Getting To The City Is Easy For Homeowners At The Enclave At Mill Creek

After landing a job that required more commuting into Chicago, Erin Fiegel decided it was time to move from Aurora to a suburb closer to the city. She found an ideal location just minutes from Interstate 290—The Enclave at Mill Creek. The community of low-maintenance new homes is being developed by Meritus Homes at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street in central DuPage County.

Erin had been considering a move for about a year and researching in earnest for about three or four months when she came across The Enclave at Mill Creek. Browsing the typical real estate listing websites, she narrowed her scope with the help of a friend who had moved to Addison a few years earlier.

“One of Meritus Homes’ Quick Move-In Homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek popped up in a search and it had everything I wanted, in particular a great location,” she said. “So I visited the community, walked through the home, and toured the model. The rest is history.”

Prior to purchasing, Erin also looked at existing houses in the western suburbs, including recently renovated ones in mature neighborhoods and houses that she could rehab herself. Ultimately, the fact that The Enclave at Mill Creek offered new construction in the area she sought tipped the scales.

“It’s rare to be able to get the location you want and the option to build new,” she said.

Erin chose a Waterleaf ranch, which has 2,154 square feet of space, three bedrooms, two baths, and an attached two-car garage.

“The main living area is comparable to what I had in my townhome,” she said. “But the space is configured differently. The open layout where the great room, living room, dining room, and kitchen all flow together is well thought out and functional for both everyday living and entertaining.”

A large center island and walk-in pantry are highlights of the kitchen while Erin added a fireplace in the great room to create a focal point. Also on the main level is a flex room that can serve as a hobby nook, library or den, depending on the homeowner’s lifestyle. The first-floor master suite with its private bath and walk-in closet is a relaxing place to unwind. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and laundry room complete the first floor.

One of the most exciting things about finding new construction in a mature area is that homebuyers don’t have to compromise and settle for someone else’s tastes or décor, like they would with a resale house. Instead, they can pick from a wide array of selections, finishes and options to match their personality. And Erin did just that adding a few upgrades to her Waterleaf such as the gourmet kitchen. Her homesite also accommodates a lookout basement, which she upgraded to a deep pour basement with the thought of finishing the lower level in the future.

The Waterleaf is one of four designs Meritus Homes is offering at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Ranch plans have 1,603 to 2,154 square feet of living space; two, three or four bedrooms; and two full baths for base prices that range from $394,900 to $443,900. Second-story options add 866 to 1,090 more square feet of living space, one or two bedrooms or a loft, and another bath on the upper level. This brings the square footage up to 2,620 to 3,077 with base prices that range from $472,900 to $493,600.

When complete, The Enclave at Mill Creek will feature a total of 87 homes. A few remain in Phase I and sales now are underway for Phase II.

Erin’s home is in Phase II, which is set back over a bridge and adjacent to open space and trees—an unusual find for an established suburb. Overall, the property boasts abundant green space, including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area. More than two thirds of the homes back up to nature.

“Usually, if you want open space around your home you have to move farther away from the city,” she said. “So to have this pocket where I have views of the neighboring woodlands and wetlands is rare.”

Another factor swaying Erin’s decision to choose The Enclave at Mill Creek was the low maintenance lifestyle. With career and free time competing for her attention, she is happy to not have to worry about shoveling snow or doing yard work. The homeowners’ association will perform all lawn care for her homesite as well as maintain common area landscaping and even handle snow removal on her driveway. Coming from a maintenance-free townhome, Erin was accustomed to this more carefree lifestyle.

This is Erin’s first time building a new home, though she is familiar with the construction industry working in the marketing department of a commercial general contractor. She felt the process went very smoothly with everyone at Meritus Homes being transparent throughout the entire construction cycle.

“Not only did they walk me through every step, they have been incredibly pleasant and responsive, as well,” she said. “They have made what many claim to be a stressful ordeal an exciting experience.”

She is impressed that the homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. For example, interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements.

