Experience the epitome of private resort living in Shoreacres Golf Club, one of Lake Bluff's most exclusive areas. Awaiting you: a historic lakefront property poised on 4.8 magical acres with a private beach and a separate guest house. The main residence, a meticulously renovated colonial-style manse of over 14,700 square feet with attached garage space for 8+ cars, stands as a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. The current owners breathed new life into the classic estate, which was built in 1941 for Hadley Richardson Hemingway, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, and their son Jack. A grand circular drive and gardens usher you into the property's private wooded embrace with peekaboo views of the lake in the distance. Abundant light and lake views flood nearly every room of the residence, revealing the grandeur within. The floorplan, modernized for today's lifestyles, offers multiple spaces for entertaining several generations of friends and family at once - all with seamless flow to the majestic lakefront surroundings. Embodying the private resort spirit is a very large indoor pool and spa, a 2-story sports court, multiple outdoor entertaining areas and balconies with lake views plus a finished basement with theatre, bar, and full kitchen. A gracious office, a private guest bedroom or au pair suite (or second office) above the kitchen, a bonus room, three hotel-like guest bedroom suites, and an inspiring primary suite with a private deck overlooking the lake create endless flexibility. A thoughtful blend of custom built-ins, fine millwork, hardwood and porcelain flooring, and quality materials and finishes by Naperville-based Smithe Design Team lend an air of timelessness that can be traced back to the great lakefront estates of the past. Meanwhile, a wealth of contemporary features such as an elevator, first and second floor laundry rooms, motorized blinds, and a smart home automation system provide the 21-century comforts. No detail has been overlooked - not even outdoors. You'll be forever drawn to the beautifully manicured grounds and gardens, where an outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, multiple patios, fenced areas, and a newly installed tram and stairs take you down to over 260 feet of private expansive sandy beachfront with a massive deck and built-in grill. Your exclusive retreat has arrived in this unparalleled Lake Bluff offering.
Closed
$5,150,000
1955 Shore Acres Dr, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
5beds
14,724sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1941
4.88 Acres Lot
$5,501,500 Zestimate®
$350/sqft
$4,054 Estimated rent
Home value
$5,501,500
$4.62M - $6.66M
$4,054/mo
Zestimate® history
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What's special
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: February 26, 2025 at 03:32pm
Listing courtesy of:
Dawn McKenna 847-234-8000,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Bought with:
Dawn McKenna
Coldwell Banker Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 11853353
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 10
- Full bathrooms: 9
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Second
- Area: 1200 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 50X24
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 420 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 28X15
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 550 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 25X22
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 297 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 27X11
Bedroom 5
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 228 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X19
Bar entertainment
- Level: Basement
- Area: 400 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 25X16
Breakfast room
- Features: Flooring (Porcelain Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 176 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X11
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 532 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19X28
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 1230 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 30X41
Foyer
- Level: Main
- Area: 192 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X12
Game room
- Level: Main
- Area: 375 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X25
Other
- Level: Main
- Area: 2356 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 38X62
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Breakfast Bar, Custom Cabinetry, SolidSurfaceCounter, Updated Kitchen), Flooring (Porcelain Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 288 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X18
Kitchen 2nd
- Level: Basement
- Area: 504 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 21X24
Laundry
- Level: Second
- Area: 130 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10X13
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 750 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 25X30
Office
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X13
Other
- Level: Basement
- Area: 1189 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 41X29
Walk in closet
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Second
- Area: 204 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 17X12
Heating
- Natural Gas, Forced Air, Radiant, Sep Heating Systems - 2+
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Range, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator, Range Hood, Multiple Water Heaters
- Laundry: Main Level, Upper Level, Multiple Locations, Sink
Features
- Dry Bar, Wet Bar, Elevator, In-Law Floorplan, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Coffered Ceiling(s), Beamed Ceilings, Open Floorplan, Special Millwork, Granite Counters, Separate Dining Room
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Basement: Finished,Exterior Entry,Rec/Family Area,Storage Space,Full,Walk-Out Access
- Number of fireplaces: 4
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Dining Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 18,940
- Total interior livable area: 14,724 sqft
- Finished area below ground: 2,934
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 10
- Parking features: Concrete, Circular Driveway, Garage Door Opener, Tandem, Garage, On Site, Garage Owned, Attached
- Attached garage spaces: 10
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Roof Deck, Deck, Patio
- Exterior features: Balcony, Outdoor Grill
- Pool features: In Ground, Indoor
- Fencing: Fenced
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Water
- Water view: Water
- Waterfront features: Beach Access, Lake Front, Lake Privileges, Waterfront
Lot
- Size: 4.88 Acres
- Features: Landscaped, Mature Trees
Details
- Parcel number: 12094010020000
- Special conditions: None
- Other equipment: Water-Softener Owned, Sump Pump, Sprinkler-Lawn, Backup Sump Pump;, Generator
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Cedar, Stone
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1941
- Major remodel year: 2022
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Well
Community & neighborhood
Security
- Security features: Security System, Closed Circuit Camera(s)
Community
- Community features: Curbs, Street Lights, Street Paved
Location
- Region: Lake Bluff
Other
Other facts
- Listing terms: Cash
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/22/2024 | Sold | $5,150,000-14.1%$350/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11853353 | ||
| 2/7/2024 | Pending sale | $5,995,000$407/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11853353 | ||
| 1/19/2024 | Contingent | $5,995,000$407/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11853353 | ||
| 10/24/2023 | Price change | $5,995,000-5.2%$407/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11853353 | ||
| 9/26/2023 | Price change | $6,325,000-6.3%$430/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11853353 | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $53,064 +19.8% | $783,596 +8.5% |
| 2022 | $44,277 +17% | $722,341 +17.1% |
| 2021 | $37,856 -40.1% | $617,031 -32.7% |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: 60044
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 8/10Lake Bluff Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-5Distance: 1.8 mi
- 7/10Lake Bluff Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 2 mi
- 10/10Lake Forest High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2.7 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Lake Bluff Elementary School
- Middle: Lake Bluff Middle School
- High: Lake Forest High School
- District: 65
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.