Illinois is rich with homes that echo the state’s Midwestern roots—practical, strong, and quietly beautiful. These ten century-old properties reflect the early architecture that shaped neighborhoods from rural towns to growing cities. With features like brick exteriors, deep porches, and handcrafted woodwork, they offer a sense of permanence rarely found in modern builds. In this article, we highlight ten Illinois homes that have gracefully stood the test of time and are still open to new owners. They’re not just historic landmarks — they’re move-in ready pieces of Midwest heritage.

1. Colonial Revival Home in Springfield, Illinois (1925)

Built in 1925, this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is nestled in a picturesque neighborhood within walking distance of Washington Park and all its outdoor activities. Inside, you’ll find a renovated kitchen with updated appliances. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, all with hardwood floors, and a renovated full bathroom. Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch and evening activities in the shaded backyard. Keep your cars out of the elements in the two-car garage, and store your items in the unfinished basement.

2. Queen Anne Home in Paris, Illinois (1873)

Built in 1873, this classic Victorian masterpiece offers five spacious bedrooms and 2.5 beautifully appointed bathrooms. As you enter, be captivated by the grand foyer’s stunning staircase, an architectural showpiece that sets a magnificent tone. The space seamlessly blends historical charm with everyday functionality. The inclusion of a discrete butler’s staircase adds both accessibility and a touch of traditional sophistication, enhancing the home’s authentic Victorian character.

3. Craftsman Bungalow in Arlington Heights, Illinois (1911)

Built in 1911, this impeccably renovated historic gem seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary sophistication. Thoughtfully updated with premium finishes, it offers exceptional character, style, and functionality. Soaring 9.5-foot ceilings and abundant natural light create a bright, airy ambiance throughout the open-concept main level. Freshly painted in a modern palette with crisp white trim and doors, every room feels refreshed. Original details like beautifully restored baseboards, crown molding, and a striking floor-to-ceiling foyer mirror preserve architectural integrity.

4. Tudor Revival Home in Waukegan, Illinois (1925)

Built in 1925, this beautiful Tudor bursts with timeless charm, curb appeal, and character. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers a warm, inviting layout perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Original architectural details blend seamlessly with modern touches. The spacious living and dining areas are filled with natural light, while the kitchen offers plenty of room for culinary creativity. Upstairs, find three generously sized bedrooms and a well-appointed full bath. The basement is a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a cozy retreat, home gym, or office.

5. Queen Anne Home in Chicago, Illinois (1890)

Built in 1890, this extraordinary Queen Anne Victorian has been thoughtfully converted into a sprawling 10-bedroom, 4-bathroom two-unit residence. This one-of-a-kind property blends 19th-century charm with 21st-century comfort, perfect for multigenerational living or a luxury rental portfolio. From the outside, the home’s architectural pedigree is unmistakable, but inside, it’s a modern masterpiece. Soaring ceilings, curved bay windows, and intricate millwork meet contemporary upgrades throughout. The front living spaces are flooded with natural light thanks to the dramatic wall of oversized windows, while classic wainscoting and recessed lighting add polish and dimension to the grand rooms.

6. Craftsman Bungalow in Ottawa, Illinois (1910)

Built in 1910, this home offers 3 bedrooms, with a potential fourth if the main level office is converted, and 2 bathrooms, one on each level. The main level bathroom features a large 14’x7′ claw-foot tub for soaking. The 13’x11′ upstairs bathroom has a double sink, double mirror, and laundry. From the front, enjoy the wrap-around porch and step inside to admire the beautiful original staircase, which preserves the home’s original character. Original hardwood floors, trim work, sliding pocket doors, a few built-ins, and under-stairs closets are found throughout both levels.

7. Colonial Revival Home in Chicago, Illinois (1903)

Built in 1903, this 5-bedroom, 4.1-bathroom, 5,500-square-foot home sits on an expansive, oversized 90′ x 128′ lot. It has been completely transformed with design, craftsmanship, and elegance, while maintaining Beverly’s beloved architectural integrity. Elegant crown molding, 8″ baseboards, and wide 6″ oak floors, along with all the desired finishes, make this a move-in-ready home. Step into the gracious marble foyer and be greeted by character and contemporary sophistication. The expansive main floor boasts a flexible living room with an adjacent parlor, perfect for entertaining or unwinding with a quiet moment.

8. Queen Anne Home in Rock Island, Illinois (1888)

Built in 1888, this timeless beauty is located in the historic Broadway district. This lovely 3-story Victorian home is full of unimaginable character and charm, boasting 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. Updates include a new 50-year roof, high-efficiency water heater, and new hardwood floors in the living room. It showcases beautiful craftsmanship and unique details like copper gutters, beveled glass, a matching front staircase, and framed tapestries in the dining room, making it a truly wonderful property.

9. Greek Revival Home in Belleville, Illinois (1849)

Built in 1849, this stately 3200 sq. ft. brick home, situated on approximately 7.65 acres of prime land, is move-in ready. The property includes an inviting front porch, four outbuildings, a 54′ x 112.5′ pole barn, and one grain silo. The home’s center hall features wood flooring and is flanked by a living room with built-ins and a dining room. The main level, showcasing crown molding, also has an office that can double as a bedroom, a huge rec room with ample closets, and a spacious laundry room inclusive of a full bath, washer, and dryer. Upstairs, you’ll find two bedrooms, a bonus room with closets, and a spacious full bath with dual vanity. The property also includes a 2-car attached garage plus an additional garage nearby.

10. Ranch Home in Joliet, Illinois (1920)

Built in 1920, this newly renovated ranch-style home features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. Enjoy new bamboo flooring in the living room and bedrooms (2024), vinyl flooring in the kitchen and basement (2024), and engineered hardwood in the bathroom (2024). The entire interior and exterior were freshly painted in 2022. The eat-in kitchen has been updated with new stainless-steel appliances and fixtures (2024). The full basement, with a storm door and external cellar access, includes a recreation room, bonus room, storage room, and a laundry area with a new washer and dryer (2024). Outside, a concrete patio with an attached awning offers protection, and the yard is fenced in.