Exteriors are designed to complement home styles in the surrounding neighborhoods with traditional architectural details such as brick or optional stone accents, gables and ornamental trim that create interesting rooflines, and windows and classic embellishments on garage doors. Covered entries provide shelter from inclement weather. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

The Enclave at Mill Creek is just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road in Addison. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive and the sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

Two decorated models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on The Enclave at Mill Creek, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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Family Friendly Ambiance At The Reserve In St. Charles Draws Homebuyers From Chicago

After visiting The Reserve in St. Charles, the decision to move from the city out to the western suburbs was a quick one for Robert and Pana Bertolini. Almost immediately, they chose to have Meritus Homes build them a Dunberry at the new-home community.

“I never expected my wife to be so quick to say let’s do it,” said Robert Bertolini. “But we were so in love with the neighborhood, we signed right away.”

The Reserve in St. Charles was a stark contrast from the Bertolini’s location in Chicago, offering small town charm and a rural ambiance. Growing up in west suburban Carol Stream, Robert was already familiar with the St. Charles area. Then when looking for a new home, he and his wife instantly fell for the wide-open spaces and relaxing vibe of The Reserve in St. Charles.

“Everyone was so nice, from the homeowners we met to the entire Meritus Homes staff,” said Robert. “We knew this would be a great place to raise our family.”

A bonus—the community falls within the boundaries of highly rated School District #303. But unlike other more secluded areas of the Fox Valley, The Reserve in St. Charles is close to the city’s quaint downtown and the Randall Road corridor so everyday conveniences are nearby. It’s only a few minute drive to find a family dinner spot or spend a couple’s evening out.

Right within their own neighborhood, the Bertolinis can enjoy natural and recreational amenities such as ponds, bike trails and a park. They can walk with their children to the park to play outdoors, and the big yards provide a great place for the children to run around.

“There’s even a hill behind our house and we can take the kids sledding,” he said.

At The Reserve in St. Charles, Meritus Homes is building a limited number of semicustom single-family homes…and 70 percent are already sold. The Dunberry is one of five floor plans, which include ranch and two-story designs with 2,491 to 3,716 square feet of living space, three or four bedrooms, two to 3-1/2 baths, and two- or three-car garages. Current base prices range from $519,900 to $569,900 for these customizable homes.

For those with a desire to move quickly, a newly constructed Marquis is completed and ready for immediate delivery. It is priced at $589,900.

One of the biggest reasons why Robert and Pana chose The Dunberry plan was because of its double garages. On one side of the home is a side-load two-car garage while on the other side is an additional one-car garage, perfect for storage.

“With this layout, we can keep the children’s bicycles, sports equipment and even our outdoor tools safely away from the cars,” said Robert.

Inside, the timeless design boasts a grand foyer flanked by the dining room and living room, which the Bertolinis converted into a more functional space.

“When I was growing up, the only time anyone used the living room was for formal entertaining, otherwise is was off limits,” said Robert. “We thought—why have a room we don’t use? So we added French doors to create an office so I can get work done from home. And we decorated it so that it can also serve as a cozy area to sit down, talk and unwind, as well.”

The back of the home is where everyday living happens. The open kitchen adjoins the breakfast area, which is separated from the family room by a decorative half wall. Tucked off the main living space for privacy is a den and powder room. Added features on the first floor include a spacious laundry room and dual staircase from the foyer and kitchen. The Tudor-inspired Dunberry also has a full basement.

Upstairs, one of the bedrooms has its own bath and walk-in closet while the two additional bedrooms share a hall bath. The master suite has his and her walk-in closets plus a deluxe bath of its own. In fact, the master bath is a favorite feature for Robert and Pana, especially because it offers views that include St. Charles landmarks.

“Just this morning, my son came into the room and we saw the sunrise—it was a vivid orange. Just incredible,” he said.

This was the Bertolinis’ first time building a new home but they found it enjoyable.

“The only thing we ever stressed over was…did we make the right choices for our selections?” Robert joked. “We picked a gray exterior elevation with a lighter brick, for example. When we saw the combination on the house it turned out to be exactly what we wanted.”

Overall, the construction process went smoothly and the couple never worried about timelines not being met or issues arising. They felt just the opposite, in fact—anticipation and excitement to be a part of the building experience.

Home shoppers who are looking build their own new home this spring can see the stylish designs and feel Meritus Homes’ superior level of construction first hand at The Reserve in St. Charles, where a decorated model is available to tour. The model and sales office are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

To visit the community, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the model and sales office at 775 Reserve Drive.

