Lake Forest mansion with rare beach house sells for $8.3 million, top home price of the year so far

March 24, 2026 - 05:22

A stunning Lake Forest compound, featuring a primary mansion and a rare private beach house, has sold for $8.3 million. This sale now stands as the highest publicly disclosed home price in the Chicago area for the year to date.

The prestigious property is situated atop a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The estate's grounds include a winding staircase that descends the bluff to a secluded sandy beach, where the secondary beach house resides. This unique structure provides direct, private access to the shoreline, a highly coveted and uncommon amenity in the North Shore market.

The main residence offers classic elegance and modern luxury. Details include extensive millwork, multiple fireplaces, and a layout designed for both grand-scale entertaining and comfortable family living. The expansive windows throughout the home frame panoramic views of the lake.

The sale underscores the continued strength and desirability of ultra-premium waterfront properties in the region. Experts note that homes offering both privacy and exceptional recreational amenities, particularly exclusive lake access, continue to attract significant buyer interest and command record-setting prices, even amidst broader market fluctuations. The new owners have secured a one-of-a-kind Lake Forest legacy estate.