Stunning Lake Forest: Amazing Homes and a Pristine Shoreline

Located 30 miles north of Chicago lies the beautiful village of Lake Forest, filled with amazing homes and graced with a pristine shoreline along Lake Michigan. Walking around the quaint streets, it’s easy to see why this charming suburb has been the film location of many movies. Have you seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Ocean’s Twelve, or Uncle Buck? They were all filmed in stunning Lake Forest. Join me for a virtual walk around this community.

 

One of the many perks of living outside of Chicago is the abundance of places to explore and enjoy. Whether you venture into the city or trek to points of interest in the suburbs, there’s no end to activities. I love visiting gardens, wandering new-to-me neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, or enjoying a never-ending supply of festivals. Last weekend was the first time I’ve been to Lake Forest and its impressive properties didn’t disappoint.

 

Hubby and I started the journey with lunch at Le Colonial, a Vietnamese restaurant in the center of town that’s worthy of its five-star rating. From there we walked through the winding, tree-lined streets that hug the sandy shore of Lake Forest beach.

 

This French country style home was one of my favorites of the day. A pineapple is a sign of hospitality and sits proudly atop a starred pillar. A beautiful fountain is perfectly framed in front of the house where you’ll see two more pineapple pillars flanking the front door. All of the yards are beautifully maintained.

 

You’ll find smaller, older homes on the outskirts of the beachfront neighborhood. Waterfront property always seems to be pricier and more extravagant than homes a little further away from the water. You can always add a pond in your yard (like me) to enjoy waterfront property.

 

One thing that surprised me while walking around Lake Forest is the lack of asphalt driveways. I only saw a couple. Instead, driveways were brick, stone, or some type of gravel.

 

This made me feel good because I refuse to change my driveway from gravel to asphalt. I like the rustic crunch of the gravel under tires, not to mention, it’s easier for stormwater to permeate and seep back into the ground.

 

A large gate and brick pillars create privacy for a brick estate. Bricks give way to gravel for the long driveway.

 

 

A more modest, yet expansive, Cape Cod home generates cozy curb appeal. This is one of the few homes with asphalt.

 

The lawns, yards, and walkways throughout town are all well-manicured which makes it pleasant to walk around and take in the residential sites.

 

If you own a landscaping business, you’ll have plenty of work in Lake Forest, Illinois.

 

Notice the topiary balls in the flower boxes of this elegant home. It’s a cute alternative.

 

Lake Forest has a small downtown area that we explored a bit. I found out The Deerpath Inn serves a traditional English afternoon tea, so I need to go back for that!

 

A lot of people aren’t familiar with Lake Forest Beach and it’s a beauty. From the affluent residential neighborhood, you’ll find a gravel path that leads you to the sandy shore.

 

The water of Lake Michigan is a beautiful shade of blue and the beach was fairly unpopulated. This is a view from the top of the bluff bordering the neighborhood.

 

A long stairway leads to your watery destination.

 

A brick path winds its way next to the beach if you don’t want to get your feet sandy. And there are plenty of benches to rest in the shade. Further down the path is a concession stand. I’ve decided this is going to be my go-to beach during the summer. I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.

 

And this gorgeous, stately home greets you across the street from the staircase descending to the beach!

 

I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip to one of the more affluent suburbs of Chicago. I’ll be sure to feature some “average” yet quaint neighborhoods in the future!