NOT LISTED FOR SALE

261 Vine Ave Lake Forest, IL 60045

Estimated Value: $1,678,236 - $1,967,000

5 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,200 Sq Ft
$349/Sq Ft Est. Value

Last Sold March 14, 2025

Last sale price $1,699,000 $327 Per Sq Ft

Est. 7% increase in value since last sale

Current estimated payment $11,602/month

Highlights

  • Landscaped Professionally
  • Mature Trees
  • Center Hall Plan
  • Sheridan Elementary School Rated A
  • Fireplace in Primary Bedroom
  • Recreation Room

About This Home

As of March 2025

Situated in the heart of Lake Forest's picturesque Historic District, just a few blocks from the vibrant downtown, this enchanting five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom Four Square-style home seamlessly blends the charm of its original 1903 design with modern luxury. Offering over 5,200 square feet of finished living space, this meticulously updated residence boasts all-new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, ensuring both comfort and efficiency. Spanning three expansive levels-including a finished basement and a rare walk-up third floor with a full bath-the home's gracious floor plan is designed for both everyday living and elegant entertaining. Highlights include a welcoming screened porch ideal for summer evenings, a dedicated first-floor office with a fireplace, and French doors leading to the porch. The large formal dining room showcases an elegant bow window with a built-in seat, while the stunning kitchen-featuring high-end white cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, and premium stainless steel appliances-flows effortlessly into a cozy family room. Throughout the home, historic millwork, four fireplaces, and rich hardwood floors add warmth and character. Outside, the professionally designed landscaping by renowned landscape architect Craig Bergmann creates a breathtaking retreat. A brick paver courtyard, draped in flowering vines beneath a trellis, offers a serene escape, while a bluestone dining patio, lush lawn, garden shed, and landscape irrigation and lighting complete the outdoor oasis. Timeless elegance meets modern convenience in this exceptional Lake Forest home-offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of history with all the comforts of today.

Last Agent to Sell the Property

Bonnie Tripton

@properties Christie's International Real Estate License #475123611 Listed on: 01/10/2025

@properties Christie's International Real Estate

Last Buyer's Agent

Bonnie Tripton

@properties Christie's International Real Estate License #475123611 Listed on: 01/10/2025

@properties Christie's International Real Estate

Home Details

Home Type

  • Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

  • $23,677

Year Built

  • Built in 1903 | Remodeled in 1995

Lot Details

  • 13,068 Sq Ft Lot
  • Lot Dimensions are 51x249x51x263
  • Landscaped Professionally
  • Paved or Partially Paved Lot
  • Mature Trees

Parking

  • 3 Car Detached Garage
  • Garage Transmitter
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Driveway
  • Parking Included in Price

Home Design

  • American Four Square Architecture
  • Asphalt Roof
  • Stucco

Interior Spaces

  • 5,200 Sq Ft Home
  • 3-Story Property
  • Built-In Features
  • Wood Burning Fireplace
  • Gas Log Fireplace
  • Center Hall Plan
  • Family Room with Fireplace
  • 4 Fireplaces
  • Living Room with Fireplace
  • Formal Dining Room
  • Home Office
  • Library with Fireplace
  • Recreation Room
  • Loft
  • Game Room
  • Home Gym
  • Wood Flooring
  • Finished Basement
  • Basement Fills Entire Space Under The House

Kitchen

  • Range with Range Hood
  • Microwave
  • High End Refrigerator
  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Potential Bedrooms
  • Fireplace in Primary Bedroom
  • Dual Sinks
  • Whirlpool Bathtub
  • Separate Shower

Laundry

  • Laundry Room
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Outdoor Features

  • Brick Porch or Patio

Schools

  • Sheridan Elementary School
  • Deer Path Middle School
  • Lake Forest High School

Utilities

  • Forced Air Heating and Cooling System
  • Heating System Uses Natural Gas
  • 200+ Amp Service
  • Lake Michigan Water

