Connect

Find us on...

Dashboard

Login using...

285 W Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest, IL – $3,795,000

  • 7 Beds
  • Baths
  • 8,135 Sqft
  • 2.02 Acres
  • 7 Beds
  • Baths
  • 8,135 Sqft
  • 2.02 Acres

285 W Westminster Avenue

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.

Essential Information

  • MLS® #12404241
  • Price$3,795,000
  • Taxes$62,319
  • Bedrooms7
  • Bathrooms7.50
  • Full Baths7
  • Half Baths1
  • Square Footage8,135
  • Acres2.02
  • Year Built1982
  • TypeResidential
  • Sub-TypeDetached Single
  • StyleEnglish
  • StatusActive

Community Information

  • Address285 W Westminster Avenue
  • AreaLake Forest
  • CityLake Forest
  • CountyLake
  • StateIL
  • Zip Code60045

Amenities

  • Parking Spaces8
  • # of Garages4

Parking

Asphalt, Brick Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Enclosed, Additional Parking, Storage, Owned

Interior

  • CoolingCentral Air
  • Has BasementYes
  • FireplaceYes
  • # of Fireplaces4
  • FireplacesGas Log, Gas Starter
  • Stories3 Stories

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

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

Heating

Natural Gas, Forced Air, Zoned, Radiant Floor

Basement

Finished, Crawl Space, Egress Window, Concrete, Rec/Family Area, Storage Space, Full

Exterior

  • ExteriorBrick
  • Exterior FeaturesLighting
  • RoofShake

Lot Description

Corner Lot, Cul-De-Sac, Forest Preserve Adjacent, Nature Preserve Adjacent, Landscaped, Wooded, Mature Trees, Backs to Trees/Woods, Garden

School Information

  • District115
  • ElementarySheridan Elementary School
  • MiddleDeer Path Middle School
  • HighLake Forest High School

Additional Information

  • Days on Market158

Listing Details

Office

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago

Please provide a valid email address.

Price Change History for 285 W Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest, IL (MLS® #12404241)

Date Details Change
Status Changed from Price Change to Active
Status Changed from Active to Price Change
Price Reduced from $3,900,000 to $3,795,000 $105,000 (2.69%)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago.

Midwest Real Estate Data LLC Logo The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Sotheby's International Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Many homes contain recording devices, and buyers should be aware they may be recorded during a showing.

Listing information last updated on July 10th, 2026 at 6:29am CDT.