Welcome to Kenilworth
From the mind of Joseph Sears comes the master-planned, historic community brimming with elegance and luxury
A tiny swath of land nestled between Wilmette and Winnetka — flush against the beaches of Lake Michigan on its eastern border — the village of Kenilworth could almost be mistaken for a bucolic European settlement upon first glance. Intimate and private, this community is rich in both history and architecture and upholds traditional family values in the utmost sense.
Kenilworth was established in 1896 and is the product of masterful planning by Joseph Sears and the architectural genius of George Maher. Residential lots with strict zoning on size limited the community to larger properties overflowing with grandeur, while a central fountain, thoughtfully organized streets, and protection placed on the mature, native trees all proved to be attractive to affluent and prominent residents.
The norms for Kenilworth are resplendent estates and awe-inspiring mansions, and each home comes packed with its own unique character and architectural facets. A large portion of the homes here is historic, with cutting-edge renovations made to update them into the height of contemporary luxury. Among a few of the notable styles of design include Georgian, ocean-side cottages, expansive craftsman homes, and mid-century beauties.
What to Love
- Eclectic architecture and homes designed by revered names like George Maher
- Refined atmosphere and a heightened sense of privacy with large lots
- Steps from the beach and less than an hour from Chicago
Local Lifestyle
Kenilworth’s spirit remains largely unchanged throughout the centuries, and its residents still maintain a deep respect for the village. Commercial zoning is still limited to the stretch along Green Bay Road, and on any given day, its shops are bustling with cheerful neighbors and locals.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Many of the establishments in Kenilworth embody charm to the fullest extent of the word, including the beloved ice cream shop, Homer’s. Serving up sweet, homemade scoops since 1935, Homer’s is still drawing fans from up and down the North Chicago coast. At restaurants like Great Coast Commons, the menu is bursting with old-school classics like southern-fried chicken and New York strips. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a flair for invigorating dishes with a modern touch — like making the batter on the fried chicken gluten-free — takes the fare up a level, too.
With its plentiful historic architecture and nostalgic feel, it’s easy to see how Kenilworth makes a prime location for buying and selling antiques. When the 19th-century buildings and mature woodlands inspire your sentimental side, the wide range of furniture, jewelry, art, and accessory findings at Federalist Antiques will more than satisfy your every antique-shopping desire. The store additionally hosts antique shows throughout the year, freshening up its stock with new and exciting items. Vintage, refurbished, and specialty bikes are the attraction at RRB Cycles, another local favorite with quirky style.
Things to Do
Kenilworth’s community-driven personality has ensured the continuing creation of fun-for-all neighborhood events and celebrations, including the Food Truck Happy Hour Monday series throughout the year. Each Monday of the week, a different restaurant or food truck is featured on the Assembly Hall Lawn. Other events on the Assembly Hall Lawn, like the OktoberFest Celebration and the Holiday Sip and Shop / Holiday Market, add festive twists such as music and games.
More opportunities for community engagement and making life-long connections come by joining The Kenilworth Club, which fosters civic and social activities for the village. The Kenilworth Sailing Club brings together boating enthusiasts and is committed to helping families enjoy small vessels on the lake safely.
Schools
Kenilworth is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- The Joseph Sears School, PK & K-8, highly rated public school ranked #7 in the state
- New Trier Township High School (East Campus), 10-12, highly rated senior public high school, ranked #9 in the state
- Central School, 5-8, well-rated public middle school
