flooring: Hardwood, Carpet
  • Heating: Natural Gas, Forced Air, Zoned, Radiant Floor
  • Interior Features: Vaulted Ceiling(s), Cathedral Ceiling(s), Wet Bar, In-Law Floorplan, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, High Ceilings, Beamed Ceilings, Open Floorplan, Special Millwork, Cocktail Lounge, Granite Counters, Health Facilities, Separate Dining Room, Paneling, Pantry, Workshop
  • Laundry Features: Upper Level,Gas Dryer Hookup,Electric Dryer Hookup,In Unit,Laundry Closet,Multiple Locations,Sink
  • Living Area: 8135
  • Living Area Source: Appraiser
  • Other Equipment: TV-Cable, Security System, CO Detectors, Ceiling Fan(s), Sump Pump, Sprinkler-Lawn, Generator, Multiple Water Heaters
  • Rooms Total: 15
  • Window Features: Screens, Skylight(s), Window Treatments, Drapes, Blinds, Double Pane Windows, Insulated Windows, Wood Frames, Some Wood Windows

Exterior

Parking Information

  • Parking Features: Asphalt, Brick Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Enclosed, Additional Parking, Storage, Owned
  • Parking Total: 8

Lot Information

  • Lot Features: Corner Lot, Cul-De-Sac, Forest Preserve Adjacent, Nature Preserve Adjacent, Landscaped, Wooded, Mature Trees, Backs to Trees/Woods, Garden
  • Lot Size Acres: 2.02
  • Lot Size Dimensions: 210x490.13x150.27x486.48
  • Water Source: Public

Waterfront/View

  • Waterfront: No

Building Exterior/Construction

  • Architectural Style: English
  • Construction Materials: Brick
  • Roof: Shake

General Information

  • Exterior Features: Lighting
  • Other Structures: Tennis Court(s),Storage
  • Sewer: Public Sewer

Room Information

Room: Recreation Room

  • Level: Basement
  • Dimensions: 28X27

Room: Bar/Entertainment

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 12X10

Room: Dining Room

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 20X15

Room: Family Room

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 24X18

Room: Foyer

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 18X12

Room: Kitchen

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 22X19

Room: Living Room

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 37X32

Room: Office

  • Level: Main
  • Dimensions: 24X10

  • Level: N/A

Room: Bedroom 2

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 15X12

Room: Bedroom 3

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 12X11

Room: Bedroom 4

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 13X12

Room: Bedroom 6

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 17X14

Room: Bedroom 7

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 14X12

Room: Kitchen- 2nd

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 10X9

Room: Laundry

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 8X8

Room: Master Bedroom

  • Level: Second
  • Dimensions: 18X15

Room: Bedroom 5

  • Level: Third
  • Dimensions: 15X12

Room: Great Room

  • Level: Third
  • Dimensions: 19X13

285 W Westminster Avenue Neighborhood

Community

60045 (Lake Forest) Demographics

47
Median Age
942
Population Density (per sq. mile)
84%
College Educated
$189,013
Estimated Median Income
6,815
Estimated Total Home Owners
998
Estimated Total Renters
87% / 13%
Estimated Owner / Renter Divide
3
Estimated Average Household Size
Community data courtesy of LiveBy, Inc.

Schools

School data courtesy of LiveBy, Inc. School ratings are based on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest rating and 1 being the lowest rating.

285 W Westminster Avenue Monthly Cost

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* All calculations are estimates and provided by Reliance Network, for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary. ** Assumes 6.50% APR, 20% down payment, and conventional 30-year fixed rate first mortgage. Rates cited are for instructional purposes only; current rates are subject to change at any time without notice. You should not make any decisions based simply on the information provided. Additional required amounts such as taxes, insurance, homeowner association dues, assessments, mortgage insurance premiums, flood insurance or other such required payments should also be considered. Contact your mortgage company for current rates and additional information. Any mortgage broker or insurance agent that may appear is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or provided by the MLS.

285 W Westminster Avenue Market Data

Based on the last 30 days in this zip code

$2,347,137
Average List Price
$481
Average Price per Square Foot
30
Properties Sold
71
Average Days on Market
79
Properties for Sale
Calculations provided by Reliance Network

285 W Westminster Avenue History

Date Event Value Agent
5/20/2026Source: MRED Status Change
Active
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
5/15/2026Source: MRED Price Reduction
$3,795,000 -2.7%
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
5/15/2026Source: MRED Status Change
Price Change
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
4/5/2026Source: MRED Status Change
Active
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
3/31/2026Source: MRED Price Reduction
$3,900,000 -9.3%
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
3/31/2026Source: MRED Status Change
Re-activated
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
9/7/2025Source: MRED Status Change
Active
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent
9/2/2025Source: MRED Added to Database
September 02, 2025
Juli Hallas
Listing Agent