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.
Property Details
Price:
$3,600,000
MLS #:
MRD12735399
Status:
Active
Beds:
7
Baths:
8
Type:
Single Family
Neighborhood:
lakeforest
Listed Date:
Aug 29, 2026
Finished Sq Ft:
8,135
Year Built:
1982
Schools
School District:
115
Elementary School:
Sheridan Elementary School
Middle School:
Deer Path Middle School
High School:
Lake Forest High School
Interior
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
Bathrooms
7 Full Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathroom
Below Grade Finished Area
1505
Cooling
Central Air
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
Exterior
Architectural Style
English
Community Features
Park, Pool, Tennis Court(s), Lake, Curbs, Street Paved
Construction Materials
Brick
Exterior Features
Lighting
Garage Spaces
4
Lot Features
Corner Lot, Cul-De-Sac, Forest Preserve Adjacent, Nature Preserve Adjacent, Landscaped, Wooded, Mature Trees, Backs to Trees/Woods, Garden
Other Structures
Tennis Court(s), Storage
Parking Features
Asphalt, Brick Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Enclosed, Additional Parking, Storage, Owned
Parking Spots
8
Parking Total
8
Patio And Porch Features
Deck, Patio
Roof
Shake
Window Features
Screens, Skylight(s), Window Treatments, Drapes
Financial
HOA Fee Frequency
Not Applicable
HOA Includes
None
Tax Year
2023
Taxes
$62,319
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Brandi Kunkel was born and raised in rural Spring Valley. Her husband, Brad, is a lifelong resident of Seatonville. Brandi enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Chelly, and her 6 Guinea Pigs. Brandi loves meeting new people and being able to serve both new and old friends. “What drew me to real estate is the investigative work of determining the needs of my client, researching properties, and presenting them with the options that check their boxes. I love being able to take away the f…
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285 W Westminster Avenue
Lake Forest, IL



