Timeless 1926 Brick Colonial in Winnetka, Illinois, With Light-Filled Spaces, Vaulted Studio, and Over 3,000 Square Feet
Nestled in one of East Winnetka, Illinois’s most coveted neighborhoods, this handsome brick Colonial home epitomizes timeless character and modern comfort. Likely dating from the early 20th century—an era celebrated for stately, symmetrical Colonial Revival architecture—the property boasts over 3,000 square feet of meticulously updated living space and sits on a lush, beautifully landscaped lot. Recent renovations have refreshed the home inside and out, from an updated kitchen with bright cabinetry and built-in breakfast nook to a luxurious primary suite. The bonus vaulted studio above the garage adds flexibility for work or recreation. Listed at $1,250,000, this home is steps from top schools, Metra, the Village Green, and Lake Michigan beaches, offering the best of North Shore living.
Front Entrance
A two-story brick house with a symmetrical facade features dark green shutters flanking windows on either side of a stately central doorway. Lush ivy climbs across sections of the lower brick walls, adding to the classic historic charm. The entryway is accented by a crisp white door framed by elegant sidelights and a dramatic peaked portico with decorative trim. Steps leading to the door are bordered by urns filled with vibrant pink and yellow flowers. A winding stone pathway curves through a well-kept green lawn, while mature trees and manicured shrubs provide shade and a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere.
Front Exterior
A two-story brick house with a symmetrical facade, classic black shutters, and a steeply pitched roof occupies the center of a lush green lawn. The front door, painted white, features a brass knocker and is crowned by a small triangular pediment. Vines climb partially up the brick walls, framing the lower windows and entryway. Vibrant green shrubs and plants, along with blooming flowers in planters, create a welcoming atmosphere around the stone walk leading to the entrance. Mature shade trees and manicured bushes border the property, and a driveway to the right leads to a detached white garage at the back.
Front Entrance
A welcoming stone walkway leads to a classic white front door framed by a decorative, semi-circular transom window with glass sections radiating outward. The entry is sheltered by a small covered portico supported by elegant white trim and features a hanging lantern light above the door. Flanking the steps are black iron railings, two large potted purple mums, and whimsical stacked pumpkins for seasonal detail. Brick walls with lush green ivy and mature shrubs surround the entry, while crisp white-framed windows with black shutters provide symmetry and accentuate the home’s traditional American charm.
Entryway and Dining
Stepping through a white front door with house number 305 into a bright entryway, the layout flows directly into an elegant dining room framed by French doors with divided glass panes. Warm wood floors run throughout, complementing a long, mid-century modern dining table surrounded by sleek wooden chairs with upholstered seats. Soft green-gray walls are finished with white wainscoting, giving the space a fresh, classic vibe. Architectural details include crown molding and wide window shutters, which filter sunlight into the space. A geometric chandelier with gold accents adds a touch of contemporary style to the traditional setting.
Foyer and Dining Room
A bright, welcoming foyer features a wide staircase with wooden steps, white risers, and a chevron-patterned beige carpet runner. The handrail is polished dark wood, and white spindles line the staircase. The hallway floor is finished in rich, honey-toned hardwood. Against the clean white walls, a round mirror hangs above a door with vintage hardware. Through a wide doorway to the right, a dining room showcases blue walls with white molding, a wooden table set for six, contemporary chairs, and a modern chandelier with gold accents and cylindrical shades. Tall windows let in natural light, highlighting the airy, classic aesthetic.
Living Room Details
Spacious living room featuring warm, polished hardwood floors and soft gray walls, bringing a contemporary yet cozy feel. A large, off-white sectional sofa sits atop a pale patterned area rug, facing a sleek wooden coffee table with minimalist décor. Above the sofa are three serene large-scale landscape artworks. French doors with glass panes open into a bright sunroom, allowing natural light to stream through. The room also includes a fireplace with white wood surround and a mounted TV. An open entryway leads to a formal dining area, which is bathed in sunlight from large windows and accented by a modern chandelier.
Living Room Details
A long, inviting living room features soft gray walls with crisp white trim and crown molding, creating a serene backdrop. A plush, L-shaped sectional in a light neutral tone is accented with throw pillows in various hues of green and gray. A wooden coffee table sits atop a subtle patterned area rug, while natural hardwood flooring adds warmth. The white classical fireplace is topped with a mounted flat-screen TV, and a sleek window seat runs beneath white plantation shutters. Three minimalist landscape paintings and built-in shelving at the far end provide understated elegance, illuminated by ample natural light from broad windows.
