538 E Center Ave
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,590 sqft (on 0.29 acres)
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,590 sqft
(on 0.29 acres)
Local Information
© Google
-- mins to
Description
This distinctive classic vintage home is beautifully situated just two blocks from Lake Michigan in east Lake Bluff. The rarely found oversized .29 acre property was transformed by LEED certified designer and landscape architect Kris Barker. The outdoor living space includes a fabulous front porch overlooking the boulevard of Center Avenue, a fenced backyard with a manicured grass area perfect for bocce ball, a dining space, and a fire pit area all accented by maintenance free grasses and trees handpicked by the designer. This modern vintage home just keeps getting better. The serene primary suite was created in 2015 with a private entryway, custom designed closets, and a striking new bathroom with a custom double vanity with quartzite top, slipper bathtub, and luxe shower. The open kitchen, great room, and bonus office was designed by architect Celeste Robbins in 2012, whose work has been featured in architectural digest. Many additional improvements throughout the home include designer paint, high end light fixtures, bathroom updates, new roof in 2018, rebuilt chimney and installed gas blower fireplace with marble surround and custom mantle, and so much more. The following vintage detailing beautifully complements the improvements made to the home: 10 foot ceilings on the first floor, fine millwork, tall windows, and quarter sawn oak hardwood flooring throughout. One would be hard pressed to find a light filled modern day vintage home with magazine worthy contemporary design updates at this value.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Trulia. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources. This description is from November 22, 2023
Home Highlights
Parking
Garage
Outdoor
No Info
A/C
Heating & Cooling
HOA
None
Price/Sqft
No Info
Listed
180+ days ago
Home Details for 538 E Center Ave
|
|---|
MLS Status: Closed |
|
|---|
Interior Details Basement: Unfinished,PartialNumber of Rooms: 9Types of Rooms: Master Bedroom, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3, Bedroom 4, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Office |
Beds & Baths Number of Bedrooms: 4Number of Bathrooms: 3Number of Bathrooms (full): 3 |
Dimensions and Layout Living Area: 2590 Square Feet |
Appliances & Utilities Appliances: Range, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, DisposalDishwasherDisposalDryerLaundry: Main LevelWasher |
Heating & Cooling Heating: Natural Gas,Forced AirHas CoolingAir Conditioning: Central AirHas HeatingHeating Fuel: Natural Gas |
Fireplace & Spa Number of Fireplaces: 1Fireplace: Living RoomHas a FireplaceNo Spa |
Windows, Doors, Floors & Walls Flooring: Hardwood |
Levels, Entrance, & Accessibility Stories: 2Accessibility: No Disability AccessFloors: Hardwood |
|
|---|
Parking & Garage Number of Garage Spaces: 2Number of Covered Spaces: 2Has a GarageNo Attached GarageHas Open ParkingParking Spaces: 2Parking: Garage Door Opener,On Site,Garage Owned,Detached,Garage |
Frontage Not on Waterfront |
Water & Sewer Sewer: Public Sewer |
|
|---|
Year Built Year Built: 1902Year Renovated: 2016 |
Property Type / Style Property Type: ResidentialProperty Subtype: Single Family Residence |
Building Construction Materials: Aluminum SidingNot a New Construction |
Property Information Parcel Number: 12212140190000 |
|
|---|
Price List Price: $1,195,000 |
Status Change & Dates Off Market Date: Tue Mar 28 2023Possession Timing: Close Of Escrow |
|
|---|
Direction & Address City: Lake Bluff |
School Information Elementary School: Lake Bluff Elementary SchoolElementary School District: 65Jr High / Middle School: Lake Bluff Middle SchoolJr High / Middle School District: 65High School: Lake Forest High SchoolHigh School District: 115 |
|
|---|
HOA Fee Includes: None |
|
|---|
Lot Area: 0.29 acres |
|
|---|
Special Conditions: None |
|
|---|
Listing Terms: Conventional |
|
|---|
Business Information Ownership: Fee Simple |
|
|---|
BasementMls Number: 11745339Attic: Pull Down Stair |
Last check for updates: about 15 hours ago
Listed by Dawn McKenna, (847) 234-8000
Coldwell Banker Realty
Bought with: Rachel Krueger, Jameson Sotheby's Intl Realty
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID, MLS#11745339
Price History for 538 E Center Ave
| Date | Price | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/29/2023 | $1,195,000 | Sold | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11745339 |
| 05/01/2023 | $1,195,000 | Pending | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11745339 |
| 03/28/2023 | $1,195,000 | Contingent | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11745339 |
| 03/25/2023 | $1,195,000 | Listed For Sale | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #11745339 |
| 08/14/2015 | $790,000 | Sold | MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #08749160 |
| 08/01/2015 | $829,000 | Pending | Agent Provided |
| 05/01/2015 | $829,000 | PendingToActive | Agent Provided |
| 04/25/2015 | $829,000 | Pending | Agent Provided |
| 04/15/2015 | $829,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 03/26/2015 | $897,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 11/18/2014 | $973,000 | PriceChange | Agent Provided |
| 10/10/2014 | $1,019,000 | Listed For Sale | Agent Provided |
| 05/17/2011 | $805,000 | Sold | N/A |
| 10/09/2010 | $889,000 | Listed For Sale | Agent Provided |
- Results are loading
Property Tax and Assessment
| Year | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Tax | $19,404 |
| Assessment | $822,988 |
Home facts updated by county records
Comparable Sales for 538 E Center Ave
Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Sold Date | Bed | Bath | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.06 | Single-Family Home | $1,475,000 | 08/11/25 | 4 | 3.5 | 3,345 | |
0.15 | Single-Family Home | $1,320,000 | 04/06/26 | 4 | 3 | 2,079 | |
0.26 | Single-Family Home | $1,200,000 | 08/12/25 | 4 | 3 | 2,450 | |
0.24 | Single-Family Home | $1,115,000 | 08/22/25 | 4 | 2.5 | 3,932 | |
0.27 | Single-Family Home | $1,026,000 | 10/01/25 | 4 | 2.5 | 2,800 | |
0.21 | Single-Family Home | $1,750,000 | 05/22/26 | 4 | 3.5 | 2,919 | |
0.38 | Single-Family Home | $1,025,000 | 01/12/26 | 3 | 2.5 | 2,464 | |
0.21 | Single-Family Home | $1,065,000 | 06/11/25 | 4 | 3.5 | 1,900 |
Nearby homes
Get a sense of prices in the area by checking nearby homes.
