Hampshire Fields in neighborhood profile

When Judy Panzloff and her husband moved to Hampshire Fields 14 years ago, it was surrounded by farmland and their house was the first to be completed in the Hampshire subdivision.

“I love the country because it's so peaceful and quiet,” Judy Panzloff said. “I grew up in Elgin on the south end when it was still a rural area and all farmland. And Hampshire Fields reminded me of where we lived when I was growing up.

“We selected our lot, and we have a view of trees and forest. It's really beautiful. This is a great place to raise children, and Hampshire is really a quaint, nice little town.”

Located south of Route 72 and west of Getzelman Road in Hampshire, Hampshire Fields features semi-custom ranch and two-story homes with three to four bedrooms, 2½ baths and two- or three-car garages, said Kelly West, real estate broker with Century 21 New Heritage in Hampshire.

“Homes were constructed by several different builders and have a lot of custom details, which makes each property unique,” West said. “Some homes back to a subdivision of custom homes while others have a view of open space. People like the custom feel of the homes and the large lots without a huge custom price tag.”

What does Panzloff like about her home?

“Everything,” she said. “I love the cathedral ceiling in the living room and master bedroom. We put in a lot of upgrades that we really love. We have a finished basement with a rec room that has a bar and pool table. We have a swimming pool in our backyard that we use a lot in summer. And we have a heated garage. It's a dream house.”

For recreation, kids can walk to the neighborhood park that offers a playground, basketball court and Frisbee golf stations. They can also walk to Subway, Dairy Queen and Dunkin' Donuts.

People might think there's nothing out in Hampshire, but it's a growing area with new businesses, quite a few restaurants and a friendly little grocery store in town, Panzloff said.

“We're not cut off from the world,” she said.

For major shopping, Panzloff takes Big Timber Road to Route 72 and heads to the west side of Elgin.

You know you're out in the country when the local Chick 'n Dip at State Street and Route 72 is a reference point for the community.

“That's how we give directions here,” West said. “People want to know where something is in relation to the Chick 'n Dip.” The roadside drive-in is a popular spot known for its broasted chicken and soft serve ice cream.

Hampshire's schools are also a draw to the area. “My daughter just flourished when she went to the Hampshire schools,” Panzloff said. “All three schools have been great.”

Hampshire offers a variety of ways to become involved in the community and meet people, such as the Women's Service League, Lions Club, garden club, snowmobile club and youth football.

Hampshire is home to the Muirhead Farmhouse, the only known farmhouse designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Hampshire sits in the northwest corner of Kane County with direct access to the I-90 corridor. For homebuyers looking for a country feel with city conveniences, the village is a good place to put down roots and raise a family.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $240,000 to $330,000

<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 14 to 17 years

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Hampshire Elementary, Hampshire Middle and Hampshire High schools in Community Unit District 300.

<span class="fact box text bold">Parks: </span>Hampshire Park District