Deerpath Farm is 200 acres of pristine, natural Illinois landscape combining oak savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows; 140 acres of which are a preserve maintained by Lake Forest Open Lands Association exclusively for the use of those who reside in the community. Yet, located in Mettawa on Route 60, it’s less than one mile from I-94, less than five miles from Market Square, and about 25 minutes to O’Hare. This combination of quiet, natural living and easy access to amenities doesn’t exist anywhere else.
“Usually when a community sets aside open space for the benefit of the residents who live there, it’s limited to something like 10 acres out of 100,” says Frederick. “Because our preserve includes two-thirds of the entire property, it feels completely rural. The native grasses and woodland plants basically come right up to the road and make you feel like you’re in the country. That’s part of what people respond to when they come here. They realize they’re not in a typical suburban setting.”
To maintain that generous amount of open space, there are only 41 lots set aside for homes, 11 of which are already taken. There’s one house under construction now and two planned to begin this spring. Prospective buyers have the option of working with Frederick, a celebrated architect himself, or of bringing in their own architect and builder to put together their dream home. Perhaps it’s the gorgeous setting, but the homes that currently stand at Deerpath Farm have that easy weekend getaway feel, far removed from the hustle and bustle of suburban life, but with the benefit of actually existing right in the middle of it.
Since its beginnings in the 1930s as the dairy farm retreat of Edward H. Bennett, co-author of the 1909 Plan of Chicago, Deerpath Farm has remained a welcome reprieve from urban life. It’s been kept that way ever since under the guidance of Frederick, Bennett’s step-grandson. Protected areas of the property have burr oak trees that are older than the Declaration of Independence and sites where Native Americans camped and made arrowheads. This is a chance to settle in a completely unique environment, and one that’s been protected to stay that way.
“Deerpath Farm’s natural beauty really strikes a chord with many,” says Linda. “People are starting to understand that views and trees are a real luxury. There’s no way to recreate the abundant space we have here. You can’t experience it anywhere else. The true luxury is being able to live in this private, quiet way, minutes away from anything you want or need. Deerpath Farm is the only place where somebody can buy an acre and effectively gain ownership of 140 acres without the worries of taking care of the land.”
For more information, visit deerpathfarm.com.
-Jake Jarvie // Photography provided by Deerpath Farm
