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$324,900 Just Listed
Property 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, 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.
Full Property Details
Full Property Details for 31040 Penrose Rd
General
- Price: $324,900
- Taxes: $3,120 (2025)
- Status: Active
- Type: Single Family
- Source: MRED
- MLS ID: 12676251
- Updated: 6/13/2026
- Added to Site: 3 day(s) ago
Interior
- Basement: Unfinished
- Interior Features: 1st-Floor Bath
- Appliances: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Water Softener
Rooms
Bathrooms
- Total Bathrooms: 3
- Full Bathrooms: 3
Bedrooms
- Total Bedrooms: 5
Additional Information
- Equipment: Security System
- Other Features: School Bus Service
Parking
- Garage: Yes
- Attached garage: Yes
- Garage Spaces: 4
- Total Spaces: 4
- Parking Features: Yes, Garage Owned, Attached, Detached, Garage
Location
- Area: Sterling
- County: Whiteside
- Township: Jordan
- Driving Directions: North on Mound Hill Rd, left onto Penrose or North on Polo Road, left onto Penrose.
School Information
- School District: 5
- Elem School District: 5
- Midd School District: 5
- High School District: 5
Community
- Assoc. Fees Include: None
Heating & Cooling
- Cooling Type: Central Air Conditioning
- Heating Type: Propane, Forced Air
Utilities
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Well
Structural Information
- Construction: Wood Siding
- Exterior Const.: Wood Siding
- Basement: Yes
- Basement Desc.: Unfinished, Full
- Foundation: Stone
- Roof: Asphalt
- Square Feet: 2,400
- Sq. Ft. Source: Appraiser
- Year Built: 1877
- Built Before 1978: Yes
Lot Features
- Lot Size (Acres): 1
- Lot Size Range: 1.0 to 1.99 Acres
- Lot Dimensions: 264 x 165
Financial Considerations
- Parking Included: Yes
- Assessment Year: 1877
- Tax Amount: $3,120.62
- Tax Year: 2025
- Pays Sewer: Septic Tank
Disclosures and Reports
- Ownership: Fee Simple
- Property ID: 5133000030000
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Schools
Schools serving 31040 Penrose Rd
School District:Sterling Community Unit District 5
| Name | Grades | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Franklin Elementary School, Sterling, IL 1510 East 25th Street, Sterling, IL 61081 | PK-2 | 5.5 mi |
Washington Elementary School, Sterling, IL 815 West Le Fevre Road, Sterling, IL 61081 | 3-5 | 6.7 mi |
Challand Middle School 1700 6th Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081 | 6-8 | 6.2 mi |
Sterling High School 1608 4th Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081 | 9-12 | 6.3 mi |
Disclaimer:
School attendance boundaries provided by ATTOM Data Solutions and are for reference only. Contact the school directly to verify enrollment eligibility.
Price & Sales History for 31040 Penrose Rd
Date
Details
Price
Change
Source
6/13/2026
Listed
$324,900
—
MLS
Disclaimer: Historical sales information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Tax History
Tax History for 31040 Penrose Rd
Year
Property Taxes
Change
Tax Assessment
Change
2025
$3,121
6%
$52,871
7%
2024
$2,941
8%
$49,242
7%
2023
$2,714
9%
$45,857
10%
2022
$2,495
5%
$41,864
6%
2021
$2,382
6%
$39,564
6%
2020
$2,237
8%
$37,289
8%
2019
$2,079
2%
$34,491
1%
2018
$2,039
—
$34,022
3%
2017
$2,029
-8%
$32,986
-6%
2016
$2,194
2%
$35,013
3%
2015
$2,158
—
$34,000
-1%
2014
$2,166
4%
$34,368
3%
2013
$2,086
—
$33,257
—
Disclaimer: Historical tax information is derived from public records provided by the county offices. Information is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Estimate the Cost
Estimate the Cost for 31040 Penrose Rd
31040 Penrose Road, Sterling, IL 61081 (MLS# 12676251) is a Single Family property with 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. 31040 Penrose Road is currently listed for $324,900 and was received on June 13, 2026. Want to learn more about 31040 Penrose Road? Do you have questions about finding other Single Family real estate for sale in Sterling? You can browse all Sterling real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more information.