Neighborhood profile: Inverness Hills

The upscale Inverness Hills neighborhood showcases 78 ranch and two-story homes on one-acre sites along winding roads that meander through the countryside.

These distinctive homes feature unique architectural designs because of the diversity of builders in the subdivision, said Realtor Tony Sarantakis of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arlington Heights. These builders include Dior, Liberty Craft, The Nicholas Group and others.

Inverness Hills, nestled on the border of Barrington just west of Ela Road, was developed by Art Gingold in 1979 during the residential explosion of larger homes and varied designs that occurred in nearby Inverness in the 1970s and '80s.

Many of the homes back up to a 16-acre conservation area donated to the Inverness Park District. Residents enjoy the beautiful, serene park property, which provides a habitat for wildlife such as deer, fox and coyote, Sarantakis said.

Sarantakis loves singing the praises of Inverness Hills where he and wife Tina, who is his partner in real estate sales, live with their two children, Tori and Nick, and the family pet lab-retriever Rocco. The family has lived in the neighborhood for 22 years.

The community's development came at just the right time for Dan and Joyce Piazza, who searched out homesites for sale in Inverness Hills.

“We lived in Palatine, but we wanted a bigger lot with more open space so we could build a larger home,” Joyce Piazza said.

“We've lived here for almost 25 years now. We like the convenient location, and when we moved here, we could go to the same doctors and remain in the same school district. The school districts are excellent, so that was important to us.

“We love it here. People are friendly. And with a bigger lot and a little open space, we don't feel cramped. It's not a congested area.”

Dan and Joyce Piazza enjoy the open floor plan of their home, with their family room open to the kitchen and sunroom. They have added on and remodeled the kitchen and some of the baths, and continue to enjoy making changes and upgrading their home.

“With the kids gone, we have more space than we need, but we'll stay here. We have no intention of moving,” Joyce said. “There are still some original owners here, but we're seeing a turnover now as younger families with children move in. People just moved in down the block. It's nice to have young kids around again.”

A benefit of living in Inverness Hills is its active homeowners' association, which has the largest participation of any in the area, said Sarantakis, president of the association.

“This group has evolved into a network of close friendships. Our latest event was an evening at Vittorio's Italian restaurant where several couples enjoyed fine dining and conversation with their neighbors. Other activities have included a wine and cheese tasting party, a progressive dinner and ice cream social, as well as a block party with a surprise visit from the fire department.”

The association has obtained group rates for lawn maintenance, seal coating driveways and other improvements. It also developed a popular plan in 1995 that uses the pond/wetland conservation area as a source of water for a dry hydrant system, which has improved fire protection in the neighborhood.

Association dues are $100 each year, which includes a directory and maintenance of common areas such as the entrance and cul-de-sacs, which were professionally landscaped two years ago.

For other activities and recreation, the Inverness Park District manages three local parks — Maggie Rogers Park, North Park and South Park. The park district also offers sports leagues and classes for children and adults and hosts summer concerts and annual holiday events.

Also, just as the Inverness Golf Club was the center for recreation in 1939, it's a center of social life today. The club offers golfing, gourmet dining, tennis courts and swimming — something for everyone in the family.

Residents also maintain that being a part of the much sought after elementary schools in District 15 and the 211 high school district, specifically Fremd High School, was a contributing factor in their decision to purchase in Inverness Hills. It's a “user friendly” community in one very desirable area.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range: </b>$500,000 to more than $1 million

<b>Age of homes: </b>30 years old and newer

<b>Schools:</b>Marion Jordan Elementary and Walter Sundling Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Fremd High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211

<b>Parks: </b>Inverness Park District