This historic Queen Anne home, the David Robertson Forgan House, was constructed in 1894 in Evanston, Illinois, showcasing its rich century-old charm. Designed by Harry Bergen Wheelock, it boasts intricate architectural details, including moldings, built-in bookcases, and a grand staircase with sitting areas. Recent extensive revitalization has modernized the interior, which features a large entry hall, formal rooms, a fully updated kitchen, and a third-floor basketball court. The property includes a two-car garage and a fully updated two-bedroom coach house, all situated within walking distance to downtown. With a listing price of $2,800,000, this estate offers 4,000 square feet on a spacious plot, blending historic elegance with modern luxury.
House Exterior
A grand, multi-story Victorian home painted in light shades, with intricate moldings on the porch and window frames. The structure showcases a prominent central entrance with a flight of steps leading to a portico supported by sizable columns. The gabled roof features dormer windows, adding historic charm. Tall, leafless trees frame the house, emphasizing its stately presence amidst a well-maintained lawn with minimal landscaping. The setting suggests a tranquil, historic neighborhood, with neighboring houses partially visible. The overall aesthetic combines elegance with a touch of Southern Gothic architecture, evoking timeless grandeur and nostalgic sophistication.
Backyard Patio
This expansive backyard features a charming brick patio with various seating options, including a table, chairs, and loungers. Tall evergreen trees and rounded shrubs border the space, providing privacy and greenery. A modern grill is placed at one corner, suggesting outdoor gatherings. The surrounding area displays a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, with some leafless branches indicating early spring. An outdoor heater or lamp stands amidst the foliage, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. The interplay of natural textures with the historic Victorian-style house, seen in the background with its ornate window frames and siding, exudes timeless charm and tranquility in the outdoor setting.
House View
The house displays a classic American Victorian style with a white clapboard exterior and dark slate roof. Tall, narrow windows with white trim are accented by decorative molding, while a prominent chimney extends upward, adding character to the structure. Dormer windows protrude from the roof, providing natural light to the upper attic space. The well-maintained yard features landscaped ornaments, shrubs, and a curved brick pathway leading to the entrance. Leafless trees surround the property, showcasing the home’s historic charm amidst a natural setting under a partly cloudy sky. The overall aesthetic evokes timeless elegance and nostalgic architectural appeal.
Entrance Hall
The entryway boasts a classic, elegant design with cream-colored walls accented by high white wainscoting and subtle moldings. A shimmering chandelier with tiered, leaf-shaped glass details hangs prominently from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. Dark wooden floorboards contrast beautifully with a soft beige rug spanning the floor. On the left, a streamlined wooden sideboard with geometric patterns provides storage, topped with minimal decor. Recessed lighting enhances the room’s airy and upscale aesthetic. The overall scene exudes timeless sophistication through clean lines, refined surfaces, and delicate lighting accents.
Room Interior
A spacious living area with a classic vintage charm, featuring dark hardwood floors that contrast elegantly with soft white paneled walls and ceiling moldings. A large, ornate chandelier with cascading glass or crystal elements hangs centrally, casting a warm, luxurious glow. The room contains a built-in fireplace with a dark green tile surround, flanked by wooden seating and decorative latticework. A small nook to the right offers cozy ambiance, highlighted by a patterned pink wallpaper. Bright natural light enters through multiple windows, while color-blocked art glass adds a vibrant touch to the overall serene, historic aesthetic.
Living Room
This spacious living room boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic blended with historic charm, featuring high ceilings with crown molding and a centrally located contemporary chandelier that mimics a blossoming flower. Two elegant, patterned sofas with burnt-orange accent pillows face each other over a textured area rug with neutral tones, creating a balanced conversational space. The fireplace with a white mantel and subtle geometric tile adds a traditional touch, flanked by large double-hung windows dressed in light, patterned curtains that bring in natural light. An eclectic piece of art hangs above the mantel, completing the inviting, stylish ambiance.
Dining Room
A spacious dining area illuminated by a central hanging drum chandelier with a geometric pattern. The walls are painted in a soft pastel green, complemented by elegant white wainscoting that runs halfway up the walls. Large windows at the far end are dressed with full-length, textured beige curtains that frame a picturesque view of the outdoors. A large, round marble table with dark, tapered legs anchors the room, surrounded by eight black upholstered chairs with high backs. An ornate, intricate Persian-style rug in muted reds and blues adds warmth and texture to the dark hardwood flooring, creating a refined and inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen Area
The space features a bright, airy ambiance with a soft pastel blue wall complemented by white crown molding. The cabinetry is painted in a light shade, with sleek modern handles and ample storage above and below a white marble countertop. A large window above the sink allows natural light, enhancing the open feel. Dark hardwood floors add warmth and contrast to the lighter tones. A contemporary chandelier with multiple elongated lights hangs above a sizable central island, which doubles as a casual dining area with plush, dark-toned bar stools. Built-in shelves and a cozy corner bench with cushions provide additional functional and aesthetic elements.
