Rare opportunity to own a house steps to Lake Michigan in the heart of Winnetka on an almost half acre lot. Grand 7 bed 4.2 bath full masonry home built in 1916 with 5753 sqft above grade living space in the prairie school style, exudes elegance, renovated for today’s living. The home is beautifully set as the first house on coveted Elder Lane with sneak peaks of the lake with calm breezes, steps from Elder beach, Greeley elementary school, and New Trier East High school. Only the 4th owner, this distinctive home is full of character with over 150 windows combined w/ the coveted open kitchen to family room to terrace to back garden concept blending together the best in everyday living. The house boasts 2 staircases to the 2nd level & even a “telephone room” for those private calls! Step inside to the distinctive formal vestibule that leads to large sun-drenched formal rooms. The foyer opens up to a huge living room with an abundance of windows framed by custom bookcases on one end & a lovely original FP on the other end. Pass through the French doors and enter the sun room/library/office which has more custom built millwork and a separate side entrance to the home. To the other side of the foyer a finely appointed dining room which can easily accommodate twenty for a dinner party or use it as the perfect setting for the holidays. Pass through a second set of French doors to another matching sunroom/library/office. The kitchen and butlers’ pantry are accessed from either the dining room or hallway off the foyer which also leads to a second large walk in coat closet and bathroom. Butlers’ pantry with a coffee station equipped with a built-in/plumbed in Miele coffee system, dual zone sub-zero wine fridge, restored original silver sink & custom cabinetry. The large gourmet Benvenuti & Stein kitchen is showcased with custom inset linen colored Plato cabinetry, accented w/ inside lighting & glass doors, Cherry inside wall cupboards and Walnut inside the drawers. A chef’s dream including a huge island with seating for 5, Wolf range with double ovens, grill & griddle, 2 Bosch dishwashers, 2 sinks, built in television, Subzero side by side refrigerator and separate subzero refrigerator & freezer drawers. Kitchen is open concept to a large family room with an eating area for 6-8 more people, woodburning (w/ gas starter) FP, and 6 panels of french doors opening to new expansive limestone capped bluestone terrace allowing for al fresco dining, – ideal for casual comfort living. The main floor is equipped with a Sonos sound system. The grand main staircase leads up to the 2nd floor with picturesque landing accented by built in window seat. Generous Primary suite with custom fitted walk-in closet including jewelry drawers, and bathroom fitted with Kohler wall water massage. All bathrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors have thermostatic controlled radiant floor heating to keep your feet cozy on those cold mornings. 3 more oversized bedrooms with one Jack & Jill bath and one with walk in shower and Bain Ultra air bubble massage self drying /cleaning built in bath tub. Large built in linen closet completes this floor. Sunny full 3rd floor with 3 more bedrooms (2 with room for sitting area and large walk-in closets) are ideal for teens, guest/in law quarters, or second office space including a bathroom with Thermasol steam shower amongst the tree tops. Lower level with full laundry, bath, rec space and amazing storage areas. A new driveway and large room above detached double garage for a studio or playroom, a dedicated circuit NEMA 14/50 220v EV charging station are all great extras. Enjoy a day at the beach less than a block away, an evening under stars on the new terrace not overlooked by a neighbor as the privacy Arborvitae are already in place. This is the perfect investment opportunity as there are plenty of mega homes all sitting right next door. This home is a solid choice as the name of the game is always location, location, location!