A rare blend of history, character, and modern updates, this one-of-a-kind home was originally built as the Fairview School in 1877 and has been tastefully reimagined into a spacious five-bedroom, three-bath residence. Situated on one acre at the corner of Polo Road and Penrose, the property offers a unique living experience with thoughtful improvements throughout. The remodeled kitchen features stone countertops, a wet bar, and custom pantry, while the inviting living spaces are highlighted by a fireplace, main floor laundry, and a convenient main floor bathroom. Recent updates include a new roof, stained siding, garage floors, and garage openers in 2022, along with a new front window and door in 2025. Outside, enjoy the hot tub, attached 2.5-car garage, and a detached barn with loft and wood burner, providing endless possibilities for a workshop, storage, or hobby space. With a full basement and a rich history that can't be replicated, this is a truly special property ready for its next chapter.
For sale
$324,900
31040 Penrose Rd, Sterling, IL 61081
5beds
2,400sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1877
1 Acres Lot
$312,000 Zestimate®
$135/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Garage floorsHot tubSpacious five-bedroom three-bath residenceWet barInviting living spacesRemodeled kitchenStained siding
- 4 days |
- 1,032 |
- 47 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
JD Gieson 815-732-9100,
Re/Max Of Rock Valley
Source: NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®,MLS#: 202603501
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Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 3
- Main level bathrooms: 1
- Main level bedrooms: 2
Primary bedroom
- Level: Upper
- Area: 224
- Dimensions: 14 x 16
Bedroom 2
- Level: Main
- Area: 144
- Dimensions: 12 x 12
Bedroom 3
- Level: Main
- Area: 108
- Dimensions: 12 x 9
Bedroom 4
- Level: Walk Out
- Area: 144
- Dimensions: 12 x 12
Dining room
- Level: Main
- Area: 156
- Dimensions: 13 x 12
Kitchen
- Level: Main
- Area: 169
- Dimensions: 13 x 13
Living room
- Level: Main
- Area: 300
- Dimensions: 15 x 20
Heating
- Forced Air, Propane
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove/Cooktop, Washer, Water Softener, Gas Water Heater
- Laundry: Main Level
Features
- Wet Bar
- Basement: Full
- Has fireplace: No
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,400
- Total interior livable area: 2,400 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,400
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 4
- Parking features: Attached, Detached
- Garage spaces: 4
Features
- Levels: One and One Half
- Stories: 1
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Country
Lot
- Size: 1 Acres
- Features: County Taxes
Details
- Parcel number: 0513300003
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Wood
- Roof: Shingle
Condition
- Year built: 1877
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Circuit Breakers
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Well
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: Security System
- Subdivision: IL
Location
- Region: Sterling
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $135/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $49,242
- Annual tax amount: $3,120
- Price range: $324.9K - $324.9K
- Date on market: 6/14/2026
- Cumulative days on market: 5 days
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Estimated market value
$312,000
$296,000 - $328,000
$1,950/mo
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/13/2026 | Listed for sale | $324,900$135/sqft |
Source:  MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12676251 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,941 +8.3% | $49,242 +7.4% |
| 2023 | $2,714 +8.8% | $45,857 +9.5% |
| 2022 | $2,495 +4.8% | $41,864 +5.8% |
| 2021 | $2,382 +6.4% | $39,564 +6.1% |
| 2020 | $2,237 +7.6% | $37,289 +8.1% |
| 2019 | $2,079 +2% | $34,491 +1.4% |
| 2018 | $2,039 +0.5% | $34,022 +3.1% |
| 2017 | $2,029 -7.5% | $32,986 -5.8% |
| 2016 | $2,194 +951.6% | $35,013 +5.3% |
| 2015 | $209 -3.7% | $33,257 -3.2% |
| 2014 | $217 +3.8% | $34,368 +3.3% |
| 2013 | $209 -90.1% | $33,257 |
| 2012 | $2,102 +9860.3% | $33,257 -1.8% |
| 2011 | $21 -99% | $33,864 -4.1% |
| 2010 | $2,211 +2% | $35,312 +2% |
| 2009 | $2,169 +10% | $34,629 +9% |
| 2008 | $1,971 +6.3% | $31,776 +8.6% |
| 2007 | $1,855 | $29,269 +0.1% |
| 2005 | -- | $29,253 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 61081
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- NAFranklin Elementary SchoolGrades: PK-2Distance: 5.5 mi
- 4/10Challand Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 6.2 mi
- 5/10Sterling High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 6.3 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Franklin
- Middle: Challand
- High: Sterling HS
- District: Sterling School District #5
Source: NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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A local lender can help you make sure your offer is ready when you are.
- Illinois
- Whiteside County
- Sterling
- 61081
- 31040 Penrose Rd
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