Kitchen Interior
Bright, airy kitchen with a soothing light blue wall color complemented by crisp white cabinetry. A large white marble-topped island anchors the space, featuring a built-in microwave and ample storage with brass hardware. Above, a modern rectangular chandelier with multiple cylindrical bulbs hangs, illuminating the room. The back wall is decorated with a series of framed artworks, adding a touch of personal style. A dark wood floor grounds the space, while a green sideboard with elegant lamps and decorative accents enhances the inviting atmosphere. Classic architectural details include crown molding and wide window trims, emphasizing historic charm with contemporary updates.
Fireplace
A spacious living room with soft pastel blue walls, illuminated by natural light streaming through four large double-hung windows. The ceiling is vaulted with crown molding and recessed lighting, enhancing the airy feel. A vintage-inspired chandelier with floral stained glass hangs centrally. The dark hardwood floors contrast elegantly with a light-colored, textured area rug. Classic dark wood fireplace surround with intricate detailing, flanked by brass wall sconces. Modern black media console supports a flat-screen TV, paired with minimal decorative items like a white ceramic vase and a small potted plant. The room balances modern minimalism with historic charm, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere.
Home Office
This office boasts intricate wallpaper with a symmetrical leaf pattern in shades of pink, gold, and cream, creating a vintage vibe. Large double-hung windows with dark brown wooden blinds allow natural light, highlighting the neutral light-colored walls and elaborate white crown molding. A classic chandelier made of white flower-like elements hangs centrally, adding a touch of elegance and softness to the room. The dark mahogany furniture includes a large traditional desk with drawers and a matching chest of drawers, complemented by an area rug in shades of mauve and purple that adds warmth and richness to the dark hardwood floor.
Bathroom Detail
This bathroom showcases an elegant, contemporary design with intricate marble circular patterns on the walls, blending shades of gray and white. A sleek, black vanity with a white marble countertop sits beneath a modern, round vessel sink of silvery, textured material. A large, rectangular mirror is mounted above, flanked by tall, minimalist wall sconces that add warm lighting. The flooring is laid with light gray tiles that complement the wall design, creating a luxurious yet clean atmosphere. The space feels open and refined, combining both historic charm and modern sophistication with its timeless material choices and stylish fixtures.
Room Mantel
A charming and elegant entryway features a white wooden paneled wall with built-in benches topped with cozy, textured cushions. Flanking the fireplace are glass-front cabinets filled with books. The deep green tiled fireplace adds a vintage touch, with wrought iron tools resting on its hearth. An ornate black metal grille adorns the upper window, bringing intricate details to the space. The ceiling is crowned with a stylish, modern floral-patterned chandelier, contrasting beautifully with the classic woodwork and neutral, calming color palette, creating an inviting atmosphere with a touch of historic charm.
Master Bedroom
A spacious bedroom with light pastel-colored walls and dark hardwood flooring creates a warm ambiance. The large, intricately carved wooden bed with a high headboard dominates the space, topped with plush white bedding. Flanking the bed are matching wooden nightstands, each holding elegant glass lamps with neutral shades. The room is accented by an Oriental-style red and navy rug that adds a touch of classic elegance. A small, vintage wooden dresser is placed against one wall, blending traditional charm with functional design. The room exudes understated sophistication and timeless appeal.
Vanity Area
The space exhibits a classic, elegant bathroom with a soft pastel green wall color contrasting against white raised panel wainscoting and crown moulding. Two medium-sized windows with simple trim allow natural light, one with a stained glass detail. A dark granite double vanity sits beneath a large, frameless mirror, illuminated by modern, up-to-date light fixtures. To the right, a spacious walk-in shower with beige stone tiles extends into the background, with a sleek marble threshold. The neutral tones, combined with refined architectural details, evoke a sense of timeless luxury and coziness.
Room Corner
A spacious, curved wall bathed in natural light from large windows, decorated with deep red curtains. The ceiling is smooth and painted a subtle light green. A classic white mantel fireplace is the centerpiece, with intricate trim details on the surround. The floor is composed of dark hardwood planks, contrasting sharply with the white trim and the light walls. Next to the fireplace, a vintage floral-patterned loveseat with a single accent pillow adds an elegant touch, complemented by small round side tables on either side, one topped with a modern black-lamped lamp. The overall aesthetic mixes historic charm with refined elegance, emphasizing warmth and contrast.
