215 Prospect Avenue, Highland Park, IL

Thornycote a 1901 English Arts and Crafts design by Howard Van Doren Shaw, is a home where craftsmanship, harmony, and grace still define daily life. Set on over an acre of lush, landscaped land near Lake Michigan, this residence invites admiration and offers a sense of place within its storied past. A handsome foyer introduces the home’s refined proportions and the richness of its historic woodwork and integrity. Every detail reveals Shaw’s thoughtful design, from the formal living room centered around a commanding wood-burning fireplace to the spacious family room that opens onto a generous terrace. The gracious dining room flows seamlessly into a bright sunroom-ideal for morning light or evening relaxation. A library, timeless and rich in character, offers quiet retreat, while the renovated kitchen-complete with custom cabinetry, butler’s pantry, coffee bar, and mudroom-blends modern convenience with historic charm. An extra-wide staircase leads to the second floor, where the primary suite serves as a private haven with an adjoining sitting / dressing room, a wood-burning fireplace, and a spacious, updated bath overlooking the grounds. Two additional large bedrooms share a full bath and connect to a cozy sitting room, perfect for reading or play. A second-floor laundry adds ease to the home’s elegant functionality. The commodious third floor provides remarkable flexibility with four bedrooms, two full baths, and a large bonus room suited for a playroom, home office, media lounge, or studio. Beyond the main residence, a 1,600-square-foot coach house is a rare opportunity with four garage bays, a two-bedroom suite, and a conference room overlooking stunning ravine views framed by two stone bridges-a setting where work, creativity, and nature coexist. Every corner of Thornycote reveals a story: a hidden speakeasy behind a mirrored door, secret gardens, and pathways designed for exploration. Just steps from downtown Highland Park’s shops, restaurants, library, and train, this landmark residence blends architectural heritage with modern comfort-an enduring expression of Shaw’s artistry brought gracefully into the present.