Neighborhood profile: Braemar, Lake Zurich

For residents of Lake Zurich's Braemar subdivision, it's all about getting together with neighbors and having a good time.

This is a very active neighborhood with a lot going on, said Steve Callahan, president of the homeowners association, who has lived in the subdivision for 18 years with his wife, Sue, and their three children.

Braemar sits north of Cuba Road, east of the EJ&E Railroad tracks and west of Ela Road, forming a triangle.

“We have a monthly couples bowling league and a softball team that has been together as long as I've lived here,” Callahan said. “We put tents up for our summer picnic where we have games for kids and adults. And an added bonus is our large neighborhood park with a volleyball court. On Sundays we'll get together and say, ‘Everyone meet at the park and bring an appetizer.' We all enjoy each other's company.

“We also have a Christmas party each year with a great turnout, and all the houses are lit up with lights for the holidays. We have a fun competition where our landscaping committee comes up with first-, second- and third-place winners. It's a lot of fun, and we try to one-up each other.

“It's also a beautiful neighborhood with two ponds,” Callahan said. “I can't say enough good things about it.”

Gy Sathe, real estate broker with Prudential Stark Realtors, echoes Callahan. Everyone who knows anything about Lake Zurich says Braemar is a great place to live and a well-planned and close-knit community, she said.

Residents do a great job of tending to their homes and yards.

“These homes were originally designed as upscale homes with high-quality materials for professionals because that's what appealed to them,” Sathe said.

“With the passage of time, residents have continued to upgrade their homes, keeping the look upscale. Most of the homes today have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. People enjoy living in the neighborhood and are highly motivated to keep their houses up-to-date and in very good condition.”

Many original purchasers in Braemar started as young couples then moved up to the next model, and the next. People like it so much they have remodeled their homes rather than move, Sathe said.

“It's also a very cohesive neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other — kind of like an old-fashioned neighborhood,” she said. “When times were good, there were wars over the homes with people looking to move up because Braemar is a highly sought-after neighborhood.”

The subdivision features almost 200 two-story homes that sit on one-quarter to one-third acre lots. With a variety of models, homes typically feature four or five bedrooms and large kitchens. Some have two-story family rooms. Mature trees line the winding streets and nice landscaping and decks and patios surround the homes.

A big attraction is its location across from Cuba Marsh with walking and biking paths, which is such a great amenity to have, Callahan said. “Residents use it so much that we had a path put in with the help of the village. It's kind of a short cut, so people can just grab their dogs and head over there.”

Other nearby recreation includes Lake Zurich beach area and the 41-acre Paulus Park, with a skate park, sledding hill and activities through the parks and recreation department. Many community events take place at Paulus Park, including Fourth of July Family Day and Ela Festival of Arts.

For shopping, many national retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, services and restaurants sit along Rand Road near Route 22. The downtown area is home to several popular restaurants as well as many professional services.

Also, the subdivision is situated near Deer Park, which offers loads of shopping and a variety of restaurants.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range:</b> $318,000 to $400,000

<b>Age of homes:</b> 25 years old

<b>Schools: Isaac Fox Elementary, Lake Zurich Middle and Lake Zurich High schools in Lake Zurich Unit District 95

<b>Parks: </b>Lake Zurich Parks and Recreation Department