1919 Buurma Bros. Estate in River Forest, Illinois, With Original Leaded Glass and Nearly Half an Acre of Private Grounds
Nestled in the heart of the historic Estate District of River Forest, IL, 823 Jackson Boulevard is a 1919 Buurma Bros-designed estate that artfully blends Spanish, Prairie, and Arts & Crafts architecture on one of the area’s largest private lots—nearly half an acre. Meticulously restored and fully renovated, this grand 6-bedroom, 5.5-bath home offers a stately porte-cochere, wide driveway, and a discreet 3-car garage. The interior boasts original leaded glass, checkerboard marble, high-end finishes, and a chef’s kitchen with Viking and Thermador appliances. Recently, the saltwater pool was updated with new coping, resurfacing, and modern mechanicals. Listed at $2,150,000, this legacy home pairs historical significance with modern luxury in a coveted neighborhood close to Chicago.
Covered Driveway Entrance
A spacious, covered driveway supported by sturdy square brick columns, leading to a gated rear yard. The brickwork gives a sense of early 20th-century American architecture, featuring a classic red hue with white trim accents matching the home’s upper windows. Above, the wooden ceiling of the carport adds warmth against the cool concrete drive underneath. Steps lead up to an inviting side porch framed by railings and lush potted ferns. To the right, a white SUV is parked, emphasizing the area’s practical use as both a grand entrance and sheltered parking space, surrounded by mature green trees.
Foyer and Staircase
A grand foyer features black and white checkered marble flooring that draws the eye towards a central wooden pedestal table topped with a sculpture. The ceiling is detailed with white coffered trim and painted a deep charcoal, illuminated by a sparkling crystal chandelier. The staircase, centrally placed, is covered in a red patterned runner and flanked by rich navy-blue textured walls adorned with framed art. The foyer is open to adjoining rooms on both sides, with wood floors and glimpses of both a cozy living area to the left and a light-filled kitchen to the right, creating an inviting and elegant entryway.
Entry Hallway
A grand entry hallway features a dramatic black and white checkerboard marble floor leading up to dark wooden double doors with glass panels. Overhead, a crystal chandelier hangs from a coffered ceiling with recessed lighting, adding elegance. The walls are covered in deep-toned wallpaper, adorned with framed artwork, and a tall potted plant in a white planter sits to the left. At the center, an ornate wood pedestal table displays a decorative statue. The hallway opens into a bright living area with tufted olive-green sectional sofa and soft curtains framing large windows, inviting natural light into the adjoining space.
Living Room Details
Spacious living room with light wood flooring and neutral cream walls. A bold red velvet sofa and a navy-blue sofa with studded accents face a large square wooden coffee table. The sofas are accented with patterned and solid cushions in hues of orange and peach. A white-painted fireplace with a dramatic mantel serves as the focal point, decorated with framed art and eclectic décor. Flanking the fireplace are small windows that allow extra light. An open doorway leads to a bright sunroom, visible with lime-green walls and sheer white curtains, enhancing the airy and welcoming atmosphere. Framed art adorns the walls, infusing character and warmth.
Living Room Details
A spacious living room features light hardwood floors and soft, warm lighting from recessed ceiling fixtures. A navy blue sofa with studded trim sits against one wall, paired with a deep maroon velvet settee and a long olive green sectional beneath three windows draped with sheer white curtains. An orange leather lounge chair and ottoman add a splash of color near the sectional. A large, rectangular wooden coffee table at the center holds décor and books, creating a cozy and lived-in vibe. The walls are decorated with landscape paintings and small framed art, balancing vintage style and comfort.
Living Room Details
Spacious living room featuring light hardwood floors and neutral cream walls, illuminated by recessed lighting in the ceiling. A long, olive-green tufted sectional sofa runs beneath three tall windows adorned with sheer, white curtains, creating a cozy primary seating area. An Eames-style leather lounge chair and matching ottoman in caramel brown are placed nearby with a small metallic side table and a folded blanket basket, adding a touch of mid-century modern flair. There’s a classic wooden chest of drawers with a glass lamp and small décor items, while a record player and stereo system sit on a corner shelf, enhancing the inviting, eclectic atmosphere.
Sunroom Seating
A cozy sunroom features pale green walls that brighten the space and complement the abundant natural light streaming through three large windows. Sheer white curtains, loosely tied with brown tasseled cords, add a delicate and airy feel. A soft, off-white loveseat sofa is adorned with sage green and golden yellow accent pillows, creating a gentle color harmony. In front of the sofa sits a light wood coffee table with smooth, curved edges and a decorative tray holding a few small objects, including a single orange fruit. An open wall cutout reveals glimpses of a neighboring room with eclectic decor and framed artwork.
