Move Into A Vineyard – Lake Forest Style

If asked to picture Lake Forest, Illinois in your mind you might imagine Mansions, Lake Michigan, expensive wine and dollar signs.  On the topic of wine, you never perhaps thought of Lake Forest being wine country but a developer is hoping to change all that.

One of the priciest places to live in the Midwest, this North Shore Chicago hamlet is too feeling the change of the times.  According to the Chicago Tribune, a local developer Tom Swarthout is thinking about taking a huge leap of faith and propose a new development built around a winery called White Stable Vineyard.  An extremely unique addition to the Chicago real estate landscape.

Proposed to be built on some of the few acres of empty land left in Lake Forest, this planned development is meant to serve buyers looking to live in the North Shore but not in an 10,000 + behemoth.   Instead, buyers can expect manageable parcels of land with 3000-4000 square foot homes.  All told, the project would include space for 34 homes and centered around a 15-acre working vineyard and winery.

Nearly eighty percent of White Stable Vineyard is protected open space, pond or vineyard. Within this environment each home will reflect an organic relationship with the land while embracing the personal tastes and interests of its owner. The overall property plan is designed to leverage the uniqueness of the topography that enjoys unencumbered views and magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Our trails and walking paths interconnect with Lake Forest Open Lands’ trail system into the adjacent McIlvane Meadow adding an additional 10-plus acres of open space.

Check out the Chicago Tribune article here about the development and its reception in Lake Forest.