The Dunberry, with more than 3,700 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and a unique 3-car split-bay garage, is an ideal family home. Just ask Robert and Pana Bertolini who purchased the plan at The Reserve in St. Charles.

“In Meritus Homes’ Dunberry, we found a layout that fit our lifestyle,” said Robert Bertolini. After visiting the St. Charles community, they decided to move from Chicago out to the western suburbs almost immediately.

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

The Reserve in St. Charles is a stark contrast from the Bertolini’s neighborhood in the city, 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.

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 kids to run around.

At The Reserve in St. Charles, Meritus Homes is building a limited number of semicustom single-family homes…and 75 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.

A Dunberry is ready for quick move-in at 1025 Reserve Drive. Priced at $624,900, it 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 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.

“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.”

Home shoppers who are looking build their own new home this fall 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. Saturday through Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday). A Dunberry quick move-in home also is available to walk through.

The Reserve in St. Charles 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.

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

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