Sunroom Corner
A bright, inviting corner furnished with two ivory wingback chairs, each adorned with a black patterned pillow, sits in front of large wrap-around windows dressed in sheer white curtains tied with gold cords. The walls are painted a cheerful lime green, creating an energetic atmosphere. Notable decorative elements include a bold, red sculptural lion and a bronze lion statue, alongside vases and a leafy hanging plant. Natural light floods the space, highlighting the light wood floors and a pastel patterned area rug, while small details such as a unique lamp and glass shelves add a touch of modern interest to this eclectic nook.
Dining Area Details
Warm natural light fills this dining space from a row of tall, multi-paneled windows covered with rich, brown curtains. The walls are a soft beige, creating a serene and inviting backdrop. A contemporary wooden dining table, set with four modern white chairs, anchors the room. Each chair features angled wooden legs, blending mid-century and current styles. Above the table, three pendant lights with glass shades cast a gentle glow. Architectural interest is added by a coffered ceiling with white trim. Decor includes a whimsical dog painting above a high-backed white chair, providing a playful, personalized touch.
Dining and Kitchen Area
A spacious, open-concept dining and kitchen area features a large natural wood table in the foreground, set with placemats and surrounded by white chairs. To the right, tall windows are draped with taupe curtains, allowing ample natural light. Light wood floors and creamy beige walls create a soft, welcoming ambiance. A blue kitchen with shaker cabinets, sleek stainless appliances, and a long breakfast bar with black stools adds contrast. A modern coffered ceiling adds architectural interest, and the space is brightened by contemporary pendant lights and playful artwork of a dog over a pair of white armchairs.
Kitchen Workspace
This kitchen features soft blue cabinetry with raised panel doors, brass hardware, and elegant marble countertops. Stainless steel appliances, including a double oven and large refrigerator, line the wall for a sleek, contemporary feel. A broad window over the sink lets in natural light and overlooks a lush, leafy yard. The island in the center has a polished stainless steel surface and a wooden cutting board on top, with storage shelves and pet bowls underneath. Blonde hardwood flooring runs throughout, and recessed ceiling lights provide ample illumination. Warm neutral walls and a minimalist backsplash complete the airy, inviting space.
Kitchen Countertop
Spacious kitchen area featuring a large stainless steel island with a wooden cutting board, surrounded by light blue cabinetry with sleek silver handles. The countertops are topped with a marble-like stone, and above the counter, open wooden shelving hangs against a dramatic veined marble backsplash holding liquor bottles and glassware. The ceiling displays a coffered design with recessed lighting, creating a bright and airy ambiance. The floor is finished in warm-toned hardwood, matching the wood-framed bar stools and beige curtains draping over tall windows. Art and photographs adorn the buttercream walls, adding a personalized and inviting touch to the space.
Kitchen Details
A spacious kitchen features a central island with metal legs and a wooden top, surrounded by light gray cabinetry fitted with modern brass handles. The cabinets continue up to the ceiling, maximizing storage, and are paired with a marble-effect backsplash that adds a touch of elegance. Stainless steel appliances, including a double oven and a large refrigerator, give the space a contemporary feel. Glass-doored pantry cabinets are visible on the left. The flooring is light hardwood, enhancing the room’s brightness, and recessed ceiling lights provide even illumination. Subtle artistic touches and open shelving add warmth and personality to the design.
Sitting Room Details
A cozy sitting area with vibrant blue walls and a white ceiling accented by recessed beams, creating a bright yet intimate space. A soft, light-gray couch sits against the main wall, adorned with a mix of geometric blue-and-white and green pillows with a leafy and leopard motif. The wall above the sofa is decorated with an eclectic arrangement of framed black-and-white photographs and artwork. Natural light floods in from a large window on the right, where a wooden figurine is placed on the sill. The floors are a warm, polished wood, adding contrast and warmth to the modern decor.
Living Room Nook
A bright and inviting corner of the living room furnished with two caramel brown leather armchairs set around a simple wooden side table. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides flood the space with natural light, offering a view of the outdoor patio and garage. The walls are painted a deep blue, creating a striking contrast with the white window trim and ceiling. Several large houseplants add vibrant green accents, and decorative objects including framed photographs, a globe, and patterned curtains bring a cozy, eclectic feel. Wall art and a sculptural lamp provide finishing contemporary touches.
Bathroom Vanity
A small powder room features a white marble vanity nestled under a sloped ceiling, creating a cozy corner. The countertop and backsplash continue the light, creamy marble tile motif, giving the space a bright and serene atmosphere. Brass fixtures, including the faucet, towel holder, and toilet paper holder, add a touch of vintage elegance. A large, angular mirror follows the lines of the roof, reflecting light and visually expanding the space. A delicate gold-framed art piece and rolled white towels bring warmth and character to the room, while the checkered marble hallway beyond adds dramatic contrast and visual interest.
