Historical Homes
Property Overview
Address: 1232 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Price: $2,890,000
Bedrooms: 11
Bathrooms: 8
Living Space: 8,600 sq ft
Lot Size: 0.89 acres
Year Built: 1896
Property Type: Single Family Residence
Price per sq ft: $336
Listed by:
Linda Levin (312-320-6741)
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
Source: Zillow
Property Link: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1232-Ridge-Ave-Evanston-IL-60202/3565001_zpid/
Photo Credit: Listing photos via Zillow
“Castle on Ridge” – A Mansion That Lives Up to Its Name 🏰
Some homes earn nicknames.
Others command them.
The “Castle on Ridge” in Evanston is exactly what it sounds like—an iconic 1896 estate that blends architectural drama with sheer scale.
And for the first time in nearly 50 years, it’s available again.
Architectural Presence
Designed by Stephen A. Jennings, this mansion was built to impress—and it still does:
• Nearly an acre of land in a prime setting
• A full coach house + 4-car garage
• A façade and scale that feels closer to a private institution than a residence
Grand Entry Moment
Walk inside and the house immediately delivers its defining feature:
• A three-story soaring staircase
• Framed by original stained glass windows
• Topped with a dramatic pipe organ façade
It’s not just an entrance—it’s a statement of intent.
Interior Scale & Layout
With 18 rooms spread across 8,600 sq ft:
• 11 bedrooms / 8 bathrooms
• Formal dining room + huge family room
• Sitting room off a custom updated kitchen
• Third-floor ballroom (yes, an actual ballroom)
• Three separate staircases
This is a home built for gatherings, events, and presence.
Original Character
The details here matter:
• Intricate millwork throughout
• High ceilings and oversized windows
• Floods of natural light
• Historic craftsmanship blended with functional updates
Additional Living & Income Potential
• Separate coach house
• Includes a rented 2-bedroom apartment
→ Built-in income or guest accommodation
The Opportunity
Properties like this sit in a rare category:
✔ Historic but still functional
✔ Grand but flexible
✔ Iconic yet livable
Whether as a private residence, event space, or even a boutique conversion, the possibilities are wide open.
Final Thought
Most homes tell a story.
This one performs it—room by room.
From the staircase to the ballroom, the “Castle on Ridge” isn’t subtle…
and that’s exactly the point.
