It’s a 6 bedroom, 4.1 bath contemporary that has room for everybody. It sits at the end of a cul-de-sac,  just blocks from South Park Elementary School. It has a flexible an open floor plan that fits well into any lifestyle. The great room is the perfect gathering space, with its cozy fireplace, wet bar and game area. The spacious and bright eat-in kitchen will undoubtedly become everyone’s favorite hang-out.  A first floor bedroom can also double as an office allowing you to have a convenient “command central.” In warm weather the half sports court will draw everyone outside for a game of hoops as steaks sizzle on the grill. Upstairs the master suite has vaulted ceilings, a spa-like bath and large walk-in closet. There are three more bedrooms plus a hall bath. The lower level has a rec room big enough for all your toys: ping-pong, billiards, air hockey and foosball. There’s also a sixth bedroom and private bath that’s perfect for guests or an au pair.

This home has been meticulously maintained and has many features that make it the ultimate worry-free home: A whole house generator means you’ll never have to worry about power outages. The two furnaces with built-in humidifiers were new in 2010. There are two large hot water heaters, one of which was new in 2011, so there’s always plenty of hot water for laundry, dishes and showers. There are three sump pumps (count ‘em, three!) so flooding and seepage are never a problem. The security system gives added peace of mind.

The home is is a great value at $699,000. You can see a virtual tour here. If you’d like to see it in person, please give us a call at 847-881-6657 and we’d be happy to show it to you.

You can either work with our architect or use your own to create your plans for a custom home ranging from 6,000 up to 11,500 square feet (not including lower level). There is a wide range of options to add amenities, including swimming pool, tennis courts, sports court or multiple garages.

HighGate is one of the North Shore’s most versatile and respected builders. You can see some of HighGate’s other magnificent homes below:

If you would like more information about this terrific opportunity, please give us a call at 847-712-0049 or email us at comehome@cbexchange.com.

The Lake Forest home of director, screenwriter and producer John Hughes has just been listed for sale by his widow.

Chicago’s North Shore was not only Hughes’ home but the location for many of his popular films:

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was filmed in Highland Park, Glenbrook North High School and at the Winnetka Branch of real estate brokerage Koenig and Strey on the corner of Chestnut and Elm.

• The Breakfast Club was filmed at Maine North and Glenbrook North High Schools.

• Sixteen Candles was set in Evanston with the wedding scene shot at Glencoe Union Church.

• Home Alone was shot in and around Winnetka and Wilmette.

• Uncle Buck was filmed in Highland Park, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Northbrook and Winnetka.

The 17 room Tudor mansion where Hughes lived from 2003 until his death in 2009 sits on 2.1 acres just a block from Lake Michigan and Forest Park. Designed by Edwin Hill Clark and built in 1930, the 3 story house is over 11,000 square feet, with 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 6 fireplaces, a pool and (natch) a media room.

Located at 855 E. Westminster Ave. the home is being offered at $5,890,000 and is listed by fellow Coldwell Banker agent, Ann Lyon. You can get more info and see more photos here.

Maybe you’re looking to downsize but not all the way to a condo. Or maybe you’re in a condo now and need something bigger. Either way, this three bedroom townhome at 2111B Sherman Avenue in Northeast Evanston might just fill the bill. Tucked in the back of an eight unit complex, it’s got the best of both worlds: lots of space and privacy while at the same time conveniently located within two blocks of Northwestern University and close to trains, town and the beach.

Besides the great location here are some of this home’s notable features:

• Large rooms, good closets and lots of storage space in the walk-up attic.
• A beautifully landscaped private patio to enjoy summer evenings.
• Indoor parking just two steps from your back door.
• A first floor laundry room just off the kitchen.
• A large, freshly painted basement just waiting to be finished into a family room or rec room.

This meticulously maintained home has six rooms, three bedrooms and two and a half baths and is listed at $425,000. You can see a virtual tour here. If you’d like to see it in person, please give me a call at 847-687-5957. I’d love to show it to you.

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Last year I wrote about the North Shore’s 10 Most Expensive Homes for Sale and the list was topped by a Winnetka mansion listed for $28,000,000. The price was subsequently reduced to $23,000,000 and, when it didn’t sell,  the home was taken off the market this past June.

Today, the Wall Street Journal reported that the property will be put up for auction on October 29, 2011, with no minimum reserve.

That could be the deal of the century for someone, as the house will undoubtedly go for a lot less than the $40,000,000 it apparently cost to build and furnish.

Owners Sherwin and Deborah Jarol spent almost five years building the 27,000 foot complex on two and a half acres in the southwest corner of Winnetka. Designed by architect-to-the-stars, Richard Landry, and modeled after a French chateau, the home has 26 rooms, a 9 car garage, swimming pool, complete spa with massage room and salon, large exercise room flooded with light from three sets of french doors, a wine cellar with reclaimed stones from a a french chateau, ornate Venetian plaster walls and hand-scraped walnut floors. The home is set inside a walled enclave with several rows of trees planted along Locust Rd. to provide additional privacy.

