When Loretta DeGrazia decided it was time to move out of the city to be closer to her family, she found the perfect combination at The Enclave at Mill Creek—a brand-new ranch she could personalize without the wait of building from the ground up. She purchased a Marigold Quick Move-In Home from Meritus Homes at the DuPage County community.

“My daughter lives about five minutes from The Enclave at Mill Creek and she had been looking for a couple of years for a place for me that was close to her,” said Loretta. “She passed by the neighborhood and thought it would be great for me…with its ranch homes and low-maintenance lifestyle. She was right.”

The Enclave at Mill Creek features 87 brand-new homes set against a backdrop of abundant green space, including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting spot. More than two thirds of the neighborhood’s ranch-style homes back to natural areas and open space.

Meritus Homes is offering four ranch designs with 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 $413,400 to $457,400. 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. The builder also offers select homes under construction to accommodate those who are looking for a newly built home without the wait.

Loretta chose one of Meritus Homes’ Quick Move-In Homes, the Marigold.

“The house was built, but nothing was inside yet—no cabinetry or flooring,” she explained. “So I was able to add my own personal touches and had fun picking out all my interior selections. Everything was totally my choices. Plus, I upgraded the granite, stove and dishwasher in the kitchen as well as my cabinets and floors.”

Although she added options to her home, Loretta said that the Marigold already had many of the features she wanted—like an open-concept layout and single-level living.

“My favorite feature is the overall openness of the kitchen, living room and dining room. They all flow naturally into each other. The space feels bigger,” she said. “And finding a ranch was very important to me, too.”

Highlights of the 1,754-square-foot Marigold are its chef’s kitchen with abundant cabinets, big center island, full suite of stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and elegant touches. The owner’s suite is a spacious retreat with a large bedroom, double closets and a private bath. On the other side of the home is the second bedroom, adjacent to a full bath. It’s ideal for use as a guest suite or as a library or hobby nook.

The Marigold is a prime example of the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. 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.

All homes are built with 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.

Outside, all lawn care is handled by the homeowner’s association making for carefree living at The Enclave at Mill Creek. In winter, snow removal also is included, which came in handy for Loretta who moved in last December.

“I didn’t want to buy in just any area,” she said. “I like that this is a new development and everything is fresh. I also like the way the homes have a uniformity but don’t look exactly like each other.”

Exteriors have classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some have front porches while all have covered entries 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.

After living in Bridgeport for 30 years, moving out to DuPage County was a huge change for Loretta. But the location couldn’t be beat. She is near “all the shopping one could want or need.” She also appreciates being off of Army Trail Boulevard, which offers her access to I-355, I-290 and Route 83 as well as everyday conveniences, dining, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and more.

“Even though the location is convenient, the area is nice and quiet,” said Loretta. “People have moved here from all over Chicagoland. And it’s been interesting meeting people of different ages and in all different phases of their lives—some are downsizing like me while others are younger or have families.”

Now in Phase II, The Enclave at Mill Creek is more than 80 percent sold out; however, choice homesites still are available. To view current availability, home shoppers can visit the community and tour two decorated models. The sales office and models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Enclave at Mill Creek is located on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive in Addison. The sales office is at 758 Fairway Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

For more information, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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