117 Belle Ave: A Breathtaking $6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres

Date of Publishing: February 24, 2026

Set within one of the North Shore’s most storied enclaves, 117 Belle Ave arrives on the market at $6.75 million as a rare blend of architectural heritage and modern refinement. Built in 1926 and comprehensively renovated in 2012, the five-bedroom, nine-bath lakefront estate spans 8,186 square feet on 2.31 manicured acres overlooking Lake Michigan. With sweeping water views, mature trees, and resort-style outdoor spaces, 117 Belle Ave represents a generational offering in today’s Highland Park Real Estate landscape.

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 1

“The Belle Avenue Historic District is known for its architectural pedigree, but homes with this level of renovation and acreage are extraordinarily rare,” Beth Wexler of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate told Luxury Houses Magazine. “This is a property that honors its past while living beautifully in the present.”

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 2

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 3

A 1926 Classic, Thoughtfully Reimagined

Originally constructed during the golden era of North Shore design, 117 Belle Ave showcases enduring craftsmanship, from its stately brick exterior and slate tile roof to intricate millwork and crown moldings throughout. The 2012 renovation was not merely cosmetic—it was a full-scale transformation that preserved the home’s architectural integrity while introducing contemporary systems and amenities.

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 4

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 5

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 6

A gracious foyer opens to a grand living room centered on a limestone fireplace, where expansive windows frame uninterrupted lake vistas. The adjacent sunroom, lined with floor-to-ceiling sliders, dissolves the boundary between indoors and out, leading to bluestone patios designed for large-scale entertaining.

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 7

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 8

“The owners were meticulous about every decision,” Wexler said in a second conversation with Luxury Houses. “They wanted modern comfort without sacrificing the elegance that defines classic Highland Park estates.”

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 9

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 10

The formal dining room, accented by herringbone wood floors and a crystal chandelier, connects seamlessly to a butler’s pantry equipped with dual wine refrigerators and marble counters. In the chef’s kitchen, bespoke inset cabinetry, Quartzite countertops, a marble backsplash, and professional-grade appliances create a culinary space as functional as it is visually striking. An oversized island anchors the room, while a sunken family room offers a relaxed setting for daily living.

SEE MORE: A $27.5M Lakefront Estate in Lake Forest Blends Modern Luxury with Timeless Elegance

Private Retreats with Sweeping Lake Views

Upstairs, the primary suite at 117 Belle Ave unfolds as a private sanctuary. Vaulted ceilings, a serene sitting area, custom built-ins, and dual walk-in closets complement a spa-caliber marble bath featuring a soaking tub and expansive shower—all positioned to capture breathtaking lake views. Four additional bedrooms include en-suite baths and walk-in closets, underscoring the home’s thoughtful layout.

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117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 21

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 22

A vaulted third floor introduces flexible living space, including a bonus room with wet bar, home office area, and fitness studio. The finished lower level provides recreation and game rooms, ideal for multigenerational living or extended guests. Across all three levels, hardwood floors, built-ins, and refined detailing reinforce the estate’s timeless character.

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117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 12

SEE MORE: English Manor: An Extraordinary Architectural Gem in Illinois Listed at $3,995,000

Architectural Presence Meets Park-Like Surroundings

The grounds surrounding 117 Belle Ave rival those of a private retreat. Bluestone terraces, a stone fire pit, and a built-in outdoor bar create an atmosphere tailored for summer gatherings along the lake. Mature landscaping enhances privacy while preserving expansive sightlines toward the water.

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117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 24

Within the broader Illinois Real Estate market, lakefront properties of this scale and condition remain exceptionally scarce. Highland Park’s Belle Avenue Historic District, in particular, commands enduring prestige for its architectural integrity and proximity to cultural and lifestyle amenities.

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117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 15

Residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Highland Park’s boutiques and restaurants, the Metra Union Pacific North Line for direct service to Chicago, and cultural landmarks such as Ravinia Festival. Lakefront parks, yacht clubs, and top-tier schools further solidify the area’s appeal within both Highland Park Real Estate and the broader Illinois Real Estate market.

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117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 17

“Buyers at this level are seeking more than square footage—they’re seeking legacy,” Wexler noted. “The combination of acreage, historic character, and unobstructed lakefront at 117 Belle Ave makes it a once-in-a-decade opportunity.”

SEE MORE: An Extraordinary 36-Acre Countryside Estate in Illinois Lists for $8.495M

Market Context and Investment Perspective

Public records indicate the property last traded in 2001 for $3.6 million before its transformative renovation. Now offered at $825 per square foot, 117 Belle Ave reflects sustained demand for turnkey lakefront estates with architectural distinction. Early market activity suggests strong interest, reinforcing confidence in the upper tier of the North Shore luxury segment.

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 18

117 Belle Ave A Breathtaking 6.75 Million Lakeview Estate Set on 2.3 Pristine Acres 19

The listing is currently represented by Beth Wexler and Amy Dowell of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. Buyers can view additional details via Zillow or directly through the brokerage’s official website.

* This property might not for sale at the moment you read this post; please check property status at the above Zillow or Agent website links*