If this sounds like your dream home you can contact agent Tim Salm of Sotheby’s Jameson International or Concierge Auctions, who will be handling the sale.

Last September I wrote about the ten most expensive homes for sale on the North Shore of Chicago. Since almost a year has passed, I thought it was time to update the list and have a look at what’s happening at the top end of the market.

North Shore’s Top Ten Highest Priced Homes for Sale

None the ten properties at the top of the market a year ago has sold. Three of them have come off the market: 68 Locust Rd. in Winnetka, which had topped the list at $28,000,000 and was later reduced to $23,000,000; 609 Sheridan Rd. in Winnetka; and 925 Edgemere Ct. in Evanston . The rest are still for sale and all but one has taken at least one price reduction. As a result of these price reductions two of last year’s top ten don’t make the cut this year: 1345 Lake Rd. and 955 Lake Rd. in Lake Forest.

It’s not surprising that none of these homes have sold. It goes without saying that there are very few buyers in this price range, especially in this economy. In fact, there have only been seven sales over $5,000,000 in the last year on all of the North Shore. There are thirty five properties listed in this price range, making the odds of selling in a twelve month period about 20%. The average price of the top ten homes has decreased by over $1,000,000 in the last year, even after removing the $28,000,000 outlier that topped the list in 2010.

All of this year’s priciest properties are in either Lake Forest or Highland Park. Interesting that Highland Park, which has some of the most affordable homes of any of the lakefront communities, also has four of the most expensive.

Since I featured five of the current top ten last year, I’ll just feature the five that are new to the list:

22 Lakewood Place, Highland Park – $9,900,000

This nineteen room contemporary house was built in 1999 and is located just south of Rosewood Park and Roger Williams Ave. in the Ravinia area. It has 220 feet of lakefront and a gorgeous beach. It also has a 1200 sq. ft. beach/boat house, a racquetball court and a 12 seat movie theater. The master wing is huge, with his and her dressing rooms and baths. Not sure you want to buy just yet? This home’s also for rent, for $19,500/month. You can see more pictures here.

347 Bluff’s Edge, Highland Park – $7,999,000

The list price of this property includes the planned construction of a French Chateau on two acres of lakefront just north of East Westleigh Rd. The house will have approximately 9,000 square feet, with six bedrooms and seven + baths, two terraces, a state of the art kitchen and lake views from almost every room. You can see more photos here.

275 Sussex Lane, Lake Forest – $7,900,000

This French Country home (see photo above) was built in 1914 on two acres in Lake Forest. It has seventeen rooms, eight bedrooms and eight baths (plus 3 half baths). The kitchen and baths have all been renovated. You may spend a lot on the house, but you won’t need to go on vacation. There’s a beautiful pool and tennis court as well as formal gardens to wander in. You can see more photos here.

105 S. Deere Park, Highland Park – $7,750,000

This historic limestone mansion was built in 1919 and overlooks the ravine conservancy and the lake.  It is located on 2.6 acres in Braeside, just north of the Lake Shore Country Club. The home has fifteen rooms, six bedrooms and 5.3 baths and has been meticulously restored. It even comes with a three story elevator. This home is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Highland Park Landmark House. If you’d like to try it out before buying, you can rent this home for $22,000/month. You can see more photos here.

327 Mayflower, Lake Forest – $7,350,000

This lovely Georgian house is only fifteen years old but has already been extensively updated with high end finishes and all the latest technology. It sits on 2.3 private acres near Lake Forest College, with gardens, pool and views of the lake (but no lakefront). Inside there are almost 15,000 sq. ft. of living space, with fourteen rooms, six bedrooms and seven full baths (plus three half baths), four fireplaces, an elevator and a wine cellar (complete with tasting room). You can see more photos here.

Looking for your dream home on the North Shore? I can help you, whatever your budget.  Just give me a call at 847-687-5957 or email me. I’d love to help you!

Related Articles

• The North Shore’s Most Expensive Properties
• Top 11 Highest Priced North Shore Home Sales of 2010

This townhome at 3326 Culver St. lives like a single family house. It’s a half duplex with lots of space and lots of light. It has three bedrooms, one and a half baths, a large rec room on the lower level and ample closets. It’s been freshly painted throughout and has new carpet and tile as well as new vanities in the bathrooms and a new range and oven in the kitchen. Off of the living/dining room is a spacious patio and there is a parking space off the alley. It is listed at $199,000.

