Almost Home: The Skinner family establishes roots while building their forever home in Templeton Reserve
“I felt like I was walking into my childhood,” said Jennifer Skinner, when she described seeing the three and a half acres of land she and husband Chris found for the first time in Templeton Reserve.
When searching for a home, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what you’re looking for. “When we saw the lot, I knew that was it,” said Jennifer. “That land spoke to me the way a house might speak to a prospective buyer. I knew this land was meant for us.”
Chris and Jennifer Skinner with their daughters Gwenivere, Juliette, Scarlett and Isadora
Initially, the couple had hoped to buy on the North Shore. But that area is very built up. They learned that it’s nearly impossible to find anything larger than a half-acre of available land up there. When it became obvious that no lots of their desired size would be available up north, their realtor assured them they would find the same type of amenities in Oak Brook. This is how the Skinner family came to find themselves here.
“After looking at properties across many Chicago suburbs, we ultimately fell in love with Oak Brook,” said Chris.
Jennifer grew up in Libertyville, and Chris in Orland Park. “Where I grew up, there was a lot of farmland,” said Jennifer, “so we were hoping to find a piece of open, private land. This town has such great landscaping, that it feels like you’re very far away from everything,” Jennifer opines.
They felt that Templeton Reserve had a small-town vibe. But it still checked their other boxes. “Our other main priorities were schools and the community,” said Chris.
“We didn’t have any land in the city, obviously,” said Jennifer. “We knew if we were leaving that neighborhood, we didn’t need the downtown vibe anymore. We didn’t want to be on top of our neighbors.” The couple wanted enough space for their family to be able to roam outdoors and not run into neighbors in a way they never could at their city house. The lot in Templeton Reserve seems to be the perfect balance.
“So, we decided to buy the land and figure out later when we actually wanted to start building,” said Jennifer. Their plans took a wonderful – albeit unexpected – detour when they learned they were expecting their fourth child. “At that point, we pretty much had to move immediately,” said Jennifer. “We really couldn’t stay in our city house any longer.”
The Skinners, presented with a challenge they hadn’t expected when they originally bought their lot, immediately began looking for a rental house to live in while they built their forever home in Templeton Reserve.
Gwenivere, Juliette, and Scarlett
With four daughters aged 8, 6, 3, and a year, they knew they wanted to rent in District 53, so they wouldn’t have to uproot the children again in a couple of years to move into their new home when it was finished. But anything available to rent in the district required full gut rehab.
They put their initial new home build project on hold to rehab a long-term rental – a beautiful mid-century modern home with a walkout basement in York Woods. The major project included wall demolition, plumbing, and electricity. The family moved in August of last year. The landscaping was only recently finished.
While the move to this home began as a necessity to stay in the same school district, the family hadn’t expected to love it as much as they do. “We had no idea we would grow to love this house so much,” said Jennifer with a laugh, “and now we have to move again.”
For the new build, the couple is working with Greenside Design Build. “They’re amazing, and they build a lot around here,” said Jennifer. “I was getting design fatigue. For every request, they have answers and present much better solutions.” They’re also happy with Fergon Architects and their designer, Amy Storm.
“It will be a great process when it gets started,” said Jennifer. “We’re told it will be about a year and a half.”
Meanwhile, the family is adjusting well to the area. Summer activities included the splash pad at the Oak Brook Park District. “Maybe next summer, we’ll join Bath & Tennis,” said Jennifer.
Membership there might be short-lived, however, because a pool will eventually be part of the new house.
Jennifer and Chris Skinner
The family has built a network at Brook Forest School. Jennifer shouldered much of the work for the annual fundraiser. It worked out well as she got to know local business owners. Quite a few new friendships were made as she got involved in the playground fundraising committee, as well. “We could not be happier with settling down in this beautiful village,” said Chris. “We look forward to giving back to the community for decades to come.”
So far, so good. The Skinners love Oak Brook. While it wasn’t where they initially thought they would land, things have worked out much better than planned. “Everyone is very sweet,” said Jennifer. “We have met open arms at every turn, and ultimately the Oak Brook community has really made us feel at home,” Chris concurred.
Meet the Johnson Family
Jocelyn and Garrett Johnson with their children, Violet and Theodore
Photo by Summer Brader Photography
There’s no shortage of amazing families in Oak Brook. Meet just one more—the Johnsons.
Oak Brook Magazine: How long have you lived in Oak Brook, and what originally brought you here?
Jocelyn Johnson: We moved into our house at the end of July, and although it’s only been a short time, it already feels like home. We were drawn to the area for its peaceful, nature-filled environment, while still being close to everything we need—great schools, easy access to the city, and family-centered activities.
OBM: What do you love most about raising a family in Oak Brook?
JJ: We love that our kids can grow up surrounded by nature, parks, and trails practically in our backyard. There’s a wonderful feeling of safety and calm here, yet we’re never more than a few minutes away from anything we might need. It’s an ideal mix for our family life.
OBM: What are your favorite annual events in Oak Brook?
JJ: Since we’re new to the area, we’re still discovering them. However, we were lucky enough to attend the 4th of July celebration for the Taste of Oak Brook. We truly enjoyed it—our kids especially loved the drone show.
OBM: How would you describe the sense of community in Oak Brook?
JJ: It’s warm, welcoming, and genuine. Our neighbors came over to introduce themselves right away. There’s a wonderful small-town friendliness, even though we’re in the middle of a vibrant area. This connection and community spirit was exactly what we were looking for when we chose Oak Brook.
OBM: Have you found opportunities to get involved—through schools, volunteer work, or clubs?
JJ: We’re looking forward to getting more involved as our kids grow and as we learn more about the different opportunities available.
OBM: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Oak Brook?
JJ: Oak Brook is not just a shopping and business hub—there’s a quieter side to the community. The trails, parks, and peaceful neighborhoods are such a hidden gem.
OBM: If you had to sum up Oak Brook in three words, what would they be?
JJ: Welcoming, peaceful, convenient.
OBM: What advice would you give a family considering a move here?
JJ: If you’re looking for a place with great schools, access to nature, and a quick drive to anything you could possibly need, Oak Brook is the spot.
