Village needs caretaker for farm

The village of Lake Barrington is looking for someone to watch over its recently acquired 26-acre farm.

After purchasing the Freier Farm at 23687 N. Kelsey Road earlier this summer in an effort to preserve open space, the village is now in the process of fixing up the property's farmhouse and intends to rent it out.

Village Administrator Chris Martin said officials decided fixing up and renting out the house was the best decision for several reasons. For one, it will ensure someone is looking over the land at all times.

"It brings a presence to the property, so that someone is here to keep an eye on things," Martin said.

The 1,500-square-foot home includes three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, a basement, central air and new painting and carpeting.

"It is in good shape," Martin said. "Instead of spending the $15,000 it would cost to tear it down, we said, 'Let's put some money into it.' "

Renting out the home will also provide some extra money for the village. The village is asking for $1,950 in rent per month.

"We thought this would generate a little bit of money to provide for the maintenance of the (property)," Martin said.

Lake Barrington purchased the farm for $2.1 million as part of its initiative to preserve open space.

Last spring, voters approved a $5.5 million borrowing plan to buy open space for conservation and recreation.

Martin said the village purchased the land because it had many of the qualities the village was looking for.

Besides having a prominent location on Kelsey Road, the land is also close to the Lake County Forest Preserve and includes about 10 acres of wetlands.

"It contributes to the character of the community," Martin said.

Over the coming months, Martin said, the village board will begin discussing what else to do with the property. That could include hosting activities like barn dances or a farmer's market.

For more information on renting the house, call the village at (847) 381-6010.