Local Couple Finds A New Home At The Townes At Mill Creek

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For Angelica and Jesus Bravo, the search for their first home was a long journey — but one that ended exactly where it was meant to: in a new Aspen ranch at The Townes at Mill Creek in Addison.

“We started home shopping in January 2021,” Angelica recalled. At the time, the newly married couple was living with family while she finished graduate school. “The resale homes we toured needed a lot of repairs and updating, and with both of us working long hours, we just didn’t have the time or energy for renovations.”

Then the couple discovered The Townes at Mill Creek and just two weeks later, they purchased an Aspen ranch. Developed by MeritusHomes, this intimate neighborhood of 60 new homes blends everyday convenience with natural beauty. Nestled alongside Westwood Creek and offering prairie views and water features, the community feels secluded yet is only minutes from shopping, dining and major highways in the heart of DuPage County. About 60% of the townhouses have been sold, but choice homesites and select quick-move-in homes remain available.

“We truly felt the luxury of a newly built home,” said Jesus, noting that he couldn’t imagine having to remodel an older house and manage the construction process themselves.

Angelica agreed. “Everything that came standard was awesome. We weren’t expecting that level of inclusions. The upgrades we did make were just style preferences.”

The Aspen is one of four floor plans offered at The Townes at Mill Creek. Homes range from 1,281 to 1,750 square feet and are priced from $401,266 to $462,900.

A first-floor ranch with 1,281 square feet of living space, two bedrooms and two baths, the Aspen offers easy single-level living. The U-shaped kitchen places everything within arm’s reach for an efficient workspace. The adjoining dining room flows into the great room, reflecting today’s popular open-concept design. The primary suite has a private bath with shower and linen closet, plus a walk-in closet. The secondary bedroom is located on the opposite side of the home near a full bath. Rounding out the Aspen is a laundry room that provides access to the attached garage.

“We absolutely love not having to climb stairs,” Jesus added.

Beyond the floor plan, the maintenance-free lifestyle was another big draw. All exterior upkeep including lawn care, landscaping and snow removal is handled by the homeowners’ association. Building exteriors feature brick and stone accents with covered entries for charm and protection.

“While living with my grandparents, we helped maintain their large, older home by cutting the grass and shoveling snow,” Angelica said. “Now, we have no desire to do yard work and we’re thrilled with more carefree living.”

The location sealed the deal. The Townes at Mill Creek is just two minutes from Angelica’s grandparents, while her mother lives in nearby Bartlett. Both Angelica and Jesus also enjoy short commutes, with their workplaces
only about 15 minutes away. Plus, the community’s central location makes a trip into downtown Chicago simple.

“We both grew up in Addison and appreciate the village’s diversity and culture,” said Angelica.

As first-time buyers, the couple couldn’t have been happier with the process. They praised the service-oriented sales and construction teams for walking them through every detail and keeping them updated on progress.

“We felt spoiled,” Angelica said. “It was the best experience ever.”

Meritus Homes’ ranch and two-story townhouses at The Townes at Mill Creek are available for viewing. Home shoppers can tour two decorated models during sales office hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

The Townes at Mill Creek is northwest of Army Trail Boulevard and Mill Road in Addison.

Enter 251 Masters Drive into your GPS to find the site.
For more information, call (847) 778-3358 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Newlyweds Start New Chapter At The Townes At Mill Creek

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The past year has brought many exciting life changes for Andy Mika—from getting married to moving into a brand-new townhome at The Townes at Mill Creek.

“I think I’ve done everything I wanted to do,” said Mika, 44, when asked why he decided to build a home now. He has traveled across the United States and to more than 20 countries but explained, “I knew I was getting married and was ready to settle down.”

After living in an apartment with his brother in Roselle for several years, Mika knew he wanted to maintain the carefree lifestyle that comes with maintenance-free townhome living, where yard work and exterior upkeep are handled by the homeowners’ association.

“I’m very busy, so it’s nice that I don’t have to worry about landscaping, raking leaves or shoveling snow,” he said, noting that his corner residence overlooks open space so he sees the pond, creek, trees, and wildlife. “I really love looking at the changing seasons and knowing that the land will never be built on.”

