The Enclave At Mill Creek Draws Couple To DuPage County
It was a big decision for Ken and Sandy Siok to leave Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years to relocate to DuPage County to be near family. So they were thrilled to find The Enclave at Mill Creek, a community of low-maintenance new homes being developed by Meritus Homes at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street.
“We’d been in the northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 45 years of our marriage,” said Ken. “Now, at The Enclave, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter in Glen Ellyn and 15 minutes from our two sons in Elmhurst.”
In addition to being close to their nine grandchildren, Ken and Sandy have more time to spend with them thanks to the carefree lifestyle at The Enclave at Mill Creek. For a monthly fee, the homeowners’ association handles snow removal and performs lawn care for all homesites as well as maintains common area landscaping.
The community boasts abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting spot…with more than two thirds of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas and open space. Phase II, where the Sioks chose a homesite on a cul-de-sac, 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.
As the first buyers in Phase II, the couple said it’s been really fun to see the neighborhood start to take shape. In all, Meritus Homes is building 87 homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek with four designs available in Phase II. 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 $406,900 to $449,900. 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 $485,900 to $513,900.
The Sioks built a Marigold, which is a comfortable ranch with 1,754 square feet of space. It has everything they 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,” she said, noting that they toured other models at The Enclave at Mill Creek but always came back to the Marigold. “As soon as we walked into the model we were sold.”
Empty nesters, the Sioks like the luxury owner’s 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.
However, the Marigold was so much what Ken and Sandy desired that they didn’t have to make many upgrades—opting to spend their money on options that were not cosmetic but structural, like a front porch elevation and deep pour basement.
“It’s a blank slate to work with,” he said 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.”
Even though new construction was not originally the plan, Ken and Sandy are glad they made the decision to build with Meritus Homes.
“The people have been 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.”
Plus, their home is built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. For example, Meritus homes showcase energy-efficient construction for greater comfort and energy savings than older houses. This includes Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.
Interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, Colonist doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements all as standard features.
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 and complement the established character of DuPage County.
Ken and Sandy have been impressed with all the local amenities they have discovered—like restaurants, forest preserves, recreational opportunities, entertainment, and everyday conveniences. Shopping at Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Center and Woodfield Mall are all about the same distance away. Plus, being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes it an easy drive to just about anywhere.
The entrance to The Enclave at Mill Creek is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive and the sales office is 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, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.
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