Kitchen Galley
A bright, elongated kitchen with a galley layout features two parallel rows of cabinetry topped with stone countertops. White shaker cabinets with glass fronts and brass hardware line one side, while matching cabinets and a stainless steel oven, microwave, and cooktop are on the other. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates a white subway tile backsplash. Warm wood floors balance the cool, clean palette, and large windows by a small dining nook fill the space with natural light. The overall atmosphere is airy and elegant, blending historic charm with modern functionality through thoughtful finishes and refined architectural details.
Living Room Details
A bright, spacious living room features a soft, neutral palette with light gray walls and white trim. The centerpiece is an overstuffed L-shaped sectional sofa in pale beige, adorned with plush cushions. A wooden side table with a ceramic lamp sits at one end, and a large patterned area rug anchors the sitting area. The coffee table is low and wooden, decorated with a small plant and books. Across from the sofa, built-in shelving and a bay window create an inviting reading nook with a rounded armchair. Artwork and minimal decorative accents complete the elegant and airy atmosphere.
Kitchen Galley
A sleek galley kitchen features warm hardwood floors and a harmonious neutral palette, balancing white cabinetry with subtle beige walls. The countertops are a polished brown granite, set off by a subway tile backsplash in glossy white. Stainless steel appliances, including a double oven and large refrigerator, provide a modern touch. Glass-fronted upper cabinets add classic charm with brass hardware, while under-cabinet lighting brightens the workspace. A stainless steel farmhouse sink is positioned under a window for natural light. Through a doorway, a bright dining room with large windows and a modern chandelier can be seen, emphasizing an open, airy flow.
Breakfast Nook
A cozy breakfast nook is tucked into a corner surrounded by large, grid-paned windows that allow abundant natural light to fill the space. The walls are painted a soft beige, pairing harmoniously with glossy white woodwork and trim. A round white table anchors the area, with two chairs featuring plaid seat cushions in neutral tones. Built-in bench seating lines the walls beneath the windows, topped with plush pillows for comfort. Warm-toned hardwood floors contrast with the light cabinetry in the adjacent kitchen, creating an inviting, airy atmosphere ideal for casual dining or enjoying morning coffee while looking out to the garden.
Backyard Patio
A spacious and inviting backyard patio with a stone-paved seating area centered around a circular fire pit. Four cushioned chairs encircle the fire pit and match the dark metal round table that is covered by a large gray patio umbrella. Lush green grass, neat flower beds, and mature trees surround the patio space. In the background is a white, two-car detached garage with a steeply pitched roof, upper window, and classic lap siding. The yard is enclosed by a wooden fence, and the overall atmosphere feels peaceful, private, and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Dining Room Details
A dining room with rich, warm hardwood floors and blue walls with white wainscoting. A wooden dining table sits at the center, surrounded by four contemporary wood-and-cushion chairs. A modern gold chandelier with cylindrical glass shades hangs above the table. Large windows with white plantation shutters allow ample natural light, while French doors with glass panes open to an adjoining room. The overall vibe combines traditional architectural charm with mid-century and modern accents, highlighted by clean lines, light fixtures, and the serene blue-and-white color palette. A floral arrangement in a decorative vase and silver candlesticks adorn the table.
Dining Room Details
A bright and airy dining room with a refined blend of traditional and modern elements. The room features soft blue walls with classic white wainscoting and crown molding. A wooden dining table is surrounded by six mid-century modern chairs with padded seats, centered beneath a brass and glass chandelier that adds a touch of luxury. The hardwood floor brings warmth to the space. A geometric-shaped gold-framed mirror hangs above a dark wood sideboard with a chevron pattern. Ample natural light enters through a large window, accented by white plantation shutters. Decorative touches include a blue patterned vase and sleek silver candlesticks.
Sunroom Details
A bright sunroom features neutral walls and a large multi-pane window that fills the space with natural light. The room has light gray-and-white checkered carpeting, adding visual interest and a soft surface underfoot. Two modern ladder-style shelves are positioned at each side of the entry to the adjacent living room, holding books and fabric bins for storage. Light blue armchairs enhance comfort and create a cozy reading nook. The ceiling is fitted with a classic white ceiling fan, and crisp white crown moldings frame the space, harmonizing with the traditional radiator cover and trim. Overall, the space feels airy and contemporary.
Primary Bedroom
A serene, spacious bedroom features a neutral color palette with light beige walls and white trim, creating a calming atmosphere. The centerpiece is a large bed dressed in crisp white bedding and a generous arrangement of plush pillows, flanked by light wood nightstands and matching dresser. Two windows draped with flowing white curtains allow ample natural light to filter in, highlighting soft beige carpeting. Above the bed, floating wooden shelves display a framed picture and subtle decorative objects. Overhead, a dark wood ceiling fan adds contrast, while a simple lamp and fresh flowers offer understated elegance.
