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For sale
    • $324,900

    31040 Penrose Rd, Sterling, IL 61081

    5beds
    2,400sqft
    : 
    $2,373/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Single Family Residence
    Built in 1877
    1 Acres Lot
    $316,000 Zestimate®
    $135/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    Garage floorsHot tubSpacious five-bedroom three-bath residenceWet barInviting living spacesRemodeled kitchenStained siding
    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, heated floors 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.
    50 days
    |
    1,170
    |
    53
    |

    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    JD Gieson 815-732-9100,

    Re/Max Of Rock Valley

    Source: NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS®,MLS#: 202603501MLS Logo

      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: 51 days
      • Ownership: Fee Simple

        Estimated market value

        $316,000

        $300,000 - $332,000

        $2,359/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        7/15/2026Listed for sale$324,900$135/sqft
        Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12676251 Report a problem
        7/12/2026Pending sale$324,900$135/sqft
        Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12676251 Report a problem
        6/13/2026Listed for sale$324,900$135/sqft
        Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID #12676251 Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax 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

        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

        Getting around

        0 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        39 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating
        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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