$1,995,000
SOLD APR 29, 2026
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,832 Sq Ft
1946 Built

Sale Details

Date Sold: April 29, 2026

$1,089 Per Sq Ft

16 Days on Market

Highlights

  • Waterfront
  • Vaulted Ceiling
  • Home Office
  • Newton Yost Elementary School Rated A-
  • Sun or Florida Room
  • Fireplace

About This Home

As of April 2026

Nestled atop a wooded dune in the intimate community of Dune Acres, just one hour from downtown Chicago, 44 Circle Drive presents arare opportunity to own a fully reimagined piece of Lake Michigan's most coveted shoreline. Built in 1946 and thoughtfully transformed by its current owners,this iconic hillside ranch has been meticulously updated while preserving its original character. Arrive to a freshly landscaped exterior where new customfencing and a stone patio create generous outdoor living space, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping lake views. Step inside and Lake Michiganimmediately takes center stage. The living room offers unobstructed water views through new Andersen windows, framed by refinished redwood walls,exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, and a dramatic stone fireplace. The primary bedroom and library carry those same captivating views, making even thequietest moments feel connected to the shoreline. The fully remodeled kitchen flows naturally from the living space and features Sub-Zero and Fulgor Milanoappliances along with a granite composite sink, equally suited for a quiet morning coffee or a full weekend of entertaining. Three bedrooms, a dedicatedoffice, two updated baths, and a renovated sunroom complete a warm, finished interior, all set within the privacy of the dune and the surrounding naturallandscape. Access the beach via private stairs, or the recently installed community beach stairs just steps away. This is lake life at its finest.

Last Agent to Sell the Property

Lesley Sweeney

Jameson Sotheby's Intl Realty Brokerage Phone: (312) 751-0300 License #475171237 Listed on: 04/09/2026

Jameson Sotheby's Intl Realty

Last Buyer's Agent

Heidi Picard

@properties Christie's International Real Estate License #475187667

@properties Christie's International Real Estate

Home Details

Home Type

  • Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

  • $6,489

Year Built

  • Built in 1946

Lot Details

  • Waterfront

Home Design

  • Stone Siding

Interior Spaces

  • 1,832 Sq Ft Home
  • 2-Story Property
  • Vaulted Ceiling
  • Fireplace
  • Family Room
  • Living Room
  • Dining Room
  • Home Office
  • Sun or Florida Room
  • Laundry Room

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 3 Potential Bedrooms
  • 2 Full Bathrooms

Finished Basement

  • Walk-Out Basement
  • Finished Basement Bathroom

Parking

  • 2 Parking Spaces
  • Parking Available

Utilities

  • Forced Air Heating and Cooling System
  • Septic Tank

Home Details

Home Type

Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

$6,489

Year Built

Built in 1946

Lot Details

0 Sq Ft Lot

Listing Details

  • Property Type: Residential
  • Property Type: Detached Single
  • Type Detached: 2 Stories
  • Ownership: Fee Simple
  • New Construction: No
  • Property Sub-Type: 2 Stories
  • Year Built: 1946
  • Age: 71-80 Years
  • Built Before 1978 (Y/N): Yes
  • Disability Access and/or Equipped: No
  • General Information: None
  • Rebuilt (Y/N): No
  • Rehab (Y/N): No
  • Actual Status: Closed
  • SomePhotosVirtuallyStaged: No
  • Attribution Contact: (312) 751-0300
  • Special Features: None
  • Property Sub Type: Detached

Interior Features

  • Basement: Finished, Walk-Out Access
  • Full Bathrooms: 2
  • Total Bathrooms: 2
  • Total Bedrooms: 3
  • LivingArea: 1832
  • Room Type: Office, Sun Room
  • Estimated Total Finished Sq Ft: 0
  • Basement Bathrooms: Yes
  • Below Grade Bedrooms: 0
  • Total Sq Ft: 0

Exterior Features

  • Construction Materials: Stone
  • Waterfront: Yes

Garage/Parking

  • Parking Features: Yes, Other
  • ParkingTotal: 2

Utilities

  • Sewer: Septic Tank
  • Cooling: Central Air
  • Heating: Forced Air, Other
  • Water Source: Public

Condo/Co-op/Association

  • Association Fee Frequency: Not Applicable
  • Master Association Fee Frequency: Not Required

Fee Information

  • Association Fee Includes: None

Lot Info

  • Lot Dimensions: 1832
  • Lot Size: .25-.49 Acre
  • Special Assessments: N

Rental Info

  • Board Number: 8

Tax Info

  • Tax Annual Amount: 6489
  • Tax Year: 2024

Ownership History

Date Name Owned For Owner Type

Purchase Details

Listed on
Oct 6, 2023
Closed on
Nov 22, 2023
Sold by
Mertz Michael J
Bought by
Mckinley Lee C and Mckinley Sara L
Seller's Agent
Mark Hull
@properties/Christie's Intl RE
Buyer's Agent
Mark Hull
@properties/Christie's Intl RE
List Price
$1,600,000
Sold Price
$1,250,000
Premium/Discount to List
-$350,000
-21.88%
Views
34

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Avg. Annual Appreciation
-3.98%

Purchase Details

Closed on
Sep 18, 2007
Sold by
Smith R Jefferson R and Smith Storrar Ann T
Bought by
Mertz Michael J

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Original Mortgage
$417,000
Interest Rate
6.38%
Mortgage Type
Purchase Money Mortgage

Purchase Details

Closed on
Aug 31, 2007
Sold by
Harris Na
Bought by
Smith R Jefferson R and Smith Thomas B

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Original Mortgage
$417,000
Interest Rate
6.38%
Mortgage Type
Purchase Money Mortgage
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 Type Sale Price Title Company
Warranty Deed -- Meridian Title
Warranty Deed -- Ticor Title Insurance Co
Deed -- None Available
Source: Public Records

Mortgage History

Date Status Loan Amount Loan Type
Previous Owner $417,000 Purchase Money Mortgage
Source: Public Records

Property History

Date Event Price List to Sale Price per Sq Ft Prior Sale
04/29/2026 04/29/26 Sold $1,995,000 0.0% $1,089 / Sq Ft
04/25/2026 04/25/26 Pending -- -- --
04/10/2026 04/10/26 For Sale $1,995,000 +59.6% $1,089 / Sq Ft
11/27/2023 11/27/23 Sold $1,250,000 -13.8% $682 / Sq Ft View Prior Sale
11/11/2023 11/11/23 Pending -- -- --
11/06/2023 11/06/23 Price Changed $1,450,000 -9.4% $791 / Sq Ft
10/06/2023 10/06/23 For Sale $1,600,000 -- $873 / 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
2025 $6,676 $626,700 $298,100 $328,600
2024 $18,426 $613,200 $298,100 $315,100
2023 $6,012 $573,900 $275,700 $298,200
2022 $11,247 $539,900 $275,700 $264,200
2021 $10,340 $518,800 $275,700 $243,100
2020 $9,953 $484,400 $260,800 $223,600
2019 $10,312 $484,400 $260,800 $223,600
2018 $10,020 $484,400 $260,800 $223,600
2017 $9,786 $483,400 $260,800 $222,600
2016 $11,532 $586,100 $361,500 $224,600
2014 $11,926 $587,600 $363,000 $224,600
2013 -- $581,400 $370,400 $211,000
Source: Public Records

Agents Affiliated with this Home

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Map

Source: Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

MLS Number: 12602736

Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

APN: 64-03-14-327-006.000-025

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