Lake Barrington Shores in neighborhood profile
About 19 years ago after moving back to the Barrington area from New Hampshire, Jane Ander went with her Realtor to look at condos in Lake Barrington Shores.
"The minute I walked into the first condo, the draperies were open, and I looked out at the golf course. And that was it; I knew I wanted to live here."
The Realtor suggested they look at other residences, but Ander had no reason to look further. She had found her forever home.
"I love the environment here with the trees, walking path and all the amenities. It's a very comforting place for me to live," Anders said. "I'm very happy here."
Lake Barrington Shores is a gated community of attached homes set on 510 acres in the Lake Barrington countryside. The community features more than 1,300 residences with 1,000 to 4,000 square feet of living space. It offers an active lifestyle for people of all ages.
With a unique California look, residences offer one to four bedrooms and a one- or two-car garage. Buyers can choose from main-level or second-level condos, two- or three-level townhouses, duplexes and ranch townhouses. Many homes have basements, and all homes have a garage (some a one-car detached garage). Home exteriors feature a deck, courtyard, side yard or other configurations.
Situated west of Route 59 and north of Miller Road, Lake Barrington Shores offers a community like no other in the Chicago area, said Pam Weinert, broker associate with RE/MAX of Barrington.
"I'm looking out the window at the natural beauty of the community with all kinds of ponds and a milelong, clear lake. They do a phenomenal job of keeping everything looking healthy."
The community features resort-style living with amenities galore.
The 96-acre Lake Barrington offers all kinds of recreation, including fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing and sailboat races, and even pontoon boat rides by college kids. The beach at the lake has grills, tables and lawn chairs, which people really like, Weinert said.
Although Ander's small condo can't accommodate her whole family for a large function, she loves having the beach, pool and playground and other amenities that family members can enjoy.
Another gem that residents enjoy is the private, three-mile walking trail around the lake that winds through acres of forest preserve. Walkers get a glimpse of wildlife, birds and wildflowers along the paved path.
Residents also have premier access to the Lake Barrington Shores Golf Club, a scenic space that borders the residential area, complete with clubhouse, pro shop and dining room for lunch and dinner.
The Sports Complex is home to tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball, basketball, paddle tennis and more, while the Lodge, which recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation, is the central activity hub of the community. The Lodge clubhouse offers a fitness center, swimming pools, meeting space and banquet facilities.
"Residents can get involved in many activities or choose to do nothing," Ander said. "Since retiring, I enjoy being involved with people, and I'm chair of the social and sports commissions, which speak to me."
Jamie Scheppman, lifestyle director for the community, helps organize a full calendar of events, interest groups, various clubs and other activities.
For shopping, residents can head to Wauconda, Lake Zurich and along nearby Rand Road, Northwest Highway and Routes 59 and 22. The Metra train station in Barrington is about four miles away.
Listing sheet
Price range: $140,000 to $560,000
Age of homes: 28 to 42 years
Schools: North Barrington Elementary, North Barrington Middle (Prairie campus) and Barrington High schools in Barrington Area Unit School District 220
Parks: Lake Barrington Countryside Park District