Listing and Financial Details

  • Homeowner Tax Exemptions

Home Details

Home Type

Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

$23,677

Year Built

Built in 1903 | Remodeled in 1995

Lot Details

0.3 Acres

Parking

3

Listing Details

  • Property Type: Residential
  • Property Type: Detached Single
  • Type Detached: 3 Stories
  • Ownership: Fee Simple
  • ArchitecturalStyle: American 4-Sq.
  • New Construction: No
  • Property Sub-Type: 3 Stories
  • Year Built: 1903
  • Age: 100+ Years
  • Built Before 1978 (Y/N): Yes
  • Disability Access and/or Equipped: No
  • General Information: School Bus Service,Commuter Train,Historical District
  • Rebuilt (Y/N): No
  • Rehab (Y/N): Yes
  • Rehab Year: 1995
  • Actual Status: Closed
  • ResoPropertyType: Residential
  • SomePhotosVirtuallyStaged: No
  • Special Features: None
  • Property Sub Type: Detached
  • Year Renovated: 1995

Interior Features

  • Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Range Hood
  • Basement: Full
  • Full Bathrooms: 4
  • Half Bathrooms: 1
  • Total Bathrooms: 5
  • Total Bedrooms: 5
  • Fireplace Features: Wood Burning, Gas Log, Gas Starter
  • Fireplaces: 4
  • Interior Amenities: Hardwood Floors, Built-in Features, Center Hall Plan
  • LivingArea: 5200
  • Room Type: Office, Recreation Room, Game Room, Exercise Room, Bedroom 5, Loft
  • Estimated Total Finished Sq Ft: 0
  • Basement Description: Finished
  • Bathroom Amenities: Whirlpool,Separate Shower,Double Sink
  • Basement Bathrooms: No
  • Below Grade Bedrooms: 0
  • Dining Room: Separate
  • Fireplace Location: Family Room,Living Room,Master Bedroom,Den/Library
  • Total Sq Ft: 0
  • Attic: Finished,Interior Stair
  • Flooring: Hardwood

Exterior Features

  • ExteriorFeatures: Brick Paver Patio
  • Lot Features: Landscaped, Mature Trees
  • OtherStructures: Garage(s)
  • Patio And Porch Features: Patio
  • Roof: Asphalt
  • Waterfront: No
  • Exterior Building Type: Stucco

Garage/Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 3
  • ParkingTotal: 3
  • Driveway: Asphalt
  • Garage Details: Garage Door Opener(s),Transmitter(s)
  • Garage On-Site: Yes
  • Garage Ownership: Owned
  • Garage Type: Detached
  • Parking: Garage

Utilities

  • Sewer: Public Sewer, Sewer-Storm
  • Cooling: Central Air
  • Electric: 200+ Amp Service
  • Heating: Natural Gas, Forced Air
  • Water Source: Lake Michigan, Public

Condo/Co-op/Association

  • Association Fee Frequency: Not Applicable
  • Community Features: Sidewalks, Street Lights, Street Paved
  • Master Association Fee Frequency: Not Required

Fee Information

  • Association Fee Includes: None

Schools

  • Elementary School: Sheridan Elementary School
  • High School: Lake Forest High School
  • Middle/Junior School: Deer Path Middle School

Lot Info

  • Lot Size Acres: 0.3
  • Lot Dimensions: 51X249X51X263
  • Rural (Y/N): N
  • Lot Size: .25-.49 Acre
  • Special Assessments: N
  • Zero Lot Line: No

Rental Info

  • Board Number: 8
  • Is Parking Included in Price: Yes

Tax Info

  • Tax Annual Amount: 23677.08
  • Tax Year: 2023
  • Tax Exemptions: Homeowner

Ownership History

Date Name Owned For Owner Type

Purchase Details

Listed on
Jan 10, 2025
Closed on
Mar 14, 2025
Sold by
Knisely Benjamin and Knisely Rebecca
Bought by
Bennett Nathan and Bennett Anne
Seller's Agent
Bonnie Tripton
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Buyer's Agent
Bonnie Tripton
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
List Price
$1,699,000
Sold Price
$1,699,000
Views
2
Current Estimated Value
$1,814,309

