19th century ‘log mansion’ in Highland Park lists for $3.3M

It’s the North Shore meets the North Woods with this massive log house built by architect William W. Boyington in 1893. Located in suburban Highland Park, Illinois and situated high atop a bluff overlooking a deep ravine and—when seasonal foliage allows—the waters of Lake Michigan, the 6,000 square foot home features five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a fully finished lower level, and an impressive great room with opposing field stone fireplaces.

While decidedly more Aspen than Chicago, the log cabin treatment is handsome outside and continues through the home’s living and dining rooms. The decor gets a little less woodsy in the renovated kitchen which has opted for more a provincial European aesthetic. The upstairs bedrooms and associated bathrooms are certainly nice enough, but also forgo the rustic log-and-chinking look. The result isn’t really bad, but is somewhat disharmonious with the rest house.

The 19th century Midwest mountain home hit the market today asking $3,295,000. According to records, it last sold in 2005 for $2,955,000. Five years before that, it changed hands for $2,700,000.

• 1623 Sylvester Place, Highland Park IL [Estately]
• Highland Park archives [Curbed Chicago]