For more information on The Reserve in St. Charles, call (224) 634-4054 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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Marigold Ranch At The Enclave At Mill Creek 
Fits Empty Nester Couple Just Right

Just the right size. That’s how Ken and Sandy Siok described the Marigold at The Enclave at Mill Creek. The community of low-maintenance new homes is being developed by Meritus Homes at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street in an established area of central DuPage County.

A comfortable ranch with 1,754 square feet, the Marigold has everything the couple wanted—an open concept layout, single-level living, and it’s detached. Sandy loves the kitchen with its abundant cabinets, big center island, full suite of stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and elegant touches. She also likes how it flows into the dining room and family room. This modern design allows for flexibility for everyday living and entertaining.

“It just feels like that’s the way a home is supposed to be,” said Sandy, noting that they toured other models at The Enclave at Mill Creek but always came back to the Marigold.

In all, Meritus Homes is offering four designs at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Ranch plans have 1,603 to 2,154 square feet of living space; two, three or four bedrooms; and two full baths for base prices that range from $394,900 to $443,900. Second-story options add 866 to 1,090 more square feet of living space, one or two bedrooms or a loft, and another bath on the upper level. This brings the square footage up to 2,620 to 3,077 with base prices that range from $472,900 to $493,600.

Empty nesters, the Sioks like the luxury master suite with his and her closets plus a private bath—a feature their old house did not provide. And for when family comes to visit, the second bedroom and adjacent full bath are on the other side of the home. The space can be used as a library, office or den, as well.

“This is our first newly built home and we were excited to pick out our finishes and add our own personality,” said Ken. The Marigold was exactly what Ken and Sandy desired yet they still added many upgrades in an effort to duplicate the look of the model, which they absolutely adored. They also invested in several options that were not cosmetic but structural, like a front porch elevation and deep pour basement.

“It’s a blank slate to work with,” said Ken of the basement, which he plans to finish at a later date so the grandchildren have their own play space. “And thanks to the taller ceiling, it won’t feel like a basement when done. Our goal is to create a family room with big screen TV, bar, pool table, and play area.”

The couple also chose a premium homesite on a cul-de-sac in Phase II of The Enclave at Mill Creek even though it meant waiting a little longer to move. Overall, the property boasts abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area…with more than two thirds of the ranch-style homes backing to natural and open areas. Phase II is tucked back over the bridge and their site abuts open space so it has the privacy they were accustomed to coming from a large yard of nearly an acre. Unlike at their old house, The Enclave at Mill Creek’s homeowners’ association will perform all lawn care for their homesite as well as maintain common area landscaping and even handle snow removal on driveways.

“With fewer outdoor chores, we’ll have more time to spend with the grandchildren,” said Ken. After all, the move to The Enclave at Mill Creek was to be near family, specifically the couple’s three children—a daughter in Glen Ellyn and two sons in Elmhurst.

“It’s a smart idea to get closer to our nine grandchildren because Sandy helps out on a regular basis,” said Ken, noting that the couple is relocating from Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years.

“It was a big decision because we’ve been in the northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 44 years we’ve been married,” he continued. “Now, at The Enclave, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter and 15 minutes from our boys.”

Plus, being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes it an easy drive to work for Ken who is an insurance agent.
Still learning about the area and DuPage County, Ken and Sandy have been impressed with all the local amenities they have found—like restaurants, forest preserves, recreational opportunities, entertainment, and everyday conveniences. Plus, shopping at Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Center and Woodfield Mall are all about the same distance away.

The Sioks had been looking for about six months when they finally took the plunge at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Sandy and her daughter, however, had identified the community nearly two years earlier—before any foundations were even in the ground.

“Once the homes started to be built, we were very impressed,” she said. Exteriors have classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some have covered entries or front porches to provide shelter from inclement weather. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

“Then we walked into the model and were sold, even though new construction was not originally the plan,” she continued.

“The people at Meritus Homes are great to work with,” said Ken. “They made the process stress-free since we had not done this before. They were patient when guiding us with selections so we never felt overwhelmed. Everyone has been professional, cooperative and engaging. It’s been a very positive experience.”

Even so, Ken felt the need to research things himself. He spent time talking to homeowners who already lived in Phase I at The Enclave at Mill Creek and received nothing but 100 percent positive responses.

