Historic Tudor Estate With English Gardens and Prairie Views Is Listed for $4.7 Million Near Chicago

May 3, 2026 - 19:19

A historic Tudor-style estate in Lake Forest, Illinois, has hit the market for $4.7 million, offering a rare blend of old-world architecture and protected natural landscape. The property sits on nearly 10 acres that border a prairie reserve originally shaped by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen.

Built in 1929, the home spans roughly 7,500 square feet with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its design leans heavily into the Tudor Revival style, with steep rooflines, leaded-glass windows, and brick-and-stone exterior work. Inside, the layout includes a grand foyer, a wood-paneled library, and a formal dining room with a fireplace. The kitchen has been updated while keeping some original cabinetry and a butler's pantry.

The grounds are a major selling point. The estate features formal English gardens with perennial borders, a stone terrace, and a reflecting pool. Beyond the manicured lawns, the property opens directly onto a prairie preserve, offering unobstructed views of native grasses and wildflowers. That connection to Jensen's work adds historical weight, as the architect was known for using native plants to create landscapes that felt organic to the Midwest.

The current owners have maintained the house and gardens carefully, but the listing notes that some systems may need updating. The location is roughly 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, in one of the area's most affluent suburbs. For buyers seeking privacy without total isolation, the estate offers a quiet retreat with easy access to Lake Forest's train station and shops.

The listing agent described the property as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for someone who values both architectural history and land conservation.