Developed by Meritus Homes in Addison, The Townes at Mill Creek features 60 townhomes tucked alongside Westwood Creek. With views of water, prairie and nature, the neighborhood offers a secluded feel while remaining close to everyday amenities in the heart of DuPage County.

“The community’s location is perfect for both my wife, Katty, and me,” Mika said. With his job based in Elk Grove Village, he wanted to avoid a long commute at the end of the day. After three months of searching and touring resale homes in Schaumburg and nearby towns, he struggled to find the right fit. New construction in the area was also out of his budget. Then, while browsing online, he discovered The Townes at Mill Creek.

“I signed a contract right away,” he said. “The value is incredible—you really get more for your money in Addison.”
Now, Mika’s commute is about 15 minutes, and his wife’s is only two.

Beyond location, the couple was impressed with the home designs. Mika chose the Birch floor plan, a second-story, single-level layout with 1,524 square feet of living space, two or three bedrooms, and two full baths.

The Birch combines the privacy of an upper level residence with the ease of ranch-style living. Its open-concept design blends the kitchen, dining room and living room, anchored by a central island. The primary suite includes a spacious bedroom, walk-in closet and private bath with a linen closet and shower. A secondary bedroom sits near a full bath, while a den—standard in this plan—can serve as a home office or optional third bedroom. A laundry room and attached two-car garage complete the home.

“It’s amazing how much natural light streams in,” Mika said. “The windows are so large, I can watch the sunrise and sunset.”

Meritus Homes offers four floor plans at The Townes at Mill Creek that range from 1,281 to 1,750 square feet and are priced from $401,266 to $462,900. About 60 percent of the community is already sold, but choice homesites and select quick-move-in homes remain available.

All exterior maintenance including lawn care, landscaping, and snow removal is managed by the homeowners’ association. Building exteriors feature brick and stone accents with covered entries for added charm and protection.

Townhomes are constructed with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield roofing protection, damp-proofed foundations, high-efficiency water heaters, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction for energy efficiency.

Inside, buyers can personalize their homes from a wide variety of options. Mika added luxury vinyl plank floors, upgraded countertops and carpet, tile in the primary bath, recessed lighting, wiring for cable and computers in every room, and dual EV charging stations in the garage.

“The building process went very smoothly,” Mika said. “The sales team communicated well throughout and was accommodating when minor issues arose.” He also praised Meritus Homes’ preferred lender, calling the closing “smooth and quick.”

Nearly a year after moving in, Mika still has high praise. “My immediate neighbors are great, and the whole neighborhood is coming together nicely,” he said. “When I open my window and see the new homes across the creek, surrounded by nature…it feels like I made it.”

Meritus Homes’ ranch and two-story townhomes at The Townes at Mill Creek are available for viewing. Home shoppers can tour two decorated models during sales office hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

The Townes at Mill Creek is located on the northwest corner of Army Trail Boulevard and Mill Road in Addison. Enter 251 Masters Drive into GPS system to find the site.

For more information, call (847) 778-3358 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

The Villas At Madison Lane Offers Low-Maintenance Living In A Boutique Community

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Now more than 50 percent sold, The Villas at Madison Lane has proven to be a popular choice among homebuyers looking to “right size” in Elgin. Being developed by Meritus Homes, the neighborhood on the city’s far west side features just 12 brand-new ranch duplexes including several that are ready for quick move-in.

Local residents Jack and Gloria Kellenberger were drawn to The Villas at Madison Lane because it is a boutique community and not a large, master-planned development. Both born and raised in Elgin, they were thrilled to find a new home in an area they were familiar with—their prior home was only about two miles away—and never wanted to leave.

“We like that we’re not in a big subdivision, yet we’re right next to an established neighborhood with people of all ages,” said Gloria. “We have family and friends nearby, a park is down the street, and we’re close to church and everything we need. The location is simply unbeatable.”

Less than two miles from Randall Road, The Villas at Madison Lane offers homeowners access to a multitude of shopping, dining and entertainment venues along with recreational opportunities at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park, and the Elgin Sports Complex. The Big Timber Road Metra Station is less than three miles away, as well, for anyone commuting into the city or northwest suburbs.

