https://www.ruhlmortgage.com/BlakeEller.html

31040 Penrose Road Sterling, IL 61081 Residential - Single Family Active

Open House
  • 31040 Penrose Road, Sterling, IL 61081 Main Photo

33 Total Photos [Click to View All]

Open Houses

Thu, Jul 2nd 5:00pm - 7:00pm

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.

Property Highlights

Property Type: Residential - Single Family
Total Living Area SF: 2,400
Garage Size: 4
Attached Garage
Built in 1877
School District: District 5
Security System

General Information

Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Sqft: 2,400
County: Whiteside
Listed By:
RE/MAX of Rock Valley 815-732-9100
MRED MLS

Room Information

Bedroom 5: 12X12
Enclosed Porch: 16X11
Bedroom 2: 12X12
Bedroom 3: 12X9
Bedroom 4: 12X18
Dining Room: 13X12
Kitchen: 13X13
Living Room: 15X20
Primary Bedroom: 14X16
$324,900
Est. $2,110/mo
5beds
3baths
2,400sqft
4cars
Active
BEDS5 BATHS3 full SQUARE FEET2,400 MLS#12676251
STATUSActive PROPERTY TYPEResidential - Single Family SCHOOLDistrict 5

Get in Touch

Contact an agent to learn more about

31040 Penrose Road, Sterling, IL 61081.

Contact Form

Preferred Communication Method:

Mortgage Calculator

Call or Click to get Pre-Approved! 563-441-1862 toll free 866-441-1862

Customize Your Loan

Customize Your Rate

Loan Type 30 Year FixedFHA 30 Year Fixed15 Year Fixed
Purchase Price $324,900$324,900$324,900
Down Payment $64,980$11,372$81,225
Monthly Mortgage Amount $1,558$1,938$2,007
Taxes $452$452$452
Insurance $100$100$100
HOA/Dues/Fees $0$0$0
Monthly Mortage Insurance $0$143$0
Monthly Estimated Total $2,110$2,633$2,559

Customize Your Mortgage

About this area

Illinois/Sterling
Sterling

View Listings

About Sterling

Sterling, IL is a well-established city in the northwest part of the state that offers a comfortable blend of small-city charm, riverfront scenery, and modern conveniences. Nestled along the Rock River, Sterling provides residents with access to scenic parks, walking trails, and outdoor recreation while supporting a vibrant local economy and strong community infrastructure. The city features a revitalized downtown area with local shops, dining options, and community events that reflect Sterling’s pride and sense of connection. Its location allows for easy travel to nearby cities while maintaining a relaxed, approachable atmosphere.

Once known as the Hardware Capital of the World, Sterling is widely associated with manufacturing and the steel industry. This growing industrial community is surrounded by popular parks, farmland and industrial parks offering employment seekers a great place to settle.

With more than six nearby neighborhood parks, and a popular state park located a short distance away, nature exploration is a favorite past time in Sterling. The beautiful Rock River brings people out to boat, fish and play in its waters. After a day out in nature, residents love to come back to their neighborhood and enjoy town activities. Movies in the park during the Summer is a very popular event as well as grabbing a bite to eat at the Midway Diner where patrons can enjoy a classic hamburger, hot-dog, nachos and many other classic favorites. Small in boundaries, but large on activities for residents, Sterling is a great community to live in and raise a family. With seasonal festivals, a small but influential art scene, and outdoor recreation, there is something to keep everyone busy.

The real estate market in Sterling is diverse and appealing to a wide range of buyers. Residential options include classic single-family homes in established neighborhoods, many showcasing traditional Midwestern architecture, mature trees, and generous lot sizes. Buyers will also find ranch-style homes, multi-level properties, and updated residences offering modern layouts and amenities. Newer developments on the outskirts of the city provide contemporary housing with open floor plans and attached garages, appealing to families and professionals alike.

Sterling also offers opportunities for buyers seeking additional space, with properties on larger lots or in semi-rural settings just outside the city limits. Affordability is a key advantage, making the area attractive to first-time homebuyers, retirees, and those looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality of life.

With its riverfront setting, strong sense of community, and wide variety of housing options, Sterling stands out as a desirable place to live. The city combines economic stability, natural beauty, and comfortable residential living in a way that continues to draw long-term residents and newcomers alike.

If you are ready to start your home buying or selling journey, browse the latest real estate listings in Sterling, IL. You can also contact us—we are here to help!

Nearest Ruhl & Ruhl Office: Clinton
301 North Second Street
Clinton, IA 52732
(563) 441-1776

About this community

Similar Listings For Sale Sold

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 06/27/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 06/27/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:11:39 AM EST) or MRED MLS (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:05:10 AM EST) or SCWMLS (last updated Fri 06/26/2026 11:54:56 PM EST) or Rockford Board of Realtors (NWIAR) (last updated Fri 06/26/2026 10:16:32 PM EST) or Cedar Rapids MLS (last updated Fri 06/26/2026 10:44:17 PM EST) or NEIRBR MLS (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:08:42 AM EST) or ICAAR MLS (last updated Fri 06/26/2026 11:37:34 PM EST) or ECIMLS (last updated Fri 06/26/2026 11:44:13 PM EST) or RMLSA (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:00:58 AM EST) or Muscatine MLS (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:00:12 AM EST) or No Coast MLS (last updated Sat 06/27/2026 12:04:21 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.

Listing data and photos distributed by MLSGRID
Member Participants (and their affiliated licensees, if applicable) shall indicate on their websites that IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, that the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS GRID, and that the use of the MLS GRID Data may be subject to an end user license agreement prescribed by the Member Participant’s applicable MLS if any and as amended from time to time. MLS GRID may, at its discretion, require use of other disclaimers as necessary to protect Member Participant, and/or their MLS from liability.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID. 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.



Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility


Agent License Information: Licensed in IA

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel

THANK YOU FOR
YOUR INTEREST!

Complete the fields below to receive additional details.

Add to Calendar

Reserve A Time

Cancel Your Appointment?

Registration Successful

You are now registered to view virtual open houses for the listings.