Historic 1896 ‘Castle on Ridge’ in Evanston, Illinois For $2.89 Million

1232 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202

At 1232 Ridge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois, rising proudly on nearly an acre of land, stands a residence that feels less like a traditional home and more like a myth preserved in brick, stone, and time. Known as the “Castle on Ridge,” this extraordinary 1896 mansion is now listed for sale at $2,890,000, offering a rare chance to own one of the most iconic properties in the entire region. Designed by the noted architect Stephen A. Jennings, this remarkable house has remained in the hands of the same ownership for nearly fifty years, making its availability not only a significant real estate offering, but a historic moment in itself. Opportunities such as this are exceedingly rare, and any experienced realtor will recognize the importance and prestige attached to a property of this scale, preservation, and architectural distinction.

The estate is positioned on approximately 0.89 acres, a substantial footprint in Evanston, allowing the mansion to sit in a commanding and picturesque manner, surrounded by expansive yards and mature landscaping. From the moment one approaches the property, the presence of the home is undeniable. Its castle-like exterior immediately evokes the romance and grandeur of a bygone era, a time when craftsmanship, artistry, and permanence were the foundations of residential design. This is not a modern interpretation of luxury or a recently built attempt to imitate history. This is authentic, original, and deeply rooted in the story of American architecture.

Stepping through the grand entry of the 18-room residence, one is transported to another world. The initial impression is defined by scale. With 8,600 square feet of living space, the interior is vast, yet it retains an intimacy created by rich materials, intricate millwork, and thoughtful architectural flow. Natural light pours through large windows that frame views of the expansive grounds, illuminating every detail and creating a constant interplay between indoor and outdoor beauty. High ceilings soar overhead, adding an air of openness and elegance that is increasingly rare in even the most modern homes for sale today.

The heart of the home is defined by its magnificent three-story staircase, a structure so grand and dramatic that it feels like the soul of the entire house. Rising upward in graceful arcs, this staircase is positioned beneath original stained glass windows that filter light into an array of muted colors. Above, a pipe organ façade stands as an unusual and captivating architectural feature, hinting at the home’s rich potential for music, performance, and celebration. This stunning vertical element draws the eye upward, giving a sense of movement and wonder, and reinforcing the feeling that this house was designed not merely to be lived in, but to be experienced.

Throughout the home, detailed millwork reflects the level of craftsmanship that defined the era in which it was built. Hand-carved woodwork, intricate moldings, and time-honored construction techniques are visible in every room, telling a story that no modern replica could truly capture. Three staircases connect the levels of the home, creating multiple pathways and a sense of architectural complexity that allows for both privacy and grand gatherings as needed.

The residence includes eleven bedrooms and more than six and a half bathrooms, offering remarkable flexibility and scale. Whether envisioned as a multi-generational home, an elegant retreat, or a space for hosting guests, artists, or extended family, the layout provides countless possibilities. Each bedroom is filled with character, shaped by unique angles, window placements, and views. Unlike contemporary developments where rooms can feel identical, here every space possesses its own personality, shaped over more than a century of existence.

The formal dining room sets the stage for elaborate dinners and celebrations, its generous proportions easily accommodating large gatherings. This room, like so many others in the house, speaks to a time when entertaining was a core element of daily life, and when a home’s design reflected hospitality, tradition, and grandeur. Nearby, the huge family room can be imagined as a space for relaxing evenings, intimate conversations, and shared moments, functioning as the heart of modern life within historic walls.

The updated custom kitchen blends functionality with respect for the home’s originality. Carefully renovated to meet contemporary expectations while preserving the property’s essence, this space balances old and new in a way that feels organic and graceful. A sitting room connected to the kitchen adds warmth and practicality, offering a comfortable place for informal gatherings, morning coffee, or quiet reflection while still remaining integrated into the broader living space.

Ascending through the home, one ultimately arrives at its third-floor ballroom, a rare and breathtaking feature that stands as a testament to the mansion’s extraordinary scale and purpose. In most modern real estate, a ballroom is an unimaginable luxury, something reserved for historic estates, palaces, or event venues. Yet here it exists within a private home, waiting to be rediscovered and reimagined. This expansive space could once again host dances, concerts, private events, creative studios, or gallery-like displays. It is a blank canvas layered with historic grandeur, ready for a new owner to write its next chapter.

In addition to the main house, the property includes a full coach house that further enhances its uniqueness and practicality. The coach house contains a rented two-bedroom apartment on the second floor, providing an income-generating opportunity that adds both value and flexibility to the estate. This feature alone sets the property apart in the world of homes for sale, offering a blend of luxury living and financial practicality that is rarely found in such historic settings.

The four-car garage provides ample space for vehicles, storage, and collections, ensuring that modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated into this timeless setting. The surrounding yards create an oasis of greenery, privacy, and potential for gardens, outdoor entertaining spaces, or simply a peaceful retreat from the outside world. In an era where land is increasingly scarce, particularly in desirable locations like Evanston, nearly an acre of property represents an exceptional level of opportunity and freedom.

Beyond its physical attributes, what truly makes this home extraordinary is the story embedded in its walls. For nearly five decades, it has been held in the same ownership, lovingly maintained and cherished. It has witnessed changing eras, evolving neighborhoods, and the passing of time while remaining steadfast in its presence. To purchase this home now is not just a real estate transaction, it is the continuation of a legacy. It is a commitment to honoring the past while steering the property into a new future during its next chapter of life.

From an investment perspective, the Castle on Ridge stands as one of the most compelling properties currently listed for sale in the Illinois market. Its architectural significance, size, location, and rarity ensure that its value extends far beyond simple square footage. In a world where many houses are built to mirror trends, this home stands apart as an original, irreplaceable work of art. For the discerning buyer, this is the type of property that not only holds value, but grows in meaning, prestige, and importance with time.

Any skilled realtor presenting this home understands that it is meant for a visionary buyer, someone who sees beyond basic layouts and modern finishes and recognizes the immense cultural, emotional, and historical value embedded within its walls. This is not a purchase driven by convenience, but by appreciation, passion, and a desire to live surrounded by enduring beauty.

A home such as this offers more than shelter. It offers identity. It offers inspiration. It offers the chance to step into a rare world where craftsmanship, space, history, and imagination coexist in perfect harmony. Whether restored to its original glory, gently modernized with a light and respectful hand, or preserved as an architectural landmark, this house is poised to remain a symbol of elegance and significance for generations to come.

Standing as both a monument to the past and a canvas for the future, the Castle on Ridge is not just a house for sale. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the world of high-end real estate. It is the type of property that does not simply appear on the market, but announces itself when the time is right. And now, as it stands listed and ready for its next guardian, it awaits someone who understands that true luxury is not built overnight, but crafted across centuries.

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