Wexford neighborhood features larger homes

Palatine's Wexford subdivision, an attractive community with large homes, excellent schools and a good location close to the expressway, make it an ideal place to settle and raise a family.

Situated near the intersection of Quentin Road and Euclid Avenue, Wexford features newer homes by Kimball Hill Homes. Theses houses feature arches, tall ceilings, and open kitchens and family rooms, said Regina Schweinebraten, a Wexford resident and real estate broker with Baird & Warner. “That's what people want — more of a modern feel.”

Original owners Debbie and Peter Balis purchased the Regency model, the largest home offered in the subdivision.

“Our kitchen, family room and sunroom on the main level are all open with no walls between the rooms,” Debbie Balis said. “The open layout with the high ceilings really gives it a nice, airy feeling.”

Wexford was built in two sections, each with an entry on Euclid Avenue. The area on South Old Forge Court features more expensive, all-brick homes with more amenities and large backyards. Highland Drive was the first street built in the subdivision and the only one that resides in Rolling Meadows. It features smaller home sites than other streets in the neighborhood, Schweinebraten said.

Some homes back to a wooded area while those that back to other homes still have privacy because of the large mature trees. The Balises' home overlooks the creek with no neighbors directly behind them, so it feels very private, Balis said.

“We're also on an acre of property, which is pretty large for Palatine,” she said.

The sought-after school districts are another big draw for buyers, Schweinebraten said. “My kids have gone to all the schools, and a lot of people like this part of Palatine because of Fremd (High School).”

Debbie Balis echoes Schweinebraten. “The school district is phenomenal,” she said. “The park district is also very good. But it's the school district that really brought us here.”

With the subdivision nearing 14 years old, you see fewer strollers and tricycles, but there's an abundance of basketball hoops. “All our boys are on the travel basketball teams,” Balis said.

Schweinebraten is now listing a home on South Old Forge Court with four bedrooms, three baths, a huge patio and an English basement. This home sits on one of the larger homesites and backs to a wooded area.

Schweinebraten and her husband Bill are also original owners in Wexford. While the homes and schools were positives, another major factor in their decision to buy was the fact that Bill works five minutes away.

“Also, we're close to Woodfield Mall, and Harper College is right here,” Schweinebraten said. “I like the south section of Palatine. It's a nice quiet area but easily accessible to Route 53.”

For daily essentials, residents can head over to the Regency Plaza at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Quentin Road. The revitalized downtown features Metra train access, several upscale restaurants representing a variety of ethnicities, boutiques, hair and nail salons, dry cleaners, coffee shops and more.

The Palatine Park District offers a popular water park, other outdoor pools and parks and a variety of programs and classes for all ages.

Wexford offers a friendly atmosphere. “My best friends have come about from the neighborhood,” Balis said. “There's not one person I couldn't ask for a favor. We're a close-knit neighborhood.

“We love the neighborhood, the accessibility to highways and shopping. You can't beat it.”

Listing sheet

<b>Price range: </b>$550,000 to $700,000

<b>Age of homes:</b> 12 to 14 years

<b>Schools: </b>Central Road Elementary and Plum Grove Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Fremd High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211

<b>Parks: </b>Palatine and Rolling Meadows park districts