Inverness Hills in neighborhood profile
John Nordgren and Stephanie Sargent recently moved from downtown Palatine to Inverness Hills, where the exclusivity and large homesites were an attraction.
"Today it's difficult to find a piece of land like this that's a little slice of paradise, where you also meet your neighbors and have a sense of community," Sargent said.
"We love our house, which is a sprawling ranch, and we have great side and back yards. I don't have my green thumb yet, but I'll get there.
"We looked at homes in several towns, but we liked how each house here has unique touches. And we liked the layout of the subdivision with mature trees and beautiful landscaping. It has a nice feeling."
Sargent's parents live in Inverness Hills, and a lot of family friends live in and around the area, which was another plus for the couple. And they find that everyone they've met has been friendly.
Nestled on the border of Barrington just west of Ela Road, Inverness Hills was developed by Art Gingold in 1979 during the residential explosion of larger homes with varied designs that took place in Inverness in the 1970s and '80s.
The upscale Inverness Hills neighborhood showcases 78 distinctive two-story and ranch homes on one-acre sites along winding roads that meander through the countryside.
The homes feature unique architectural designs because there were several builders working in the subdivision, including Dior, Liberty Craft, The Nicholas Group and others, said Tony Sarantakis, broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arlington Heights. Tony and his wife, Tina, make up the TNT Team for the company.
Many of the homes back up to a 16-acre conservation area maintained by the Inverness Park District where residents enjoy the beautiful, serene property that provides a habitat for wildlife such as deer, fox and coyote, Sarantakis said. Sarantakis loves singing the praises of Inverness Hills where he, his wife and their two children, Tori and Nick, have lived for 24 years. They recently welcomed Colby, a lab retriever pup, as a new member of the family.
"There are still some original owners here, but the neighborhood is turning over now with empty-nesters downsizing and younger people with small kids moving in," Sarantakis said.
A benefit of living in Inverness Hills is its active homeowners' association that has the largest participation of any in the area, said Sarantakis, president of the group.
"This group has evolved into a network of close friendships. Activities have included dinner at a restaurant, wine and cheese tasting party, progressive dinner and ice cream social, as well as a block party with a surprise visit from the fire department."
Association dues are $100 each year, which includes a directory and maintenance of common areas such as the entrance and cul-de-sacs, which have been professionally landscaped.
For other activities and recreation, the Inverness Park District manages three beautiful 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 in the community today. The club offers golfing, gourmet dining, tennis courts and swimming - something for everyone in the family.
The excellent school districts are also a draw for buyers of a home in Inverness Hills, and they especially like that high school students attend Fremd High School.
Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price:</span> $500,000 to $1 million
<span class="fact box text bold">Age:</span> Development began in 1979
<span class="fact box text bold">Schools: </span>Marion Jordan Elementary and Sundling Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15; Fremd High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211.
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Inverness Park District