1520 Telegraph Road — Lake Forest, IL 60045
Active
Lake Forest, IL 60045

1520 Telegraph Road

$1,600,000
5 beds · 6 baths · 4,073 sqft
Listed at $1,600,000 7 days on market $15,943/yr taxes
01About this home

Over an acre of tranquil, park-like grounds sets the stage for this shingle-style home built in 1935 and expanded in 2005 by Downey & Goldberg Architects. Mindfully updated while preserving its character, the home reflects an Arts and Crafts influence through its design and materiality. Original fireplaces, solid wood doors, hardwood floors, and finely crafted millwork are complemented by a rich palette of granite, slate, soapstone, and limestone finishes in over 4,000 sq. ft. with additional 910-sq. ft. partially finished basement. The floorplan is carefully orchestrated for seamless flow, beginning with a welcoming foyer and progressing into formal living, dining, and family spaces, each filled with natural light and views of the surrounding grounds. Harmony with nature is reflected in the home's multiple outdoor living spaces, including a covered second-floor porch, deck, and patio with outdoor fireplace. An updated kitchen connects to the living and dining areas, all of which are oriented toward the backyard. Five bedrooms include a convenient first-floor guest or au pair suite, and a sanctuary-like primary suite appointed with cathedral ceilings, dual walk-in closets, and a spacious bath. A large second-floor family room is the ideal hangout with built-ins and cathedral ceilings, offering access to a finished third-floor flexible treetop room. The lower level offers recreation space, exercise area, and storage and utility rooms for flexible uses. Additional highlights include a mudroom, second-floor laundry, 2 staircases, a 3-car attached garage, and a 4-zone HVAC system. Significant property improvements have been made over the years, including full roof replacement with copper detailing, installation of a Generac whole-house generator, reinforced driveway, updated sump and drainage systems, kitchen refresh, mechanical upgrades, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. This character-rich home enjoys a serene natural setting less than a mile from top-rated Everett Elementary and just minutes from the train, shopping, and dining in West Lake Forest. A rare opportunity to own this Lake Forest retreat.

02Inside the home
03By the numbers
$1,600,000
List price
4,073
Square feet
5
Bedrooms
4 full / 2 half
Bathrooms
1935
Year built
1.08 ac
Lot size
3
Garage spaces
$15,943
Annual taxes
Other
Style
7
Days on market
04Features
Heating
Natural GasZoned
Cooling
Central AirZoned
Appliances
RangeMicrowaveDishwasherHigh End RefrigeratorWasherDryerStainless Steel Appliance(s)Front Controls on Range/CooktopRange Hood
Parking
AsphaltGarage Door OpenerGarage OwnedAttachedGarage
Construction
CedarShake Siding
Equipment
Ceiling Fan(s)Sump Pump
Sewer
Public Sewer
05Neighborhood
This home EElementary schoolHHigh school
E Elementary school
Everett Elementary School
Lake Forest, IL
📍28 mi🚗73 min
M Middle school
Deer Path Middle School
Lake Forest, IL
H High school
Lake Forest High School
Lake Forest, IL
📍1.6 mi🚗4 min🚶38 min
  • Teriyaki Box 0.8 mi
  • Jimmy John's 0.8 mi
  • Sushi Kushi Toyo 0.8 mi
  • McDonald's 1.2 mi
  • Dogout 1.3 mi
  • Jersey Mike's Subs 1.3 mi
  • Sunset Foods 0.8 mi
  • Mariano's Fresh Market 0.9 mi
  • Shell 1.1 mi
  • Heinen's Fine Foods 1.3 mi
  • Everett Park 1000 ft
  • Florsheim Park 1.4 mi
  • Northcroft Park 1.4 mi
  • Village of Bannockburn Open Space 1.4 mi
  • North Park 1.6 mi
  • Starbucks 0.8 mi
  • Starbucks 1.2 mi
  • Newport Coffee House 1.2 mi
POI data via Mapbox · OpenStreetMap contributors
06History

Every event we have for this address, straight from the MLS.

May 20, 2026
Listed for saleThis listing
Coldwell Banker Realty
$1,600,000
Aug 31, 2007
Sold
Urban Search Corp. · 151 days on market
$461,500
Sourced from MRED. Older events appear here as our history backfill completes.
07Ask Dwello

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08See it for yourself

Stand in the kitchen.
See the light at 4pm.

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09Similar homes
Listed by Coldwell Banker Realty · Annie Royster Lenzke
MLS data provided through MLS GRID · MRED MLS · MLS# MRD12572268
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