Bedroom Corner
Bright bedroom with soft green walls and dark hardwood flooring. A simple, modern black bed frame supports a clean white duvet and three plush pillows. Next to the bed, a round black side table holds a white lampshade and a few stacked books, adding a cozy touch. Two large windows framed with dark curtains allow natural light to fill the room, highlighting the sleek finish of the floors. The ceiling fan with an integrated light fixture hangs centrally, providing both illumination and air circulation. Intricate crown molding accents the ceiling, enhancing the room’s classic charm still paired with contemporary minimalism. A textured white rug grounds the space, creating a warm contrast against the dark wood floors and complementing the subtle color palette.”
Bedroom Interior
A tranquil bedroom with light blue walls and elegant crown molding along the ceiling. Two large windows, dressed with simple gray curtains, allow natural light to fill the space, highlighting the soft plush gray carpet. A low, modern black bed frame is topped with a navy-blue comforter and a variety of pillows, including a large white pillow and a matching navy one. Beside the bed, a sleek glass-top side table holds a classic lampshade, adding a warm glow. The wall above is decorated with black-and-white framed photographs, while a black dresser with minimalist handles stands near the window, complemented by a wooden acoustic guitar leaning against it.
Shower Area
A modern bathroom with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The shower enclosure is framed with clear glass, revealing beige tiles on the wall. An accent strip with small, greenish mosaic tiles runs vertically through the center of the shower, adding a touch of color and texture. The vanity below features a light wood finish with horizontal grain and sleek silver handles. A large mirror with rounded edges is mounted on the wall, flanked by cylindrical wall-mounted light fixtures. The overall color palette is soft neutrals, emphasizing a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.
Bedroom Interior
Light blue walls with pristine white trim create a calming atmosphere. The ceiling is simple and unadorned, enhancing the room’s spaciousness. Two large windows with white framing and rolling shades allow plenty of natural light, highlighting the dark wooden floor. A vintage-style fireplace with a decorative mantel adds charm to one corner, with a small bookshelf beside it. The bed has a neutral upholstered headboard, dressed in light gray bedding with matching pillows. A large deep burgundy rug anchors the room, adding warmth and contrast to the cool tones of the walls and flooring. Wooden closet doors provide warm accents, complementing the wood window frames and adding classic detail to the space.
Bathroom Interior
A small, charming bathroom with a vibrant, retro-inspired wallpaper featuring a mix of teal, yellow, and white patterns on the upper walls. The lower half is paneled in beadboard painted white, creating a classic look. A small, dark wood vanity with a white countertop and an under-mount sink sits against one wall, topped with a pair of vintage-style wall sconces. A large window with a soft, cream-colored Roman shade allows natural light to flood the space. Beside the toilet, a simple towel rack holds matching green towels, complementing the lively wallpaper. The floor is covered in beige stone tiles, adding warmth and texture.”
Game Room
A spacious room with sloped ceilings painted in a warm beige hue, creating a cozy atmosphere. Dark-stained hardwood flooring contrasts against a richly patterned red, cream, and navy oriental rug, anchoring the space. A pool table with a classic dark wood finish sits centrally, topped with green felt, and a billiard cue rests on its edge. Two leopard-print armchairs are positioned near the windows, offering seating and a playful touch. The windows are adorned with black and beige striped valances, allowing natural light to fill the room while adding a touch of traditional elegance. A hanging ceiling lamp with stained glass accents provides soft overhead illumination. A slim, antique wooden console table runs along the side wall, complementing the traditional aesthetic.
Home Theater
A cozy, inviting room with muted sage green walls accented by white crown molding. A large flat-screen TV dominates the front wall, surrounded by sleek black speakers mounted strategically. Narrow vertical speakers flank the TV, contributing to an immersive audio setup. Plush, dark leather recliners fill most of the space, arranged for comfortable viewing. Thick, patterned curtains in warm tones frame tall windows, adding a vintage touch. A framed vintage movie poster adorns the wall, emphasizing a nostalgic, cinematic ambiance. Soft, wall-mounted sconces provide ambient lighting, enhancing the room’s intimate atmosphere. The room layout encourages relaxation and communal viewing experiences.
Home Gym
Light green painted walls accentuate the room’s calming ambiance, illuminated by four recessed ceiling lights. Two small high-set windows allow natural light to filter in, offering privacy while brightening the space. The room is equipped with a treadmill and an elliptical machine placed on neutral-colored carpet tiles. A small set of dumbbells rests on a compact rack in the corner, indicating a focus on versatile workouts. The room’s minimal decor emphasizes functionality, with clean lines and simple design elements that promote a motivating workout environment. The white baseboards add a subtle contrast to the soft wall hue.
Listing Agent: Sally Mabadi of Sally Mabadi via Zillow