Neighborhood children attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School while Elgin Community College offers higher learning and continuing education classes. Numerous places of worship are within minutes as is Advocate Sherman Hospital.

The Kellenbergers moved to The Villas at Madison Lane this past June. After vacationing in a one-bedroom villa in Florida they realized they no longer needed a large, single-family home and were ready to “right size.” They attended an open house at the community then purchased a low-maintenance, ranch duplex. Although the home was under construction, they still were able to make all their own selections for fixtures, finishes and interior appointments so they had the hands-on experience of truly building a home—something they had never done before.

“We had the freedom to pick everything from major items like flooring, cabinet colors, countertops, and lighting to the small details like hardware. Meritus Homes offered a variety of options so we could add our personal touches, but we were never overwhelmed with choices. The process was not stressful at all,” said Gloria.

A full suite of stainless steel appliances adds a touch of elegance to the ranch homes at The Villas at Madison Lane in Elgin.

One of her favorite features in her new home is the open-concept layout that positions the kitchen and dinette right next to the family room, giving the entire area an extra sense of spaciousness. The gourmet kitchen is created for both cooking and entertaining ease with a large center island that in the Kellenberger’s case has quartz countertops, 36-inch wall cabinets with crown molding and soft-close doors and drawers, a garbage disposal, and a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator. Sliding glass doors off the dinette lead to a deck, which is a cozy spot for morning coffee, an afternoon snack or a relaxing evening.

 

The primary suite, which Gloria described as restful and roomy, has a walk-in closet and en-suite bath for privacy.

“We moved from a house with a pedestal sink in the main bath so having a vanity with two sinks is much more comfortable,” she said.

The Kellenbergers use the second bedroom in their new home mainly as an office; however, it can serve as a guest room if needed. Other elements in the Geneva ranch duplex are a hall bath, laundry room off the attached two-car garage, and a lookout basement.

A more carefree lifestyle is attracting homebuyers to The Villas at Madison Lane, which is more than 50% sold out.

“Overall, this home’s layout is perfect for us, and there’s so much natural light,” she continued. “We hope to finish the basement in the future. Even though we don’t need the space for everyday living, it would be nice for large family gatherings and for resale value…even though we plan on staying here the rest of our lives.”

The remaining ranch homes at The Villas at Madison Lane are under construction allowing home shoppers to move in more quickly than if building from the ground up. Offering 1,367 square feet, two bedrooms, two full baths, lookout lower levels, attached two-car garages, and decks, available homes are priced from the low $400s. They are filled with high-quality standard features such as nine-foot first-floor ceilings, three-panel doors, decorative touches such as 2-1/4-inch door casings and 4-1/2-inch baseboards, and central air conditioning. In a few cases, buyers still have time to make their own interior selections.

Homes also have energy-efficient construction with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnace, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

Outside, each ranch duplex features classic architecture accented with brick detailing, landscaping and a fully sodded yard. All common area maintenance along with individual homesite lawn care is handled by the homeowner’s association making for carefree living at The Villas at Madison Lane. That means this fall the Kellenbergers won’t have to worry about raking leaves and come winter snow removal will be taken care of for them, too.

Meritus Homes is a family run business with decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland. As a result, the company has an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value. The builder prides itself on creating an exceptional customer experience offering the promise of a personal connection, attentiveness and confidence.

Home shoppers can view Meritus Homes’ workmanship firsthand by touring a decorated model of the Geneva at The Villas at Madison Lane, located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

The model and sales center are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

For more information or to schedule a tour of a Quick Move-In Home, call (847) 877-1123 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Brand-New Ranches Ready Now At Elgin’s Villas At Madison Lane

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In the Geneva model, casual dining can be enjoyed in the dinette, at the breakfast bar or on the deck.

In the Geneva model, casual dining can be enjoyed in the dinette, at the breakfast bar or on the deck.