Primary Bedroom
A spacious bedroom with soft gray-blue walls and natural wood flooring. A low-profile modern bed with crisp white linens is positioned against the far wall, accented by two mirrored nightstands and matching silver lamps. Three tall windows, dressed with flowing gray drapes, add light and airiness. Two elegant armchairs with cream upholstery and a yellow blanket rest in a nook near the entrance to an en suite bathroom, beside a brown leather ottoman. An ornate area rug in beige and muted pastel tones lies at the foot of the bed. Above the headboard, a framed print featuring flamingos offers a whimsical, artistic touch.
Bathroom Details
A spacious bathroom features deep blue walls contrasted by cream marble surfaces on the floors and shower. A large glass-enclosed shower sits next to a luxurious soaking tub set beneath a wide window with wooden blinds. Natural light filters through the blinds, creating a calm and private atmosphere. Opposite the bathtub, a long vanity with double sinks and sleek fixtures is topped with a large mirror. Pendant lighting adds a warm, modern touch above the sinks, while a richly patterned red and navy runner rug brings warmth and character to the room, tying together the inviting color palette.
Bedroom Details
Inviting bedroom with soft green walls and light hardwood floors, anchored by a grand four-poster bed dressed in muted brown and lavender bedding. A tufted green bench sits at the foot of the bed, providing a plush seating spot, while a tall, elegant mirror leans against one wall, reflecting a cozy corner with a map and table. Above the bed is a small aquatic-themed painting, and a decorative round table with a multicolored glass lamp adds character. Ceiling is accented with a modern fan/light fixture, and the space is filled with warm, understated traditional charm and thoughtful decor touches.
Home Office Corner
A sunlit workspace with walls painted in a soothing pastel green, featuring large windows along two sides that fill the room with natural light. The floors are finished in light wood, adding warmth to the overall feel. Against the wall, a sleek white desk holds a modern computer setup and several framed photos, complemented by a mesh office chair. To the left, a small white printer stand holds a printer. White blinds cover the windows, and a step stool with a toolkit sits nearby, blending practicality with comfort and making the space ideal for productivity and focus in a home environment.
Home Gym Space
A long, narrow room painted in vibrant green houses exercise equipment, including a Peloton bike near a window on the left side, and a wooden rower positioned on a black mat along the right. Natural light pours in through tall and small horizontal windows, highlighting the light hardwood floors. A row of blue dumbbells sits on the windowsill, and a rustic wooden stump functions as a small side table. There is a sleek black framed mirror and a vintage James Bond movie poster on the wall, adding personality. A cozy rug, a small desk, and open shelving create a multi-functional exercise and relaxation area.
Bathroom Details
A narrow bathroom features a glass-enclosed walk-in shower at the end, surrounded by glossy subway tiles in white for a clean and classic look. The top half of the walls are adorned with bold, vintage-style wallpaper covered in colorful birds and botanicals, adding a lively, eclectic touch. White hexagonal floor tiles complement the white porcelain sink and toilet. Chrome fixtures and towel racks hold neatly hung white towels. A rectangular mirror and soft recessed lighting provide a bright, inviting atmosphere. The space balances character and crispness, blending historic charm with modern conveniences and vivid design.
Bathroom Vanity
A compact bathroom features a pedestal sink centered beneath a large, arched mirror. The walls are half-tiled with muted green, beige, and stone-toned subway tiles that bring texture and vintage charm. Above the sink, two sleek wall sconces frame the mirror, casting warm, even light. To the right, a glass shower stall continues the stone-tile motif, with a chrome handle on the door. Glass shelves hold neatly arranged toiletries. The upper walls and ceiling are painted a soft cream, which keeps the space airy and inviting. A chrome towel ring and minimalist fixtures complement the sophisticated, timeless aesthetic.
Bedroom Details
A cozy bedroom tucked under a sloped ceiling with soft mint-green walls, warm wood trim, and honey-toned hardwood floors. A large, inviting bed with a pale pink comforter and striped accent pillows sits against one wall, accompanied by two small orange nightstands and simple lamps. Across from the bed is a classic wooden dresser with sleek horizontal lines, decorated minimally. Light streams through a double window, brightening the room and highlighting a plush, circular white chair nestled in the corner. The space feels airy and serene thanks to pastel colors, minimalist furnishings, and abundant natural light.
Bathroom Vanity
A cozy bathroom corner features a sleek white countertop atop a light wood vanity with multiple drawers. The sink has modern silver fixtures, and above it hangs a large, round, antique-style mirror framed in weathered gold. Glossy white subway tiles line the wall, while a chrome towel ring holds a neatly folded white towel. Soft ambient light from a twin sconce fixture brightens the clean, bright space. The sloped ceiling and crisp white walls give the room an intimate, attic-like feel. Just outside, light wood floors and a muted olive wall add warmth and contrast to the cool bathroom palette.
