On the Market: Mount Prospect ranch

You can’t find a community more welcoming than Mount Prospect — “where friendliness is a way of life.” So anyone looking for a first home or a step-down retirement home in a location where proximity to the train, shopping and restaurants is important, will find this all-brick ranch home appealing.

Built on a large lot in a comfortable neighborhood in 1956, the home features hardwood floors throughout the main level, except in the kitchen which sports ceramic tile. The large basement is finished with a lovely recreation room with wet bar, generous workroom and lots of storage. The stainless steel appliance-filled kitchen, living room fireplace, two-car garage and enclosed porch add to the home’s appeal.

Listing agents Tom and Mary Zander of Picket Fence Realty in Mount Prospect offer more details:

What’s the hidden gem in this house?#147;Because it#146;s hidden from view, it would have to be the yard. This home sits on a 72-by-146-foot lot, almost a quarter acre. Although the house is large, the extra lot size allows both a private and surprisingly large back yard. The owners are avid gardeners and nature lovers. Especially fond of butterflies and hummingbirds, the plantings were specifically chosen to attract those elusive creatures. On a recent showing of the house, we observed no less than 40 butterflies and six hummingbirds.#148;What would your perfect buyer look like?#147;With three bedrooms and a den/office, this home is perfect for a growing family. They might have a dog and that#146;s great because the backyard is fully fenced.#148;What surprises you about this house?#147;In a word: space. Because of the large footprint of the house, the main floor is surprisingly spacious, but a trip to the full basement reveals the endless space of this home. It features a large finished area, a full bath, a walk-in cedar closet, a spacious work room and one of the largest laundry rooms in town. Storage will never be a problem.#148;If this house were featured on TV or in the movies, which one would it be?#147; #145;The Brady Bunch#146; comes to mind. Although having six kids is not as common today as in years past, this home certainly could accommodate a larger family. The bedrooms are all in back, so a lot can be going on without disturbing everyone. The location is also very kid-friendly. The home#146;s location is probably its biggest benefit. Located only four blocks (half-mile) from Mount Prospect#146;s Metra train station, this home is perfect for the Chicago commuter. Both Lions Park Elementary School and the popular Lions Park are just two blocks away. Lions Park features a wave pool, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, the Veteran#146;s Memorial band shell, and a field house where many activities and classes are offered.#148;What#146;s the coolest thing about living in this neighborhood?#147;The proximity to everything and the liveliness of the neighborhood are the coolest things about this neighborhood: the train station, downtown shops and restaurants, the school, the pool, and the band shell. At any given moment you will see people out for a walk, perhaps with their dog, kids riding their bikes, joggers, etc. The neighborhood is alive with suburban living at its best.#148;What#146;s one adjective you#146;d use to describe the house?#147;Spacious or tranquil.#148;Tell us about the landscaping.#147;The butterfly garden features a Butterfly Bush as well as numerous other plants that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. An herb garden featuring sage, dill and basil provides an inviting aroma, a raspberry patch, and hostas line the perimeter of the property.#148; 19371297In addition to the spacious main floor, the house has a finished basement. 19371297The updated kitchen has stainless steel appliances. On the MarketAddress: 105 E. Council Trail, Mount ProspectAsking price: $298,000Square footage: Almost 1,600 square feet, but the basement doubles the usable space.Bedrooms/baths: 3 bedrooms plus a den/office, 2½ bathsYear built: 1956Realtor: Tom & Mary Zander, Picket Fence RealtyCall: (847) 259-8600Email: zander@ PicketFenceRealty.com