Listing of the week

The family that chooses to buy this French Country estate home located on 1.86 acres in Inverness will have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy life to the utmost.

This house offers 5,100 square feet of living space, plus a walk-in attic, three-car garage and a finished basement with bar and fireplace.

Built in the prestigious McIntosh subdivision in 1978, this brick home is situated on a cul-de-sac and features a gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. It also has a walled courtyard with fireplace, curved staircase, study with a fireplace, sunroom and five bedroom/bathroom suites.

Vaulted and cathedral ceilings, some featuring skylights, abound, along with hardwood floors in many rooms.

Listing agent Dan Drake of Keller Williams offers further details:

What is this home's hidden gem?

"The most pronounced hidden gem is the private walled courtyard unique to this house. The natural paver patio and stone waterfall are visible from the entry of the home, as well as the living room, sunroom and dining room."

What would your perfect buyer look like?

"Any family that appreciates space but is looking for character, as well, would be happy here. Exuding 'Old World charm,' this is an ideal home for entertaining in every sense of the word. Whether you enjoy gourmet cooking, spending tranquil nights by the stone waterfall, looking for a layout that offers ideal in-law accommodations, enjoying a private master retreat, or bedrooms having access to their own baths, this home has it all."

What is the coolest thing about living in this neighborhood?

"The McIntosh subdivision is cool, in and of itself, with its winding streets and mature landscaping on acre-size lots nestled in Inverness. Top-rated (Palatine Township Elementary) District 15 and Fremd High School are other amenities that will captivate you. The fact that this neighborhood is just minutes from the tollway, shopping and parks contributes to its popularity."

What television or movie personality can you picture living in this home?

"I can easily picture Julia Child or Martha Stewart preparing a famous seven-course meal in the gourmet kitchen, accented by gorgeous granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a separate full-size Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer. Serve appetizers in the private courtyard, dinner in the banquet-sized dining room and coffee and dessert by the fireplace in the formal living room overlooking the courtyard. With five bedrooms and 4½ baths, guests may even opt to stay the night."

What is one adjective that you would use to describe this home?

"Spacious … because this home features over 5,100 square feet of living space, from the two-story staircase to the private outdoor entertainment area. This home is the perfect choice for hosting parties, both formal and informal."

Name three trees, shrubs or plants featured in the yard.

"Crabs, pines and evergreens are accented by numerous garden beds."

On The Market

<span class="fact box text bold">Address:</span> 1568 Clover Drive, Inverness

<span class="fact box text bold">Open house:</span> 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 29

<span class="fact box text bold">Asking price: </span>$699,000

<span class="fact box text bold">Square footage:</span> 5,100

<span class="fact box text bold">Bedrooms/baths:</span> 5 bedrooms, 4½ baths

<span class="fact box text bold">Year built:</span> 1978

<span class="fact box text bold">Listing agents: </span>Dan Drake, Keller Williams Team Realty

<span class="fact box text bold">Call: </span>(847) 347-3484

<span class="fact box text bold">Email: </span>dandrake.re@gmail.com

<span class="fact box text bold">Web:</span> dandrake.kwrealty.com