Bathroom Shower Area
A crisp, modern bathroom features a large walk-in glass shower with white subway tiles covering the walls and a tiled shower bench in the corner. The shower floor consists of small patterned mosaic tiles in neutral tones. The vanity has a marble countertop and shaker-style gray cabinetry, topped with a rectangular mirror framed in dark gray. Double light sconces provide soft illumination above the mirror. The room also contains a white toilet and a wall-mounted storage cabinet. Soft sage-green paint on the walls contrasts with the white trim and frosted window, enhancing the airy and clean atmosphere.
Nursery Design
A serene nursery featuring soft, neutral color tones with white walls and carpeting creates a calming atmosphere. The main furnishings include a modern white crib, a plush white glider chair with a decorative pillow, and a simple round side table. Sheer white curtains hang over a single window, allowing gentle light to filter into the space. The room also features a classic ceiling fan centered above, and clean crown molding accents the ceiling. The layout is open and uncluttered, evoking simplicity and tranquility ideal for a baby’s room, while a changing table is visible in the foreground.
Nursery Bedroom
A serene nursery bedroom featuring soft cream-colored walls and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The space is illuminated by natural light streaming through two windows dressed in gauzy white curtains with dark wooden rods. A white crib and matching dresser anchor one side, while a cushioned armchair for rocking sits between the windows. A single bed with crisp white bedding occupies the opposite wall, paired with patterned accent pillows. Decorative elements include playful animal artwork and simple shelving. The room is grounded by a large, textured neutral rug and finished with a white ceiling fan overhead, creating a fresh, tranquil design.
Upstairs Landing
Natural light pours through a large window, illuminating the upper landing of a historic American home. The staircase features a wooden handrail paired with white spindles, leading to gleaming hardwood floors. Walls are painted a crisp soft white, complemented by classic white trim and crown molding. To the left, built-in cabinetry offers storage, and radiant heat grates are tastefully integrated with a vintage look. An open door reveals a bathroom with a pedestal sink, white tile, and light blue ceiling. The space feels airy and elegant, blending timeless architecture with subtle modern updates.
Basement Retreat
A spacious basement living area features a large sectional sofa in deep blue-gray, accented by matching and lighter-toned throw pillows and a cozy blanket. Neutral beige carpeting covers the floor, complementing the soft, light-gray walls. Recessed lighting in the white ceiling provides a bright, inviting atmosphere, while exposed wooden beams add a touch of rustic charm. A staircase with wooden handrails leads up to the main floor. Minimalist décor is used throughout, with a single black-and-white framed artwork on one wall and a sleek dark-wood entertainment console supporting a large flat-screen television. The space feels modern yet warm and comfortable.
Attic Home Office
A bright attic space adapted as a home office, featuring angled walls and a modern minimalist aesthetic. The room includes a warm medium-toned hardwood floor and tall, sloped white ceilings that add architectural interest. At the far end, a wooden desk with a monitor sits in front of a window, flanked by a sleek rolling chair. To the left, two upholstered accent chairs with neutral pillows border a wooden end table and a glass-based lamp. On the right side, a stationary exercise bike on a mat combines functionality with leisure, while natural light filters through wood blinds.
Back Patio
A spacious stone patio extends from the rear of a historic brick home, bordered by lush green grass and ornamental grasses near the foundation. Wide steps lead from a glass-paneled door to the patio, which features an outdoor dining area with a rectangular table, four modern chairs, and a large umbrella for shade. A low curved stone wall encloses part of the patio, providing additional seating or structure. The house’s exterior highlights tan brick, white trim, second-story windows with dark shutters, and a rooftop balcony with white railings, creating an inviting space for outdoor gatherings amidst mature trees and privacy shrubs.
Backyard Patio
A tidy, spacious patio area sits at the rear of a two-story brick home, surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees. The home features warm tan brick, white trim, and dark shutters on the upper windows. Broad steps lead up from a stone-paved area to a white door, flanked by large windows that invite natural light. To the right, a circular stone enclosure contains a black patio table and four matching chairs under a large pale-gray umbrella, perfect for outdoor dining. Soft landscaping edges the patio, blending seamlessly with the manicured lawn and natural wooded backdrop.
Patio Seating Area
A sunlit backyard patio set against a historic brick home. The space features a stone-paved seating area with a black table and four matching chairs, all arranged under a large navy patio umbrella. Just in front, a circular stone fire pit adds warmth and ambiance. Lush greenery surrounds the area, including manicured garden beds and large shrubs providing privacy. A wooden fence borders the property, while tall trees cast dappled shade across the lawn. The home’s rear showcases large windows, muted blue shutters, and a second-story balcony with white railings, accentuating the classic charm of the outdoor living space.
Listing Agent: Paige Dooley of Compass via Zillow