FOR SALENEW - 2 DAYS AGO0.89 ACRESJameson Sotheby's International Realty, New
FOR SALE1.52 ACRESColdwell Banker Realty, Active
FOR SALEFathom Realty IL LLC, Active
OFF MARKET
SOLDMAY 13, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
FOR SALEColdwell Banker Realty, Active
FOR SALE0.4 ACRES@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Active- OFF MARKET
FOR SALE0.3 ACRES@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Active
OFF MARKET
SOLDAPR 6, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
Assigned Schools
These are the assigned schools for 538 E Center Ave.
- Lake Bluff Middle School
- 6-8
- Public
- 303 Students
9/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageI was a new student here and my experience was not the best to say the least. Most teachers were friendly and nice and the school had an interesting fine arts program, I mean, but I found it extremely hard to get used to the school. I don't think I ever will actually. Compared to my past schools I felt that some areas needed to be worked on such as social studies because it seems to have a weak curriculum. I found it interesting that the north Chicago kids who go here stick out like sore thumbs since lake bluff kids dress affluent. There seems to be an invisible economic and social boundary line between the two regions as I see it. The most disappointing part of the school I thought was the principal, Nate Blackmer. I found myself relating him to a cheesy salesman who wants to appear friendly but it's because it is part of job to be. He just seems fake and when I asked him something, he made an excuse of how busy he was instead of even attempting to listen. Also he sees me and knows who I am but ignored me, which is definitely not the best welcoming behaviour.Other Review12y ago - Lake Forest High School
- 9-12
- Public
- 1348 Students
9/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageQuite possibly the best education any child would be lucky enough to receive in this country. The environment is geared toward learning and advancement toward college and a professional career. Teachers are engaging and knowledgeable. The only hit or miss is the administrative staff. Solid school, solid education along with a great athletic program. Highly recommend LFHSParent Review3y ago - Lake Bluff Elementary School
- PK-5
- Public
- 571 Students
9/10GreatSchools RatingParent Rating AverageRecent administrative changes have resulted in great improvement of the district overall. The district's Covid-response plan was the best of any district in the area. The new Director of Student Services is a huge improvement from the previous administrator. Some educational programming definitely needs to be updated, but overall this district is moving in a positive direction.Parent Review5y ago 
Check out schools near 538 E Center Ave.
What Locals Say about Lake Bluff
At least 54 Trulia users voted on each feature.
98 % Say it's dog friendly
88 % Say people would walk alone at night
86 % Say there's holiday spirit
85 % Say it's quiet
85 % Say car is needed
81 % Say it's walkable to restaurants
80 % Say yards are well-kept
79 % Say kids play outside
76 % Say parking is easy
67 % Say there are sidewalks
61 % Say there are community events
58 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years
58 % Say neighbors are friendly
57 % Say there's wildlife
53 % Say streets are well-lit
40 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores
Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
Apartments for Rent
PET FRIENDLY$1,877 - $2,359/mo1-2 bd1-2 baDeer Valley Apartments | 30011 N Waukegan Rd #7-104,
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
PET FRIENDLYFURNISHED
PET FRIENDLY
PET FRIENDLY
PET FRIENDLY
APPLY INSTANTLY
APPLY INSTANTLY
APPLY INSTANTLY
APPLY INSTANTLYPET FRIENDLY
PET FRIENDLY
See more homes for rent inLake Bluff
Explore by feature
- SPECIAL OFFERPET FRIENDLY$1,877 - $2,359/mo1-2 bd1-2 baDeer Valley Apartments | 30011 N Waukegan Rd #7-104,
Lake Bluff, IL 60044 - PET FRIENDLY
- APPLY INSTANTLY
- APPLY INSTANTLY
APPLY INSTANTLY
PET FRIENDLY
Homes for sale near 538 E Center Ave
- 0.4 ACRES@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Active
- NEW - 2 DAYS AGO0.89 ACRESJameson Sotheby's International Realty, New
1.09 ACRES@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Active
See more homes for sale inLake Bluff
Off Market Homes Near 538 E Center Ave
SOLDMAY 22, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
SOLDMAY 22, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
SOLDMAY 19, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
SOLDMAY 19, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
SOLDMAY 19, 2026Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, Closed
SOLDMAY 19, 2026Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, Closed
SOLDMAY 18, 2026Coldwell Banker Realty, Closed
SOLDMAY 18, 2026Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, Closed
SOLDMAY 13, 2026Coldwell Banker Realty, Closed- SOLDMAY 13, 2026@properties Christie's International Real Estate, Closed
- See more homes for sale inLake Bluff
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 2026. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Click here for more information
Homes for rent near 538 E Center Ave
- Results are loading
538 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,590 sqft single-family home built in 1902. This property is not currently available for sale. 538 E Center Ave was last sold on Jun 29, 2023 for $1,195,000 (0% higher than the asking price of $1,195,000). The current Trulia Estimate for 538 E Center Ave is $1,444,200.