Nestled on a private, tree-studded lot in The Ponds, this 3,112-square-foot Cape Cod-style home is a study in modern adaptability, with a rare first-floor primary suite and a large, partially finished lower level designed to evolve with life's changing rhythms. Classic white siding, black shutters, and a cedar shake roof set a timeless tone that continues to the interiors. A sunlit, two-story foyer opens to gracious spaces defined by crown moldings, hardwood floors, and traditional architectural detailing. In the great room, a wall of windows and French doors invite in western light and extend seamlessly to the outdoors, where a newly added entertainer's patio overlooks a deep, lush backyard. An open kitchen-complete with honed granite countertops, ample pantry storage, and an adjoining breakfast area-serves as the natural gathering place of the home. Elegant double doors lead to a formal dining room that can easily flex as a den or office. The first-floor primary suite enjoys serene views of the backyard, and features a wall of closets plus a spa-like bath with double vanities, soaking tub, separate shower, and generous linen storage. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms boast tall ceilings, expansive closets, and a skylit hall bath that fills the space with natural light. The lower level reveals a finished recreation room with generous ceiling height, accompanied by a flexible multipurpose room suited for a gym, hobby room, or second office, plus plenty of unfinished storage space. Outdoors, the spacious patio encourages al fresco living amid mature trees, creating a secluded, park-like retreat. Additional highlights include a first-floor laundry/mudroom, heated two-car garage, and recent updates such as a new front paver walkway and rear patio (2023) and upgraded attic insulation (2022). A rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained home in The Ponds, one of Lake Forest's most coveted enclaves.
Closed
$1,200,000
540 Buena Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
4beds
3,112sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1985
0.38 Acres Lot
$1,211,800 Zestimate®
$386/sqft
$5,636 Estimated rent
Home value
$1,211,800
$1.10M - $1.32M
$5,636/mo
Zestimate® history
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Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: December 29, 2025 at 03:43pm
Listing courtesy of:
Dawn McKenna 847-234-8000,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Bought with:
Howard King
ARNI Realty Incorporated
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12496514
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Main
- Area: 256 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X16
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 234 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X18
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 156 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X13
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 228 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X19
Bonus room
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 182 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X14
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 192 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 12X16
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 180 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9X20
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Table Space), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 187 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11X17
Laundry
- Level: Main
- Area: 63 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9X7
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 496 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 31X16
Recreation room
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Basement
- Area: 506 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X23
Storage
- Level: Basement
- Area: 621 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 27X23
Heating
- Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Cooktop, Oven, Range Hood, Water Purifier
Features
- Basement: Finished,Full
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Gas Log, Gas Starter, Family Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 3,112 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Asphalt, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage Owned, Attached, Garage
- Attached garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 2
Lot
- Size: 0.38 Acres
- Dimensions: 141X166X21X35
- Features: Corner Lot
Details
- Parcel number: 16054020440000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Cedar
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Shake
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1985
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Circuit Breakers
- Sewer: Public Sewer, Storm Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & neighborhood
Location
- Region: Lake Forest
HOA & financial
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- HOA fee: $1,000 annually
- Services included: Insurance
Other
Other facts
- Listing terms: Conventional
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12/3/2025 | Sold | $1,200,000+10.6%$386/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12496514 Report a problem | ||
| 11/11/2025 | Contingent | $1,085,000$349/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12496514 Report a problem | ||
| 11/7/2025 | Listed for sale | $1,085,000+14.2%$349/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12496514 Report a problem | ||
| 11/30/2022 | Sold | $950,000-2.6%$305/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11644215 Report a problem | ||
| 11/1/2022 | Pending sale | $975,000$313/sqft |
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11644215 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $16,222 -1.6% | $292,046 +9.4% |
| 2022 | $16,477 +5.7% | $266,927 -2.6% |
| 2021 | $15,588 +2.7% | $274,111 +3.5% |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: 60045
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 8/10Cherokee Elementary SchoolGrades: K-4Distance: 0.8 mi
- 9/10Deer Path Middle School WestGrades: 7-8Distance: 1.3 mi
- 10/10Lake Forest High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 2.5 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Cherokee Elementary School
- Middle: Deer Path Middle School
- High: Lake Forest High School
- District: 67
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.
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Estimated market value
$1,211,800
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Estimated market value
$1,211,800
- Illinois
- Lake County
- Lake Forest
- 60045
- 540 Buena Rd