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Estimated Appreciation
$115,309
Avg. Annual Appreciation
6.65%
Original Mortgage
$1,466,837
Outstanding Balance
$1,455,078
Interest Rate
7.25%
Mortgage Type
New Conventional
Estimated Equity
$359,231

Purchase Details

Listed on
Jun 20, 2024
Closed on
Aug 23, 2024
Sold by
Moore Christopher R and Moore Elizabeth K
Bought by
Knisely Benjamin and Knisely Rebecca
Seller's Agent
Lori Baker
Compass
Buyer's Agent
Bonnie Tripton
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
List Price
$1,725,000
Sold Price
$1,600,000
Premium/Discount to List
-$125,000
-7.25%
Views
50

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Avg. Annual Appreciation
11.76%
Original Mortgage
$511,000
Interest Rate
5.55%
Mortgage Type
New Conventional

Purchase Details

Closed on
Nov 2, 2021
Sold by
Moore Christopher R and Moore Elizabeth K
Bought by
Moore Christopher R and Moore Elizabeth K

Purchase Details

Closed on
Jun 30, 1995
Sold by
Clark T and Clark Phyllis A
Bought by
Moore Christopher R and Moore Elizabeth K

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Original Mortgage
$243,000
Interest Rate
6.75%
Source: Public Records
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Home Values in the Area

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value in this Area





Source: Public Records

Purchase History

Date Buyer Sale Price Title Company
Bennett Nathan $1,699,000 Proper Title
Knisely Benjamin $1,600,000 Chicago Title
Moore Christopher R -- None Listed On Document
Moore Christopher R $340,000 Chicago Title Insurance Co
Source: Public Records

Mortgage History

Date Status Borrower Loan Amount
Open Bennett Nathan $1,466,837
Previous Owner Knisely Benjamin $511,000
Previous Owner Moore Christopher R $243,000
Source: Public Records

Property History

Date Event Price List to Sale Price per Sq Ft Prior Sale
03/14/2025 03/14/25 Sold $1,699,000 0.0% $327 / Sq Ft
01/10/2025 01/10/25 Pending -- -- --
01/10/2025 01/10/25 For Sale $1,699,000 +6.2% $327 / Sq Ft
08/30/2024 08/30/24 Sold $1,600,000 -5.6% $308 / Sq Ft View Prior Sale
07/19/2024 07/19/24 Pending -- -- --
06/20/2024 06/20/24 Price Changed $1,695,000 -1.7% $326 / Sq Ft
06/15/2024 06/15/24 For Sale $1,725,000 -- $332 / Sq Ft
Source: Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

Tax History

Year Tax Paid Tax Assessment Tax Assessment Total Assessment is a certain percentage of the fair market value that is determined by local assessors to be the total taxable value of land and additions on the property. Land Improvement
2024 $23,677 $437,631 $128,345 $309,286
2023 $23,677 $384,210 $112,678 $271,532
2022 $21,324 $359,158 $105,331 $253,827
2021 $20,267 $356,061 $104,423 $251,638
2020 $20,267 $358,030 $105,000 $253,030
2019 $19,254 $351,458 $103,073 $248,385
2018 $16,329 $309,969 $138,722 $171,247
2017 $16,545 $323,337 $136,403 $186,934
2016 $15,863 $307,764 $129,833 $177,931
2015 $15,676 $289,796 $122,253 $167,543
2014 $14,156 $261,016 $109,759 $151,257
2012 $13,882 $263,280 $110,711 $152,569
Source: Public Records

Agents Affiliated with this Home

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Map

Source: Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

MLS Number: 12307494

Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

APN: 12-33-126-007

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