A lakefront estate in Winnetka has sold for $34.5 million, setting a new record for the highest sale price for a single-family home in the Chicago area. The sale, confirmed by listing agent Jena Radnay, surpasses a previous record set in the same suburb just months ago.
The total transaction includes $32.5 million for the property itself and an additional $2 million for some of its contents. This sale underscores the continued strength of the luxury real estate market on Chicago's North Shore.
Key Takeaways
- A Winnetka mansion sold for a total of $34.5 million, a new record for the Chicago area.
- The sale price consists of $32.5 million for the home and $2 million for furnishings.
- This breaks the previous record of $31.25 million, also set in Winnetka earlier this year.
- The property was developed by sellers Jeffrey and Ashley Quicksilver, who purchased the original lot for $8 million in 2013.
A New Benchmark for Chicago Real Estate
The sale of the lakefront property marks the second time in a single year that the record for the most expensive home sale in the Chicago area has been broken. Both record-setting properties are located in the affluent suburb of Winnetka, signaling a significant concentration of high-value transactions in the community.
In August, a nearby mansion known as the "Windsor House" sold for $31.25 million, which at the time was the highest price ever paid for a resale home in the region. This new sale eclipses that figure by more than $3 million.
Understanding the Sale Price
Public records indicate the property's sale price was officially recorded at $32.5 million. The additional $2 million was for personal property, including furniture and other contents within the mansion. Even without the contents, the $32.5 million price for the real estate alone is a new record.
Listing agent Jena Radnay, who handled both this sale and the previous record-holder, expressed her enthusiasm for the transaction and what it signifies for the local market.
"It feels amazing," Radnay stated. "I'm thrilled for all the residents of Winnetka."
From Modest Purchase to Record-Breaking Estate
The sellers, Jeffrey and Ashley Quicksilver, embarked on a lengthy journey to create the landmark property. They initially purchased the land in 2013 for $8 million, which included a home that was later demolished.
In 2014, the Quicksilvers briefly listed the vacant land for sale, along with their custom building plans, for $10.5 million. Ultimately, they decided to proceed with the construction themselves, culminating in the creation of the estate that now holds the regional sales record.
The property's value increased by more than 330% from its original purchase price of $8 million in 2013 to its final sale price of $34.5 million.
This significant increase in value highlights the potential of custom new construction in prime locations and the vision of the developers.
Architectural Significance and Luxury Features
Designed by the firm Northworks Architecture, the mansion was featured in Architectural Digest in 2019. The design is described as a blend of classic French Provincial style with modern amenities, creating a timeless feel.
The estate is situated high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, providing expansive views of the water. Its key features are tailored for a luxury lifestyle and include:
- An expansive outdoor terrace
- A custom swimming pool
- Professionally designed gardens
- A dedicated greenhouse
- A heated pool pavilion for year-round use
- A private boathouse with lake access
The architectural firm's description notes that the home is surrounded by gardens and its "timeless aesthetic creates the impression that the house could have been built long ago."
Winnetka's Rising Profile
The back-to-back record sales have solidified Winnetka's reputation as the premier luxury market in Illinois. According to Radnay, these high-value transactions are not anomalies but rather confirmations of the village's appeal.
"I'm all about showcasing to the state of Illinois how special Winnetka the beach town is," Radnay said. "These numbers that have happened? They further confirm how Winnetka is No. 1."
She attributes the suburb's desirability to its strong community, highly-rated schools, and a perceived sense of security. The willingness of buyers to invest tens of millions of dollars into single properties suggests a deep confidence in the long-term value of the Winnetka market.
While other Chicago-area real estate transactions have involved higher dollar amounts, they were typically for "multiparcel assemblages"—the combination of several different properties. This $34.5 million sale represents the highest price paid for a single residential home, setting a clear and powerful new standard for luxury real estate in the Midwest.