Bathroom Details
A bright and airy bathroom features clean white subway tiles covering the walls and a sloped ceiling giving the room a cozy feel. The floor is decorated with hexagonal marble tiles in varying shades of white and pale gray. There is a standard toilet in the left corner, and a chrome towel rack above holds neatly folded white towels. Double windows with divided panes let in soft daylight, illuminating the space. Next to the windows is a laundry basket on wheels, tucked beside a built-in bathtub. The minimalist aesthetic and muted color scheme create a serene, spa-like atmosphere.
Basement Recreation Room
A spacious, softly lit basement features neutral beige walls and light gray carpet providing a clean, open foundation. The foreground holds a modern, dark-finished pool table under a trio of green-shaded pendant lights, with a rack of billiard balls and cue sticks ready for play. Two small rectangular windows bring in daylight from above. Toward the back, a cozy sitting area includes light-colored sectional sofas facing a large flat-screen TV, with greenery in one corner adding a fresh touch. The overall design merges entertainment and relaxation, pairing understated colors with functional furniture in a long, open layout.
Backyard Patio
A well-maintained outdoor area behind a historic brick home features a concrete patio with two wooden chairs and a small table, surrounded by manicured hedges. Adjacent to the patio, a raised wooden deck with outdoor furniture provides space for dining or relaxing. The home displays an elegant mix of red brick and cream stucco exterior, large multi-pane windows, and a green tile roof. Mature trees and a wooden privacy fence add a sense of seclusion and shade, while a lush lawn stretches out, emphasizing a tranquil, inviting atmosphere blending traditional architecture with comfortable outdoor living.
Backyard Patio
A spacious backyard patio attached to a two-story historic American home with a red brick exterior and green-tiled roof. The patio area features a wide wooden deck surrounded by modern dark-stained railings. Several outdoor chairs and a dining table create a cozy seating area, perfect for gatherings. Tall windows and glass doors open to the deck, inviting in natural light. Mature trees border the lush green lawn and provide partial shade, while neatly trimmed shrubs and a wrought iron fence mark the property’s edge, emphasizing both elegance and privacy in the outdoor living space.
Laundry Room
A functional, utilitarian laundry room featuring a front-loading washer and dryer set side by side against one wall. The space is illuminated by a large rectangular fluorescent ceiling light, creating a bright workspace. Two small rectangular windows above the appliances let in some natural light, partially covered from the outside. The walls are painted a clean white, complemented by gray trim and baseboards, and the flooring is covered in smooth, light gray linoleum or vinyl for easy cleaning. The room feels spacious, uncluttered, and optimized for practicality, emphasizing utility over ornate decoration.
Backyard Pool Area
A serene outdoor space features a rectangular in-ground swimming pool surrounded by a wide paved concrete path. Two wooden lounge chairs with slatted backs face the pool, positioned on either side of a small metal accent table topped with a lush planter overflowing with greenery. The fenced yard is bordered by light wood fencing and lush green grass, framed by mature trees with a mix of summer green and autumn red foliage. The detached brick garage sits to the right, its white doors and pitched roof adding classic charm. Bright, clear blue skies enhance the tranquil, inviting atmosphere.
Backyard Pool Area
Expansive backyard featuring a large, oval-shaped in-ground swimming pool bordered by a wide, pale concrete deck. The bright blue pool stands out against the lush green lawn that surrounds it. In the background, a stately two-story brick house with a green-tiled roof presents early 20th-century architectural charm. An adjacent brick outbuilding with a similar tiled roof adds harmony to the space. Mature trees provide partial shade, and carefully placed urn planters add classic, decorative touches. The overall ambiance is inviting and serene, with the open sky and well-maintained landscaping enhancing the home’s historic appeal.
Garage Exterior
A three-car garage is shown with a spacious concrete driveway in the foreground. The garage structure features a combination of exposed red brick around the main double doors and white siding around a single adjacent door. The roof is covered in green tiles, adding a subtle color accent, and a small dormer with shuttered windows breaks up the roofline on the left side. There is a large potted plant situated between the double garage doors, softening the otherwise solid appearance. Surrounding the area are mature, leafy trees and a wooden privacy fence, lending a sense of seclusion and lushness.
Front Driveway
A spacious concrete driveway leads to a detached garage with two white doors, surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees. The home showcases a bungalow-style roof with green decorative tiles and brick columns flanking the entry. Manicured lawns and mulch beds with leafy shrubs create a tidy, inviting approach. Sunlight filters through overhead branches, casting dappled shadows along the driveway. The fence in the background offers privacy, while the mix of textures and soft landscaping enhances curb appeal. The sky is a vibrant blue, offering a cheerful and serene outdoor ambiance that frames the historic character of the property.
Listing Agent: James D’Astice of Compass via Zillow
