The Reserve In St. Charles Offers Brand-New Ranch Homes And Big Yards

After touring countless new-home models and visiting open houses on and off for a couple of years, Jim and Judy DiVerde both knew “this was it” when they entered the Clover model at The Reserve in St. Charles. Designed by Meritus Homes, the ranch had all the features they had been searching for so they promptly decided to build one from the ground up.

“We had been seriously looking at houses for about six months, knowing at some point we wanted to leave behind our two-story in South Elgin in favor of the convenience of single-level living,” said Judy, adding that finding a ranch had been particularly challenging in the resale market. “We felt comfortable the minute we walked in.”

The Clover is one of five designs currently available at The Reserve in St Charles, where Meritus Homes is building 88 semicustom single-family homes. Buyers have been moving to community from all across the northwest suburbs, resulting in approximately 75 percent of Meritus’ homes having been sold. Although only a limited number of sites remain, they include prime locations with several backing to open space.

The ranch and two-story plans feature 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. Base prices range from $545,900 to $602,900.

With 2,491 square feet of living space, the Clover ranch has three bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths. The center of attention in this elegant single-story home is the living room, which flows into the designer kitchen and adjoining dining area. A center island, pantry and pocket office…perfect for planning meals or crafts…make the kitchen functional while a covered porch in back is ideal for outdoor dining or simply relaxing. The owner’s suite has a walk-in closet and private luxury bath. The second bedroom has its own bath and walk-in closet, too. The third bedroom can be upgraded to an optional den.

One of the DiVerdes favorite features in their new home is the open-concept layout, “which is what everyone wants nowadays,” said Judy. The couple loves the tall windows and high ceilings in the main living areas, which make the already good-size rooms live even larger.

“We spend a lot of time sitting at our extended island in the kitchen…eating, watching TV,” said Jim. “It’s definitely a focal point of the home and we can’t wait to welcome guests over again.”

Jim also likes the deep pour basement, even though the couple have no plans to finish the lower level. “It feels lighter, taller, more comfortable—not dark and damp,” he explained. “And it’s huge.”

Upgrades Jim and Judy made to their Clover included bumping out the dining area with a bay window, adding a fireplace in the living room, increasing the garage to three stalls from the standard two, and converting the front bedroom into an office with double French doors.

While Jim and Judy were excited to finish their home to their tastes, Judy noted that “Meritus Homes already includes so many wonderful features as standard.”

No stranger to new construction, Jim and Judy had built their prior home in South Elgin about 25 years ago. This time around, they looked forward to picking out their finishes and adding their stamp to the Clover plan.

“The building process was actually quite fun, not stressful at all,” said Judy. “Everyone at Meritus Homes…from the sales consultant to the construction manager…was knowledgeable, friendly and so easy to work with. They offered us excellent advice and construction went smoothly.”

Because of its ranch designs, The Reserve in St. Charles has been popular with retired couples as well as those attracted to the convenience of single-level living. The neighborhood also is home to many families with children thanks to its location in highly rated School District #303 and its large homesites—many of which span up to one-third of an acre—that provide big back yards.

“A main reason we chose The Reserve in St Charles was because we wanted to be surrounded by openness,” said Judy. “Our homesite looks out over an open area plus our yard is quite large, so we have a great deal of privacy. One of the problems we kept running into with resales was smaller lots and houses being too close together.”

The Reserve in St. Charles also boasts natural and recreational amenities such as ponds, paths and a park. Jim is an avid biker and appreciates having trails right within his own neighborhood where he can ride or stroll with Judy.

“Staying in the Fox Valley and being near the river was important to us when moving,” said Judy. “Now we enjoy living close to downtown St. Charles. And more shopping, restaurants and everyday conveniences can be found along the Randall Road corridor, too.”

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.

A decorated model is available to tour so home shoppers can see the stylish designs and feel Meritus Homes’ superior level of construction firsthand. Sales hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday).

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

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