Forest preserve part of Walnut Glen's appeal

When it comes to living in a home that allows its owners to commune with nature on a daily basis, Walnut Glen in Northwest suburban Island Lake fits the bill

This Residential Homes of America Inc. neighborhood is a peninsula within Black Crown Forest Preserve, a tract of mature trees and natural beauty that wraps around the community along its northern border. Walnut Glen has been planned for 222 luxury single-family homes on quarter-acre sites, with prices starting at $296,990. Five decorated and furnished models are open for tours.

"The Black Crown Forest Preserve was recently acquired by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Lake County Forest Preserve District. It forms the north border of the Walnut Glen neighborhood," says Ann Danner, president and owner of Residential Homes of America. "When we laid out this community, we did so with respect and preservation in mind, so the natural beauty of Black Crown would remain intact for the enjoyment of the residents."

At Walnut Glen, the neighborhood's gently winding streets give the community a relaxed feel enhanced by the cul-de-sacs, parks and water features that are also part of the landscape.

The forest preserve is combined with Moraine Hills State Park to the northwest of Walnut Glen. This natural beauty has been a big reason buyers have chosen Walnut Glen, a community that has the look and feel of an established neighborhood with mature trees and preserved greenery.

"We also took great care in planning how Walnut Glen would meet the borders of Black Crown, because we wanted to take full advantage of the natural contours of the terrain and preserve its environmentally sensitive areas. We have included two recreational park areas and a tot lot within the community," Danner says. "Provisions have been made to extend Lake County Forest Preserve's Millennium Trail through Walnut Glen and to connect to the McHenry County Illinois Trail System. When complete, this trail will extend from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River."

Additional natural amenities within the Walnut Glen neighborhood are ponds and preserved wetland areas. Black Crown Forest Preserve is adjacent to Black Crown Marsh, a significant wetland area and bird habitat.

The Walnut Glen community also sits between two state parks, Moraine Hills State Park and Volo Bog State Nature Area, as well as being close to the Chain O'Lakes State Park, and Lakewood and Fox River Forest Preserves and their recreational amenities.

First deliveries have begun at Walnut Glen, where nine floor plans are available. Homes are sized from 1,909 to 3,483 square feet. There are eight two-story plans, each with three to five bedrooms, 2½ baths, full basements and attached two- or three-car garages. The ranch plan features two or three bedrooms, two full baths, full basement and a two-car garage. Prices begin at $296,990.

Homes at Walnut Glen feature 9-foot first-floor ceilings, full basements, hardwood or ceramic tile in the foyer and powder room, 42-inch kitchen cabinets, kitchen islands or peninsulas, central air conditioning and a master suite with one or more walk-in closets plus a private ceramic tile bath.

Walnut Glen is in Northwest suburban Island Lake. To visit, take Route 176 to Darrell Road. Turn north 1.5 miles to Neville Road. Turn west on Neville Road to Dowell Road, then south on Dowell to the Walnut Glen information Center.

The information center and models are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (815) 344-3030 for more information or visit www.rhahomes.com.