House Hunt: Five Oldest Houses for Sale in LG/WS/LGP

The earliest homes in the Lyons Township area go back to around the end of the Civil War, when most of La Grange, Western Springs and La Grange Park was still farmland.

Many of these earliest homes have been lost over the years, but several also still remain, albeit in ever-updated form. The homes we're featuring today probably weren't even wired for electricity when they were originally built, let alone the bevy of modern amenities we take for granted! It's amazing to think of all the history that a house like one of these holds.

Check out the five oldest homes currently for sale in La Grange, La Grange Park and Western Springs above and below:

314 N. Catherine Ave.—$515,000 (La Grange Park)

4 bed, 1.1 bath, unknown sq. ft. (house), 6,250 sq. ft. (lot), built 1870

Baird & Warner

The oldest home for sale around; truly vintage! A blue-and-white frame farmhouse with a large two-story garage (second-story storage.) Features maple cabines in renovated kitchen, mudroom and study with hardwood floors in most rooms. Close to Ogden Avenue school. Realtor: "Location, location, location; spacious... great block!"

323 E. Franklin Ave.—$125,000 (La Grange)

6 bed, 2 bath, unknown sq. ft. (house), unknown sq. ft. (lot), built 1884

Lake Shore Drive Realty, Inc.

Tan frame multi-family unit (double) in eastern La Grange, each unit five-room, three-bed and one full bath. Front stairs lead to second-story unit, as do backyard outdoor stiars.. Needs some repair, but a clear bargain... or a tear-down to build one's dream home. Realtor: N/A.

135 7th Ave.—$447,000 (La Grange)

3 bed, 2.1 bath, unknown sq. ft. (house), unknown sq. ft. (lot), built 1885

Smothers Realty Group

A classic white Victorian farmhouse in the heart of eastern La Grange, featuring millwork, stained-glass windows, front porch and back patio/entertainment deck. Garage, master bath, electric and plumbing are all recent updates. Realtor: "Desirable Historical District location, just steps to town, commuter train and schools!"

13 Richmond Ave.—$334,900 (La Grange Park)

3 bed, 1.1 bath, 1,800 sq. ft. (house), 7,579 sq. ft. (lot), built 1889

Coldwell Banker Residential

La Grange Park farmouse on a heavily landscaped overside lot with a private deck. Features new roof and updates in kitchen and baths, along with rec room and laundry and workshop in partially finished basement. Realtor: "Charming home... enjoy the beautifully landscaped front, side and tree-lined backyards!"

201 Hayes Ave.—$114,900 (La Grange)

4 bed, 2 bath, 2,174 sq. ft. (house), unknown sq. ft. (lot), built 1889

RE/MAX Consultants

Huge white farmhouse on a large corner lot in far-east La Grange, a great bargain-buy in need of some TLC. Fix up this grand historical home, or take the lot for a brand-new house. Features hardwood laminate floors, ceramic baths and a deck off the kitchen. Realtor: "Approved for HomePath Renovation Mortgage financing!"