397-acre Horizon Farms is Forest Preserves’ largest single acquisition since 1968

On Monday, May 5, 2014, Circuit Court Judge Daniel P. Brennan entered an order confirming the Judicial Sale of a 397.25-acre equestrian estate located in Barrington Hills, known as Horizon Farms, to the Forest Preserves of Cook County. A judgment of Foreclosure had been entered for the property in August 2013.

This new property is the largest single holding acquired by the Forest Preserves since 1968, bringing the total acreage of the Preserves to 69,123. (View infographic on Forest Preserve land acquisitions over the last century.)

“For 100 years, the mission of the Forest Preserves has been to protect open space in Cook County for the benefit of all our residents. This parcel of land was identified as highly desirable in our most recent land acquisition plan, for its large tracts of open space, wetlands and native bird habitat, as well as its proximity to other preserves,” Forest Preserves General Superintendent Arnold Randall said. “We are excited to acquire this property and make it available as a resource for all of our residents.”

Horizon Farms is located at 311 Algonquin Road in Barrington Hills. The purchase price of the land was approximately $14.5 million and came from Forest Preserves funding earmarked for land acquisition.

The property will initially be closed to the public pending a full site assessment and any necessary improvements for access and safety.

The Forest Preserves will soon begin the process of creating a site plan with public input. Visit fpdcc.com for future updates on public meetings.

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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.