Fox Valley Charm Makes The Reserve In St. Charles An Easy Choice For City Family

Growing up in Carol Stream, Robert Bertolini was familiar with the western suburbs and Fox Valley area. So when it came time for him and his wife Pana to move out of Chicago, St. Charles—with its hometown charm and rural ambiance—was a natural choice.

After browsing listings online, the couple came upon a quick move-in new home at The Reserve in St. Charles. They drove out from the city to take a look and instantly fell in love with the property.

“I never expected my wife to be so quick to say let’s do it,” said Robert Bertolini. “But we signed right away. We knew this would be a great place to raise our family.”

The couple was attracted to the new-home community’s relaxing vibe and wide-open spaces, which were a stark contrast from the urban lifestyle the Bertolinis had in Chicago.

The Reserve in St. Charles offers estate homesites with big back yards along with neighborhood amenities such as bike trails, ponds and a park. In fact, the couple often walks with their children and loves to watch them play and run around outdoors.
Beyond the neighborhood’s borders, the Fox River and its bike trail and river walk are nearby, offering more recreational opportunities. Plus, the quaint downtown district is just a few miles away.

Unlike other more secluded parts of St. Charles, The Reserve in St. Charles is close to the Randall Road corridor, as well, 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. Plus, the community falls within the boundaries of highly rated School District #303.

At The Reserve in St. Charles, Meritus Homes is building a limited number of semicustom single-family homes…and more than 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 $524,900 to $574,900 for these customizable homes.

For those with a desire to move quickly, a Dunberry is ready for delivery within 60 days. Located at 1025 Reserve Drive, it is priced at $624,900 and includes 10-foot first-floor ceilings, eight-foot doors, a wood staircase, and luxury owner’s bath. A fireplace adds a cozy feel to the family room. Dual zone heating and air conditioning provide consistent comfort throughout the home. A 10-foot-by-18-foot deck extends living areas outside. A deep-pour lookout basement will make it easy for the new owners to finish the lower level.

Although the Dunberry quick move-in home is loaded with amenities, buyers who purchase now still have time to choose finishing touches, appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, counters, and lighting.

Robert and Pana chose the Dunberry plan, in part 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 and 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.

“One 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.

“And the Meritus Homes staff was so nice,” said Robert. “Moving here has been a wonderful choice.”

New home shoppers 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. They also can view the Dunberry quick move-in home.

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, 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, call (224) 634-4054 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read original article HERE.

Homebuyers At The Reserve In St. Charles Can Customize Their New Homes

Robert and Pana Bertolini were looking online for a new house when they saw a listing for a quick move-in home at The Reserve in St. Charles. The couple drove out from Chicago, toured the property and found the Meritus model beautiful.

“In the Dunberry, we found a plan that truly suited our lifestyle,” said Robert Bertolini. It is one of five floor plans from Meritus Homes at the new-home community. Overall, the builder offers 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 $524,900 to $574,900 for these customizable homes.

Today, a Dunberry is ready for quick move-in at The Reserve in St. Charles. Located at 1025 Reserve Drive, it is priced at $624,900 and includes 10-foot first-floor ceilings, eight-foot doors, a wood staircase, and luxury owner’s bath. A fireplace adds a cozy feel to the family room. Dual zone heating and air conditioning provide consistent comfort throughout the home. A 10-foot-by-18-foot deck extends living areas outside. A deep-pour lookout basement will make it easy for the new owners to finish the lower level.

Although the Dunberry quick move-in home is loaded with amenities, buyers who purchase now still have time to choose finishing touches, appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, counters, and lighting.

“When we purchased our home, we were excited to make all our own selections so that everything would look exactly how we wanted it to,” said Robert.

One of the changes the Bertolinis made to their new home was converting the living room into a more functional space.
“When I was growing up, the only time anyone used the living room was for formal entertaining, otherwise it 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 and talk and unwind.”

The living room flanks the grand foyer inside the Tudor-inspired Dunberry, with the dining room on the other side. A dual staircase leads upstairs from both the foyer and the kitchen.

The back of the home is where everyday living happens for the Bertolinis. 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. A full basement also comes standard.

On the second floor, 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.

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

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.

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

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

The Reserve in St. Charles is a stark contrast from where the Bertolini’s lived in Chicago, offering small town charm and a rural ambiance. After growing up in west suburban Carol Stream, Robert was familiar with the St. Charles area. And when looking for a new home, the couple instantly fell in love with the wide-open spaces and relaxing vibe of The Reserve in St. Charles.

Unlike other more secluded parts 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. Plus, the community falls within the boundaries of highly rated School District #303.

Even better, the Bertolini family can take advantage of recreational amenities right within their own neighborhood. They walk with their children to the park to play outdoors, and the big yards provide a great place for the children run around.

Overall, the peaceful setting and preserved open space make a gorgeous backdrop for the new homes at The Reserve in St. Charles.

The community is located on the west side of Rt. 31 between Red Gate and Silver Glen roads. To visit, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive and proceed to the model and sales office at 775 Reserve Drive.

The decorated model is available to tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday). Home shoppers also can view the Dunberry quick move-in home.

For more information, call (224) 634-4054 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read original article HERE.

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 $401,900 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 $472,400 to $488,900.

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.)

For more information on The Enclave at Mill Creek, call (331) 225-3646 or visit HYPERLINK “https://meritushomebuilders.com”www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read original article HERE.