“It’s been really fun to see the neighborhood start to take shape,” he said.

When complete, The Enclave at Mill Creek will feature a total of 87 homes. A few remain in Phase I and sales now are underway for Phase II.

Two decorated models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road in Addison. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

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Couple Stays Close To Family With New Ranch 
At The Reserve In St. Charles

In real estate, location is everything. And after 27 years, Jim and Julie Keller have come to love living in St. Charles so they were thrilled to find a brand-new home that suits their current lifestyle within the popular suburb. They purchased a Marquis plan at The Reserve in St. Charles, a community of semicustom homes being built by Meritus Homes. One of five floor plans, the Marquis gives the couple the fresh, open-concept ranch they desire along with a familiar location near places and people they adore—including their new grandchild.

“We wanted to stay in St. Charles because we have so many ties to the area,” said Jim Keller, a wealth manager with an office right in town.
The couple looked at existing houses as well as considered renovating their current residence but realized it would have been much more disruptive and time consuming to rehab than to build from the ground up.

“Starting out fresh and having everything new was important to us,” said Julie. “And having all the main living areas on one level was key.”
With 2,610 square feet of space, the Marquis ranch fit the bill. It boasts an expansive feel thanks to 10-foot ceilings and an open layout. The gourmet kitchen with center island flows into the family room, creating a generous gathering place while the dining room is nearby, ideal for entertaining.

“We host a lot of family dinners and holidays so having a big dining area that was comfortable but not formal was a must-have,” said Julie. “We’re incredibly pleased with how beautiful the space turned out and how perfectly it fits our needs now and will in the future as our family—hopefully—continues to grow.”
Tucked off the kitchen and steps from the pantry in the Marquis is the laundry room, loaded with plenty of storage. On the opposite side of the home, the master suite has a private luxury bath plus walk-in closet. Both secondary bedrooms have walk-in closets, too. A den adds flex space—as a library, office or study area. A full basement and two- or three-car garage complete this luxury ranch.

The Kellers were able to make some structural changes to the standard Marquis floor plan to create the true open-concept layout they wanted. They also expanded the center island in the kitchen and upgraded to quartz countertops to create a statement piece where family and friends can congregate. The couple also added a vaulted ceiling in the great room to visually expand the space even more and created a huge walk-in shower in the master bath for a luxurious spa ambiance. They upgraded to a three-car garage and deep-pour basement, too.

“We chose a homesite that has a lookout lower level and with the higher ceilings, the basement has so much potential for us to finish it in the future,” said Jim.
In addition to the Marquis and another ranch plan, Meritus Homes offers two-story designs at The Reserve in St. Charles to meet a variety of households and lifestyles. Overall, homes have 2,491 to 3,716 square feet of living space, three or four bedrooms, two to 3-1/2 baths, and two- or three-car garages for base prices that range from $519,900 to $569,900. For those with a desire to move quickly, a Marquis is under construction and ready for immediate delivery. It is priced at $589,900.

Because of the big back yards and its location in highly rated School District #303, The Reserve in St. Charles is home to many families with young children. However, the neighborhood also has retired couples who have been attracted to the ranch homes.

As new homebuyers, Jim and Julie appreciate the friendly and welcoming ambiance at The Reserve in St. Charles. They have seen joggers and walkers out on the neighborhood’s paths and several people have stopped to say hi. While just a few minutes from the Randall Road shopping corridor and the city’s quaint downtown, the community feels like an escape.

“Thanks to the large homesites and the fact that we overlook wetlands and lush evergreens, we really feel like we are away from it all when we’re actually close to everything,” said Julie.

This is the fifth new home Jim and Julie have built so they were quite familiar with the building process.

“The entire staff at Meritus Homes has been great to work with,” said Julie. “The sales and construction team made sure we understood expectations so there were no hiccups along the way. They’re knowledgeable and have a genuine interest in us…and all the homeowners in the neighborhood.”

“This went very smoothly,” Jim agreed. “The home is well built and the quality of the finishes are high. Overall, we have been very impressed.”

A decorated model is open at The Reserve in St. Charles so home shoppers can see the stylish design and feel the superior level of construction first hand. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

To visit, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the model and sales office at 775 Reserve Drive.

Read original article HERE