Ranch Living Draws Buyers To Meritus Homes

When Denise and Fred Morrone set out to find a new home, they didn’t know it would lead them to builder Meritus Homes—but it did. The couple knew they wanted a ranch. So they researched resale homes on the market and visited new communities in the Fox Valley. After searching on and off for nearly six months, they found the Marquis at The Reserve in St. Charles.

“We lived in a ranch in Palos Park and keeping that single-level lifestyle was a priority,” said Denise Morrone. “We’re both in our 50s and don’t want the hassle of steps everyday.”

The Marquis met their demands. With more than 2,600 square feet, 10-foot ceilings and an open-concept layout, it has an expansive feel. The Morrones made some modifications—they added a fireplace in the corner of the family room, removed the tub from the master bath to expand the shower, and eliminated a wall between the kitchen and family room to open the space even more. They expanded the island to create a 6-foot-by-7-foot center island, which is the focal point of the kitchen—and Denise’s favorite spot.

“We were thrilled that our vision of the kitchen worked so well with the building plans,” said Denise. “Meritus was very accommodating. The team made sure we received everything we wanted and needed in our new home.”

As a semicustom builder, Meritus Homes understands that the personal choices and attention to detail are what make a new home so attractive. The company provides a portfolio of floor plans but allows buyers to add their own inspiration to create homes that are truly right for them.

Eight customizable floor plans are available at The Reserve in St. Charles, including four all-new designs. Homes range in size from 2,400 to 3,800 square feet and in price from $502,900 to $549,900. Three ranch plans and five two-story designs are offered.

The community’s location also was perfect for the Morrones. It is near the Fox River and its bike trail and river walk, and just a few miles from the downtown district. The Reserve in St. Charles offers open space and neighborhood amenities such as bike trails, ponds and a neighborhood park along with estate homesites with big back yards.

To visit The Reserve in St. Charles, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the sales office at 745 Reserve Drive. The sales center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturday (closed Thursday and Friday). It is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A model home is under construction. For more information, call (224) 634-4054