Few opportunities arise to live on the boulevard of Center Avenue in east Lake Bluff, especially within two blocks of the shores of Lake Michigan. Beautifully improved by the same family for decades, the home's character has been thoughtfully preserved and enhanced through tasteful renovations and well-planned expansions. The residence exudes classic storybook charm with its steeply pitched gables and inviting wraparound porch nestled amid mature trees and lush greenery. This gracious porch is truly the heart of the home, featuring a partially screened section ideal for relaxing or entertaining throughout the seasons. Inside, an inviting foyer flows seamlessly to light-filled interiors: a charming library with a fireplace, a formal dining room, and living room with porch access and large windows. The kitchen, timelessly remodeled as part of an addition, opens to a generously sized breakfast room with a planning desk and ample built-ins, flanked by a wall of windows and access to the screened porch. Opening from the breakfast room, a spacious family room centered around a fireplace and abundant built-in storage knits together a harmonious setting for everyday life. A convenient powder room, mudroom/laundry, and attached two-car garage also reside on the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite unfolds like a sunlit aerie with dramatic cathedral ceilings, abundant windows and skylights, multiple walk-in closets, a spa-like bath with a separate tub and steam shower, and a private expansive treetop sun deck. Three additional bedrooms share two updated full baths-including one ensuite. Another deck resides off the hallway, overlooking the front entry. Rich architectural detailing throughout, multiple spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining, and a location just minutes from the lake make this home an enduring Lake Bluff treasure. With many stories to tell, it's ready to begin its next chapter. Showings to begin July 24th.
Contingent
$1,375,000
601 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
4beds
3,345sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1880
10,349.86 Square Feet Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$411/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Light-filled interiorsRich architectural detailingBoulevard of center avenueAbundant windows and skylightsGenerously sized breakfast roomAbundant built-in storageFormal dining room
- 19 days
- on Zillow |
- 881 |
- 71 |
Likely to sell faster than
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: July 26, 2025 at 03:43pm
Listing courtesy of:
Annie Royster Lenzke 847-414-4045,
Coldwell Banker Realty,
Jean Royster,
Coldwell Banker Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12395643

Travel times
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Breakfast Room, Library, Foyer, Screened Porch
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Carpet), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Second
- Area: 432 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 24X18
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 336 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 21X16
Bedroom 3
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 196 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X14
Bedroom 4
- Features: Flooring (Carpet)
- Level: Second
- Area: 440 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 22X20
Breakfast room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 195 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15X13
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 143 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X11
Family room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 360 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X20
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 90 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10X9
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Table Space, Island, Pantry-Closet, Breakfast Room, Custom Cabinetry, SolidSurfaceCounter, Updated Kitchen), Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 273 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X21
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 104 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 13X8
Library
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 224 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X16
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 240 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X15
Screened porch
- Features: Flooring (Other)
- Level: Main
- Area: 272 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 16X17
Heating
- Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Double Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Freezer, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Cooktop, Range Hood, Gas Cooktop
- Laundry: Main Level, Sink
Features
- Vaulted Ceiling(s), Cathedral Ceiling(s), Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Separate Dining Room
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Windows: Skylight(s)
- Basement: Unfinished,Partial
- Number of fireplaces: 2
- Fireplace features: Family Room, Living Room
Interior area
- Total structure area: 0
- Total interior livable area: 3,345 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Garage Door Opener, On Site, Garage Owned, Attached, Garage
- Attached garage spaces: 2
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Porch, Screened
Lot
- Size: 10,349.86 Square Feet
Details
- Parcel number: 12212200010000
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Cedar
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1880
- Major remodel year: 2000
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan
Community & HOA
HOA
- Services included: None
Location
- Region: Lake Bluff
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $411/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $903,553
- Annual tax amount: $24,182
- Date on market: 7/23/2025
- Ownership: Fee Simple
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