Before World War II the community now known as Kildeer was largely farms and undeveloped property.
With the return of GIs from Europe and the Pacific, this part of southern Lake County began to experience the same sort of development pressure as elsewhere.
Resident Harry Bosch, Jr. submitted a plan to the Lake County Board for a residential subdivision of primarily two-acre lots. In 1955 Bosch won approval for Boschome Farms and sought to hold tight to strict approval of all homes built.
A few years later a plan was hatched for “a billion-dollar city” numbering 20,000 homes across nine square miles in the still-unincorporated area. This ambitious plan from a Chicago builder troubled the locals who coalesced around long-time resident Dorothea Huszagh to stop it. In 1958, residents held a referendum on the question of establishing the Village of Kildeer. Area residents voted to incorporate the new village with a population of 153, making it the 32nd municipality in Lake County.
The actions of residents from 66 years ago preserved the rolling terrain and streams, ponds and wetlands that continue to give the area a distinctive rural feel.
Today there’s a stately French Provincial home set high on a hill in the Farmington of Kildeer neighborhood, just south of Harry Bosch's original subdivision. On nearly one-and-a-half acres, a long curving driveway up from the road brings visitors to this three-level home of more than 7300 square feet.
Past the front door is a grand marble foyer with curved bridal staircase that welcomes family and friends into the home. Inside there are four bedrooms, 3.1 baths, a fully finished basement, and large kitchen with granite counters, newer stainless-steel appliances & under-cabinet lighting.
A first-floor library — perfect as a home office — has built-in bookcases and rich wood beams leading out to a screened Florida sun room with serene views of nature. In the family room there’s a fireplace and a wall of sliding doors leading to an oversized deck that’s delightful for outdoor entertaining. The living room also includes a fireplace.
In a huge primary suite there’s yet another fireplace, plus new hardwood flooring, spacious sitting area and a private balcony. A dual vanity bath has heated floors, soaker tub, large shower and dual walk in closets.
The finished basement has a large bar, lots of seating space for gaming or exercise, plenty of storage and a full bath.
Renee Clark of @Properties Realty represents the seller. Learn more by visiting ReneeClarkHomes.com or call 847.381.0300.
Forever Home
On a hilltop in the Farmington neighborhood, a mystery is buried beneath the trees. Not far from the Farmington Bath and Tennis Club and just north of the intersection of Middleton and Andover roads is a small cemetery overlooking a picturesque pond. This is the final resting place for Herman and Catherine Pahlman. Herman died in 1900, and Catherine in 1916. There are two more occupants resting peacefully, but who they are, and how and when they got there, remains a mystery. What we do know is that the Pahlman home, likely built before 1850, was nearby on Long Grove Road. The vacant property is just under 1.5 acres.
To learn more about this unique property contact Renee Clark (847.381.0300) or visit ReneeClarkHomes.com.
"In the family room, there’s a fireplace and a wall of sliding doors leading to an oversized deck that’s delightful for outdoor entertaining."