Other than the unit itself, this home has a number of other benefits:

• It is a fee simple home, which means that there are no assessments. It is not part of a condo association. (Of course, that also means you have to shovel your own walk and mow your own grass).
• It is located on a residential one-way street of single-family homes.
• Its private, fenced patio is like an outdoor room to enjoy in the summer.
• It is conveniently located, with easy access to I-94, Old Orchard and Central Street shopping. Public transportation is just steps away.
• It is in the award-winning Willard School elementary school district.

You can get more info here. If you’d like to see this home, please give me a call at 847-687-5957 or email me. I’d be happy to show it to you.

If you like the idea of having a huge yard for your kids to play in that you don’t have to mow, then this may be just the house for you!

This lovely and liveable home at 2345 Thornwood Avenue in Wilmette has a lot to offer both inside and out. It’s got lots of space and an up to date decor. But here’s what I think are its best and most unique features:

1. It’s right on the park so it has a wonderful view and great amenities, including playlot and tennis courts.

2. It’s a block from Harper School, so if you have elementary school age kids, it’s incredibly convenient.

3. Inside, the home has great flow, yet the formal part of the house is separate from the informal areas of the house.

4. The lower level has high ceilings and large windows so the basement doesn’t feel like a basement.

5. The master suite is spacious, private and comfortable and the other family bedrooms are good-sized also.

6. There’s a wonderful roof-top deck that’s perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening cocktail.

7. Two (count ‘em, two!) walk-in pantries to store all your Costco purchases.

8. Tons of storage space  throughout the house.

I could go on and on but why don’t you take the virtual tour and see for yourself. The home has 10 rooms, 5 bedrooms and 4.1 baths and is listed for $1,225,000.

The “Home Alone” house, where the first movie of the series was filmed in 1990, is located at 671 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka. The stately Georgian stands on half an acre just a short walk from the Village center. It was built in the 1920’s and purchased by the current owners in 1988 for $875,000.

The house is listed by a fellow Coldwell Banker agent, Marissa Hopkins, and you can see the video she made about the house here.

1917 Greenwood Ave.

I’ve written before about the Kenilworth Gardens neighborhood of Wilmette. It’s a popular family-friendly community served by Harper School, one of the four elementary schools in Wilmette. It’s considered an “entry-level” neighborhood for upwardly mobile young couples moving to the North Shore from the city. Since many of the homes have 3-4 bedrooms with one car garages on smaller lots (50 x 122), families often outgrow their homes and move on after 4-5 years.

During the boom years, it was hard to get into Kenilworth Gardens. Homes sold quickly and often with multiple offers. Nowadays, it is taking longer to sell a home here. Many of the would-be sellers bought during the boom years and paid more than their home is currently worth, and it’s hard for them to come to terms with selling for so much less.

There are currently eleven homes for sale in Kenilworth Gardens, ranging in price from

1913 Thornwood Ave.

$575,000 to $1,649,000. Most of the houses were built between 1935 and 1960, but two were new construction built from tear-downs of smaller homes.

1917 Greenwood Avenue: $575,000

Eight rooms, three bedrooms and one and a half baths.
Lots size: 50 x 122′
Two  car garage

1913 Thornwood Avenue: $599,000

2154 Thornwood Ave.

Eight rooms, three bedrooms and one and a half baths.
Lot size (irregular): 60′ x 127′ on the corner of Ridge Rd.
One car garage
Newer kitchen but otherwise not redone

2154 Thornwood Avenue: $625,000

Eight rooms, three bedrooms, two and a half baths.
Lot size: 50′ x 122′
One car garage

2320 Greenwood Avenue: $629,000

Eight rooms, three bedrooms, two and one half baths.

2320 Greenwood Ave.

Lot size: 50′ x 140′
One car garage

2224 Thornwood Avenue: $842,000

Eleven rooms, four bedrooms, three and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 122′
Two car garage

2235 Chestnut Avenue: $909,000

Ten rooms, four bedrooms, two and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 177′

2224 Thornwood Ave.

Two car garage

2131 Beechwood Avenue: $919,000

Ten rooms, four bedrooms, two and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 134′
Two car garage
Newer Di Giuilio kitchen

2236 Beechwood Avenue: $ 949,000

Ten rooms, four bedrooms, two and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 130′

2235 Chestnut Ave.

One car garage

1923 Greenwood Avenue: $965,000

Twelve rooms, five bedrooms, three and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 122′
One car garage

1220 Middlebury Lane: $1,375,000.

Eleven rooms, four+ bedrooms, four and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 135′
New construction

2131 Beechwood Ave.

Oversized two car garage

2411 Thornwood Avenue: $1,649,000

Twelve rooms, five bedrooms, five and one half baths
Lot size: 50′ x 132′
Faces Thornwood Park
Built in 2005
Two car garage

You can get more information about each of these listings here. If you would like to see any of them, please give me a call at 847-687-5957 or email me. I would be happy to show them to you!

2236 Beechwood Ave.

1923 Greenwood Ave.

1220 Middlebury Lane

2411 Thornwood Ave.