Lake Forest Real Estate: Mid-Century Homes To Recently Hit Market

LAKE FOREST, IL — Lake Forest is known for its many architecturally significant grand homes built before the Great Depression for the Midwest's elite, but in addition to Georgians and French Provincial estates erected back in the days when restrictive covenants were used to prevent Jewish and black people from buying property, the affluent 161-year-old city has its share of mid-century architecture, which in Lake Forest ranges from farmhouses to European-inspired mansions to classic ranches to unique modernist designs.

Last month, the median listing price of Lake Forest homes declined to $830,000 from $849,000, according to Realtor.com. Meanwhile, the median sale price dropped from $882,500 to $745,000. Lake Forest is currently a buyer's market, with homes spending an average of more than three months on the market. In October, 20 homes were sold and 39 new listings were added.

Find five homes below built before 1970 and after 1950 in Lake Forest, ordered by price from lowest to highest. Each property was listed within the past two weeks. Click on any image for more photos of the properties.

$409,000 —254 Park Ave.

• Built: 1951
• Square Feet: 1,176
• Lot: 0.25 acres
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Listed: Oct. 31

• Adorable brick ranch completely updated for today's lifestyle. Open floor plan. Kitchen with beautiful cabinetry, stainless appliances, and granite countertops. Finished basement with additional bedroom and full bath. Superior location- Walk to Schools and Town.

$729,000 — 1162 Ash Lawn Drive

• Built: 1964
• Square Feet: 2,921
• Lot: 1.13 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
• Listed: Oct. 26

• This charming farmhouse sits on over an acre in coveted Meadowood with a beautiful west facing backyard. The foyer with marble floor welcomes you into the home and the living room with floor to ceiling windows is wonderful for entertaining. The open floor plans allows for great flow from room to room, including the wonderful screened porch off the family room. The kitchen with bay window and breakfast room overlooks the brick patio, and the wet bar is adjacent to the family room with fireplace. A large master bedroom and bath, plus three additional generously sized bedrooms complete the second floor. Finished basement with recreation room, game area, workroom, huge laundry room and lots of storage. The gorgeous yard with custom landscaping offers lots of privacy. New Hardie board siding and roof.

$1.5 million — 1130 Walden Lane

• Built: 1961
• Square Feet: 3,962
• Lot: 1.57 acre
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3 Full and 2 Half Baths
• Listed: Nov. 5 (Contingent)

• Exceptional Roy Binkley design overlooking a spectacular ravine! Be prepared to fall in love, the great room will take your breath away. Berger Juhl floor, new Bulthaup kitchen, with Gaggenau ovens and subzero refrig. Well cared for gem, with all new baths. Just move in and enjoy!

$1.995 Million — 877 Woodbine Place

• Built: 1965
• Square Feet: 6,560
• Lot: 1.1 acres
• Bedrooms: 6
• Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 half Full and 1 Half Baths
• Listed: Nov. 5

• One of a kind, architecturally stunning, one owner home, in the heart of East Lake Forest. Elite mid-century design offers amazing two story atrium with terrazzo floors creating an intimate interior courtyard. High ceilings and an abundance of natural light grace the rooms with spectacular views of the private gardens & lawns. One block to beach & easy access town. A gem of a home ready for your touches. Style and sophistication are the underlying themes here. Exterior has had all the stucco completely replaced.

$2,495,000 — 480 N. Green Bay Road

• Built: 1968
• Square Feet: 5,964
• Lot: 1.1 acre lot
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 half
• Listed: Oct. 29

• Spectacular architecturally significant Mid-Century estate on 1.5 lush, private gated acres just steps from town. The iconic design by Ike Coburn takes a timeless modern approach to light and layout and delivers gorgeous open spaces - over 5, 900 sqft meticulously preserved and expertly updated with all the coveted amenities reflective of the way we live today. Fabulous central kitchen w/ top of line appliances, over-sized island and abundant custom cabinetry. Entertaining options abound within the appealing light-filled living, dining, family and game rooms. Walls of windows overlooking the idyllic Mariani designed-landscaped park-like grounds and expansive in ground pool. The palatial master suite features his and her bathrooms and closets. Hers with a stunning 300 sq ft fully organized custom closet. 3 car garage and large car park for grand scale entertaining. Exquisite example of the artistic expression of form and function.

Listings originally appeared on realtor.com. Click on any image for more photos or find closing prices of other properties by reviewing recently sold homes in Lake Forest.