Spacious, well-to-do S. Barrington is home to area attractions
As one of the 100 wealthiest towns in the country on Worth magazine's list published several years ago, South Barrington is known for its extreme affluence. The village features a country ambiance, estate-sized homes on sprawling acreage, and many lakes and ponds that enhance the beauty of the area.
With easy access to I-90, many residents commute to the city, yet they love coming home to the peaceful environment in South Barrington.
"A customer once said, 'When I get off the expressway at Barrington Road and turn on Mundhank (Road), all my troubles go away, and I feel like I'm on my way to my country home,'" said Denise D'Amico, Realtor with RE/MAX Central West.
The South Barrington area was still agricultural into the 1950s. Then William Rose founded the Barrington Construction Co. in 1959 and built the Sunset Ridge Farms, The Cove and The Glen subdivisions.
Today the community offers a diversity of luxury real estate from older homes to brand new construction with a price range of $600,000 to multimillion dollar homes, said Linda Lohr, broker-associate with ERA Countrywood Realty Inc.
Comprised mostly of small subdivisions, each with its own unique characteristics, South Barrington features waterfront properties, gated communities, neighborhoods with walking trails, resort-style living and an active-adult community.
Because of the variety of homes available and more land to build on, South Barrington continues to attract a variety of homebuyers, including many corporate executives.
A big draw for families is the good school district with award-winning schools and the option of attending one of several private schools in the area.
The South Barrington Park District operates the South Barrington Club with pools and sports facilities, and offers many programs for adults, teens and preschoolers. Community events include the annual Pet Parade and Halloween Costume Contest.
The public library also offers programs for children and adults including storytimes and book discussions.
Although primarily a residential community, the southern edge of South Barrington bustles with corporate activity. The Arboretum of South Barrington shopping center is wonderful, and it has a restaurant, Pinstripes, with bowling and bocce ball, Lohr said.
The upscale shopping complex features distinctive architectural elements such as limestone fountains imported from France and leaf motifs embossed into the masonry of buildings, which helps create a European village setting. Another attraction are the special sitting gardens with peonies developed by Roy Klehm, a well-known authority on peonies, and two monument-sized, limited edition bronze horse sculptures.
"We love our Arboretum," D'Amico said. "I've been here 25 years, and we had to go to Hoffman Estates for a quick dinner. The year the Arboretum opened I remodeled my house, and we had no kitchen, so we were eating there every day.
"We also have the wonderful Millrose Restaurant, a great place for after graduations or graduation parties," D'Amico said.
Although South Barrington has a country atmosphere, it is close to entertainment, shopping, parks and things for kids to do. It's near a lot of medical facilities, too, Lohr said.
The community is home to Willow Creek Community Church, one of the largest nondenominational churches in the country, as well as Goebbert's Pumpkin and Farm Market with its silo topped by a large fiberglass pumpkin.
Located on 80 acres of woods, lake and meadow, the Alexander Stillman Nature Center offers a spot of tranquility in the midst of corporate activity. The private, nonprofit nature center was created to educate the public about the environment. Events range from fall cleanups to nature walks and wildlife education. An accessibility trail is a unique addition designed to accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and strollers.