Friendly neighborhood a draw for Pepper Tree Farms

Tricia and Chris Wood knew Pepper Tree Farms was a friendly neighborhood before they even signed the contract to purchase a house here 14 years ago.

“We took several walks through the neighborhood and saw people out walking, walking their dogs, pushing strollers and visiting with neighbors. It seemed to be a friendly place, and we really liked that,” Tricia Wood said.

“I've owned several homes and have never lived in a neighborhood like this where I know so many people. I know neighbors four blocks away and anywhere in between,” Wood said.

“We also liked the design of the house. It's an open modern floor plan with plenty of space, which is great for entertaining — especially when the progressive dinner comes around. We've been the dessert house with 70 people here, and there was plenty of room.”

Jenny Cincotta also enjoys the neighborhood's social events and activities. “This is an amazing neighborhood. We have a ladies night out, parties at the pool, hayrides for the kids, a camp out by the pool, and our progressive dinner is coming up soon,” said Cincotta, a resident of the neighborhood and broker-associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

“We've lived here for 25 years, and I wouldn't go anywhere else; and all my neighbors share my sentiments,” Cincotta said.

Pepper Tree Farms has a pool and cabana club, which most people join, where Cincotta's son learned how to swim when he was 5 years old. For more recreation, residents can walk to the tennis courts and other park district facilities on Oak Street.

Also, homes surround a private lake where residents enjoy swimming, fishing, skating and boating.

California builders Kaufmann and Broad built the homes in Pepper Tree Farms, so the neighborhood has a distinct California influence. The five original models included two ranches, a split-level, a two-story and a Colonial home with three or four bedrooms, two to 2½ baths, California patio kitchens and spacious family rooms with fireplaces.

“Even though these homes were built in the late '60s, they have a real contemporary flair with open floor plans, and four of the five models have cathedral ceilings,” Cincotta said. “In contrast to many other homes built around that time, Pepper Tree homes also have large master bedrooms, and all feature master bathrooms.”

The neighborhood features gently curving streets, mature landscaping, lots of trees including many weeping willows, and a picturesque creek that runs through the subdivision complementing its natural beauty.

“The forest preserve sits across Dundee Road, and we're very close to Route 53," Cincotta said. “Everyone loves our convenient location.”

The neighborhood has a nice mix of residents — young families, middle-aged people, empty nesters and retirees.

A lot of people bought homes here when the neighborhood began, and they're still here, Wood said. “Some people considered moving up to Inverness, but they decided to improve their homes and put on additions because they wanted to stay here.”

Cincotta echoes Wood's comments. “It's remarkable that when you drive through the neighborhood, many of the original homes are hardly recognizable because rather than moving, people find ways to expand their homes up, out or sideways.

“So with all that's been said, we believe we have it all — including good schools and still reasonable home prices,” Cincotta said. “All these things drew me and my family here.”

Listing sheet

<b>Price range:</b> $250,000 to $400,000

<b>Age of homes: </b>44 years old

<b>Schools: </b>Lincoln Elementary and Sundling Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Palatine High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211

<b>Parks: </b>Palatine Park District