Saddlebrook Farms in neighborhood profile
Saddlebrook Farms, a 55-plus active-adult community in Grayslake, features Blue Heron Lake, 120 acres of rolling hills with walking paths, a clubhouse and 24-hour on-site management.
This neighborhood is a place where people can live in a more relaxed environment and enjoy life with people of a similar age with the same interests, said Holly Blanchette, real estate broker with RE/MAX Showcase in Gurnee. "It has a nice community feel."
The houses in Saddlebrook Farms are modular ranch homes with inviting front porches. After living in the Round Lake area for 40 years, Diane and Ken Schlecht moved to Saddlebrook Farms 12 years ago when they were in their mid-50s.
"It was beautiful; it felt like we were in a forest preserve," Diane Schlecht said of their decision to buy in the neighborhood. "We live on the water, and we have a lot of trees. There's a lot of wildlife on our property, beautiful birds, fish splashing in the water all the time. We saw a beaver in the water and took a picture of it. We have raccoons, skunks, rabbits, all kinds of things. It's lovely."
The couple was drawn to the beauty of the community, and still are, she said.
"A lot of people are out walking and biking on the paths, and we love it because the paths circle the lake," Schlecht said. "We haven't been to the new fitness center yet, but it looks beautiful from the outside."
Situated at Route 60 and Peterson Road, Saddlebrook Farms features a variety of one-level ranch designs with today's amenities in a maintenance-free community by Hometown America Communities.
Homes range in size from older homes with 983 square feet to larger, newer homes with more than 2,000 square feet. Most houses have two bedrooms, two baths, a den and two-car garage with extra storage, Blanchette said.
"People are downsizing, but the homes don't feel like it because they still have plenty of space but not the maintenance."
Residents have a full slate of social events, clubs and activities that keep their calendars full.
"There is always a full house for bingo. We just had a pancake breakfast. And they play bunco every week and cards - cribbage, canasta and bridge," Schlecht said.
"The fishing derby is coming up, which is a popular event for grandchildren. They really do it up royally. It's great for the kids."
The community organizes many family activities and clubs for special interests, such as a woodcarvers club and RV club. Saddlebrook Farms also features a community garden where residents are allotted their own plot of land to work.
A variety of activities are held at the clubhouse, a historic cabin overlooking the lake. And residents have the option of renting it for special occasions.
Whatever your hobby or interest, Saddlebrook Farms is a place to enjoy the things you love while meeting new neighbors and friends, Blanchette said.
Although the community feels remote, it's in a location within minutes of restaurants and shopping in surrounding communities. Super Target is 10 minutes away, and Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills is a 20-minute drive. Residents also have easy access to I-94 for a trip to Chicago or Wisconsin.
Saddlebrook Farms is a land-lease community where residents own their home and lease the land, and they're only taxed on their home. A monthly association fee covers keeping the grounds looking beautiful, as well as water, trash pickup, lawn care and snow removal.
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Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price range:</span> $64,900 to $210,000
<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 27 years to new
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Round Lake Area Park District