The "Ralph H. Poole House" stands as an enduring testament to David Adler's visionary craftsmanship, a cornerstone of architectural excellence, nestled amidst the Illinois prairie. Originally conceived between 1911-14 in collaboration w/Henry Dangler & landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted, the residence is the essence of a Parisian home transplanted into the heart of the Midwest. As you enter the flowing driveway w/over 8 beautifully manicured acres, you are transported to your own private getaway. Stepping across its threshold, one is immediately enveloped by a sense of symmetry, balance, and proportion that seamlessly intertwines both interior and exterior spaces. Meticulously restored & elevated to its current state of opulence (2017), every facet of the home, from its plumbing & electrical systems, to chimneys & landscape, have all been redone or enhanced, & bears witness in a transformation to its original splendor! The current owner's hands were involved in every element of the design with true thought in bringing the home into the 21st century for living but honoring all of its history! Enter the expansive foyer/gallery with 13 ft ceilings on the main floor, a grand vestibule anchored by a sweeping limestone staircase, adorned w/ an infinity pattern stone floor & wheat & chaff plaster relief adorning the walls. The foyer offers access to the living room, boasting a signature black terrazzo floor, complemented by a marble fireplace and raised paneled walls with an exquisite Baccarat crystal chandelier. Adjacent, the library beckons w/ rich Gum Wood encased bookcases, paneling & marble carved fireplace, w/beautiful white oak flooring. The former music room is now a stunning dining room w/ fireplace, raised plaster walls & stunning white oak flooring adjacent to the family room. The oval sunroom, strategically positioned on the southwest corner, harnesses sunlight throughout the day & seasons, with the opposing side of the home containing the oval family room which now is seamlessly integrated w/the state-of-the-art kitchen, that exudes modern sophistication w/floor-to-ceiling custom cabinets, a waterfall marble island, & top-of-the-line appliances. The butler's pantry is also a wonderful complement for entertaining between the family room, & dining room. The first floor also has a large ensuite bedroom drenched with natural light, with a french door opening to the southern gardens. Adjacent is a beautiful first floor office with lovely southern views as well. There is also an elegant powder room and a large mud room off of the kitchen. Ascending the grand staircase to the second floor reveals a primary bedroom retreat adorned w/ a generous walk-in closet, mirrored double vanities, radiant heated floor & a luxurious frameless glass shower w/Greek key design elements & black/white marble throughout. There are two large bedrooms that share a beautiful bath w/ floating tub/shower, one bedroom that is ensuite & three additional bedrooms that share a beautifully updated full bath and a laundry room w/built-ins on this floor, near the back staircase. The unfinished basement has several large rooms, an original laundry room, dry storage and mechanicals. Outside, the newer pool area beckons w/ a bluestone patio and limestone stairs, with a pool house for your storage needs. The meticulously landscaped grounds feature a terrace patio connecting the home with the two-bedroom coach house. The coach house has a two-car garage, a studio area and second floor private guest apartment (904 sq ft) w/kitchenette, full bath, two bedrooms & living room. There is also an additional detached one +car garage, completing this unparalleled estate of timeless allure and modern convenience. Move right in and enjoy all that this luxurious estate has to offer near schools, parks, and town!
Single-familyProperty Type
1912Year Built
8.26 acresLot Size
$585Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
3 car garageParking
Listed by Ann Lyon• @properties Christie's International Real Estate
Bought with Kim Campbell• @properties Christie's International Real Estate
Interior Features: 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Historic/Period Mlwk, Special Millwork
# of Rooms: 15
Flooring: Hardwood
Equipment
Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, High End Refrigerator, Freezer, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Wine Refrigerator, Range Hood, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven
Water-Softener Owned, TV-Cable, Security System, Multiple Water Heaters
Fireplace Information
# of Fireplaces: 4
Fireplace Location: Living Room,Bedroom,Den/Library,Dining Room
Fireplace Features: Wood Burning
Exterior
Exterior Features
Pool Features: In Ground
Patio And Porch Features: Patio, Porch
Building Information
Living Area Source: Assessor
Age: 100+ Years
Built Before 1978 (Y/N): Yes
Roof: Slate
Foundation Details: Concrete Perimeter
Construction Materials: Stucco, Marble/Granite
Property Information
Property Type: Detached Single
Property Type: 2 Stories
Ownership: Fee Simple
Property Currently Being Leased: No
Rebuilt (Y/N): No
Rehab (Y/N): Yes
Rehab Year: 2017
Total Finished/Unfinshed Sq Ft: 2,908
Unfinished Lower Sq Ft: 2908
General Information: School Bus Service,Commuter Train
Parcel Number: 12173000190000
Fencing: Partial
Lot Information
Dimensions: 933X370X180X350X476
Lot Size: 8.0-9.99 Acres
Lot Features: Landscaped, Mature Trees
Financial
Tax Information
Tax Annual Amount: $43,046
Tax Year: 2023
Tax Exemptions: Homeowner
Financial Information
Finance Code: Cash
Special Service Area: N
Utilities
Utility Information
Water Source: Well
Sewer: Public Sewer
Electric: Service - 400 Amp or Greater
Heating & Cooling
Heating: Steam
Cooling: Central Air
Location
Community Information
Community Features: Pool, Sidewalks, Street Paved
Homeowners Association Information
Master Association Fee Frequency: Not Required
School Information
Elementary School District: 65
Elementary School: Lake Bluff Elementary School
Middle Or Junior School District: 65
Middle Or Junior School: Lake Bluff Middle School
High School District: 115
High School: Lake Forest High School
Location Information
Township: Shields
Corporate Limits: Lake Bluff
Directions: Green Bay Rd North of 176 to #
Public facts
Beds: —
Baths: 5.5
Sq. Ft.: 7,905
Stories: 2.0
Lot Size: 8.26 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1912
Year Renovated: 1912
County: Lake County
APN: 12-17-300-019
Home facts updated by county records on Jul 15, 2026
Other
Listing Information
Holds Earnest Money: Yes
Possession: Closing
Some Photos Virtually Staged?: No
Around this home
Schools
Lake Bluff Elementary School
Public PreK-5 • Assigned • 0.4mi
9/10
Lake Bluff Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 1.2mi
9/10
Lake Forest High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 2.0mi
9/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 98° expected this year, 14 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
4/10 Air Factor
4 unhealthy days expected this year, 5 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Lake Bluff, IL • 60044
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
29
14
36
21
51
32
58
41
63
47
77
60
81
67
77
64
73
59
64
49
49
37
35
22
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 10.2 hours in
June and 3.3 hours in December, placing it below the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
10.2 hrs
3.3 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$4.39M – $5.31M
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Property information provided by MRED as Distributed by MLS Grid when last listed in 2025. This data may not match public records. Learn more.
Listing provided courtesy of: @properties Christie's International Real Estate
Listing agent: Ann Lyon (8478289991)
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of Wed Sep 09 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.