Active
5 beds2,400 sqft
31040 Penrose Rd, Sterling, IL 61081
Est: $1,862/moGet pre-approved
Single FamilyProperty Type
1 acresLot Size
1877Year Built
$129/sq ftPrice per sq ft
4 carsParking Spaces

Description

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...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.
95 days on Market
  • Listed by: JD Gieson 815.677.1873 jdgieson15@gmail.com • RE/MAX of Rock Valley
Last updated: 09/14/2026 08:56 AM • Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID, MLS#: 12676251

Location

Listing Courtesy of RE/MAX of Rock Valley
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$1,862 per month

30 year fixed, 6.71% Interest

Principal and Interest

$1,602

Property Taxes

$260

HOA Dues

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Property Information for 31040 Penrose Road

Property Details
  • Taxes: $3,121 / year
  • MLS Type: House / 1.5 Story
  • Area: Sterling
  • Township: Jordan
  • Ownership: Fee Simple
  • Num Of Garage Spaces: 4.0
  • Parking Included in Price: Yes
  • Air Conditioning Type: Central Air
  • Heat/Fuel: Propane, Forced Air
Building Information
  • Year Built: 1877
  • Lot Size: 1.00 AC / 43,560 SF
General Information
School Information
  • Elementary School District: 5
  • High School District: 5
  • High School: Sterling HS
  • Middle Or Junior School District: 5
Addtl Parking Information
  • Parking Details: Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Detached, Garage
Taxes and HOA Information
  • Association Fee Frequency: Not Applicable
  • Association Fee Includes: None
  • Master Association Fee Frequency: Not Required
Property Information
Interior Features
  • Interior Property Features: 1st Floor Full Bath
  • Num Of Rooms: 8
  • Bedrooms Total: 5
  • Bedrooms (Below Grade): 0
  • Basement Type: Unfinished, Full
  • Bedrooms Possible: 5
  • Air Conditioning: Central Air
  • Electric: Circuit Breaker
  • Basement Bathrooms: No
  • Room Type: Bedroom 5, Enclosed Porch
  • Num of Baths: 3.0
Exterior Features
  • Type: 1.5 Story
Utilities / Equipment
  • Sewer: Septic Tank
  • Water: Well
  • Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Water Softener
  • Other Equipment: Security System
Property/Lot Information
  • New Construction YN: No
  • Rebuilt: No
  • Rehabilitated: No
  • Built Before 1978: Yes
  • Age: 100+ Years
  • Type Detached: 1.5 Story
  • Total Sq Ft: 0
  • Aprox Total Finished Sq Ft: 0
  • Total Finished and Unfin Sq Ft: 0
  • Lot Size: 1.0-1.99 Acres
  • Lot Dimensions: 264x165
  • Waterfront: No
  • Disability Access and/or Equipped: No
  • Exterior Building Type: Wood Siding
  • Construction: Wood Siding
  • Roof Type: Asphalt
  • Foundation Details: Stone
  • General Information: School Bus Service
  • Living Area Source: Appraiser
  • Flood Zone: No
Property and Assessments
  • Public Document Count: 1
  • Document Date: 2026-06-12T15:40:35
  • Photos Count: 32
  • Habitable Residence: Yes
  • OpenHouse Count: 1
Virtual Tour/Additional Media
  • Virtual Tour: None
  • Virtual Tour YN: No
Room Information
Master Bedroom Information
  • Master Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Master Bedroom
  • Master Bedroom Bath: Full
  • Master Bedroom Dimensions: 14X16
Bedroom #2 Information
  • 2nd Bedroom Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 2
  • Bedroom #2 Room Dimensions: 12X12
Bedroom #3 Information
  • 3rd Bedroom Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 3
  • Bedroom #3 Room Dimensions: 12X9
Bedroom #4 Information
  • 4th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 4
  • Bedroom #4 Room Dimensions: 12X18
Bedroom #5 Information
  • 5th Bedroom Level: Second
  • Room Type: Bedroom 5
  • Bedroom #5 Room Dimensions: 12X12
Dining Room Information
  • Dining Room Level: Main
  • RoomType_DR: Dining Room
  • Dining Room Dimensions: 13X12
Family Room Information
  • Family Room Level: N/A
  • RoomType_FR: Family Room
Kitchen Information
  • Kitchen Level: Main
  • RoomType_KT: Kitchen
  • Kitchen Dimensions: 13X13
Laundry Information
  • Laundry Level: N/A
  • Room Type: Laundry
Living Room Information
  • Living Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Living Room
  • Living Room Dimensions: 15X20
Enclosed Porch Information
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Enclosed Porch
  • Dimensions: 16X11

Property History for 31040 Penrose Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Sep 14, 2026

Price Change

MRED #12676251

$310,000
Sep 14, 2026

Listed (Active)

MRED #12676251

Sep 13, 2026

Expired

MRED #12676251

$324,900
DateEvent & SourcePrice
09/14/2026

Price Change

MRED #12676251

$310,000
09/14/2026

Listed (Active)

MRED #12676251

09/13/2026

Expired

MRED #12676251

$324,900

For completeness, we often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 31040 Penrose Road

Taxable ValueLand$5,446Additions$47,425Total$52,871
Tax Record2025$3,121 ($260 / month)
Home Facts
Beds0Lot Size43,560 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceCountyWHITESIDEAPN0513300003

Schools near 31040 Penrose Road

This home is within Sterling Community Unit School District 5.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Public - PK to 2
Public - 6 to 8
Public - 9 to 12
Public - PK to 2
Rating
School
Distance
Franklin Elementary School
PublicPK to 2

Challand Middle School
Public6 to 8

Sterling High School
Public9 to 12

Jefferson Elementary School
PublicPK to 2

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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31040 Penrose Road is a single family home for sale in Sterling, IL 61081. This property was listed for sale on June 13, 2026 by RE/MAX of Rock Valley, it's currently listed at $310,000. This listing's school district is Sterling Community Unit School District 5. Nearby schools include Franklin Elementary School, Challand Middle School and Sterling High School. 31040 Penrose Road is a 5-bed, 3-bath, 2,400 sqft single family home built in 1877.

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information, descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, in person inspection and public records, and Compass International Holdings, its subsidiaries, affiliates and independently owned and operated franchisees, and their affiliated agents and associated third parties expressly disclaim any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the seller's discretion. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Listing Courtesy of RE/MAX of Rock Valley

Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (\"MRED\"), MRED PLN GRID, Northwest Indiana REALTORS® Association and NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (\"MRED\"), MRED PLN GRID, Northwest Indiana REALTORS® Association and NorthWest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. Properties displayed may be listed or sold by various participants in the MLS. Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of 09/14/2026 08:56 AM. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.