Ranches are a very popular housing style, not only with homeowners who struggle with climbing stairs but also with anyone who appreciates the comfort of having everyday living areas on a single level. Since they are not as easy to find in Chicagoland as two-stories…especially new construction…ranches are in high demand. In response, Meritus Homes is building ranch duplexes at its newest community, The Villas at Madison Lane in northwest suburban Elgin.

A far cry from older ranch plans where inside spaces were segmented and rooms were closed off from each other, today’s designs have open-concept layouts that are visually expansive and welcome interaction among household members. Upon entering into the Geneva model at The Villas at Madison Lane, for example, individuals are greeted by a sweeping foyer. The entry is flanked by the kitchen and dinette, which then flows effortlessly into the family room. Sliding glass doors and abundant windows along the back wall allow in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy place for daily activities. An optional tray ceiling in the family room adds a touch of elegance.

A magnificent kitchen is one of the many modern features showcased in the ranch duplexes at The Villas at Madison Lane.

A magnificent kitchen is one of the many modern features showcased in the ranch duplexes at The Villas at Madison Lane.

The magnificent kitchen has an efficient layout for meal prep, offering a large center island with breakfast bar that’s just right for grabbing a snack. On-trend features abound, including 36-inch wall cabinets with soft close doors and drawers and decorative crown molding, granite countertops, an easy-care stainless steel sink, food disposal, and luxury vinyl plank flooring in a variety of colors. The space is ready for move-in with a full suite of G.E.® stainless steel appliances: stove and range, microwave oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

Off the back of the dinette is an 8-by-8-foot deck—start the day with a relaxing cup of coffee, dine al fresco, or wind down in the evening.

On the private side of the home are two bedrooms, a hall bath, laundry room, and back hallway leading to the attached two-car garage. The secondary bedroom can be converted into an optional den with tray ceiling and French doors. An optional tray ceiling also is offered in the primary bedroom, which has a walk-in closet for lots of storage and an en-suite bath. Stylish touches in the main bath include ceramic tile flooring and shower walls, a raised-height vanity with cultured marble top, Moen® fixtures, and a compartmentalized water closet.

A lookout basement comes standard in all ranch duplexes at The Villas at Madison Lane; however, buyers have the option of adding rough-in plumbing for an extra bath downstairs as well as having Meritus Homes finish the lower level with a living room, bedroom, bath, and closet.

Meritus Homes offers everything from upgraded appliances to enhanced cabinet packages, extensive flooring selections to multiple lighting and fixture options—even the builder’s My Signature customization program—so that new owners can completely personalize their home to suit their tastes and design aesthetic.

Priding itself on its quality craftsmanship, Meritus Homes uses Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnaces, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heaters, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction for energy-efficiency.

Outside, the ranch duplexes at The Villas at Madison Lane boast classic architectural detailing with brick accents and covered entries. Front, side and rear yards are all fully sodded while landscaping and foundation plantings create an appealing streetscape and enhance curb appeal. To reduce the stress of ownership, individual homesite lawn care and all common area maintenance is handled by the homeowner’s association. This carefree lifestyle means owners don’t have the hassles of cutting their grass in summer, raking leaves in fall, or shoveling snow in winter.

Meritus Homes has seven ranch duplexes available to be finished at The Villas at Madison Lane priced from $389,000. Additionally, two homes already are complete and ready for quick move-in. Each has 1,367 square feet of living space, two bedrooms and two full baths, a lookout lower level, attached two-car garage, and deck. Depending on the home selected, finishes such as quartz or granite kitchen countertops, and oil rubbed bronze or chic black light fixtures have been added in. The two Quick Move-In Homes are priced at $416,228 and $422,914.

The Villas at Madison Lane is located in an established residential area on the west side of Elgin, near places of interest such as Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, The Highlands of Elgin golf course, the Elgin Sports Complex, and Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park.

Quality healthcare is nearby with Ascension Saint Joseph and Advocate Sherman Hospital within a few miles from the community.

For commuters, the Big Timber Road Metra station is about 2-1/2 miles away and Interstate 90 provides access to downtown Chicago, O’Hare and Midway airports, and the northwest suburbs.

Regional shopping at Woodfield Mall and Algonquin Commons are a 15-minute or less drive while closer to home a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues abound just a mile away along the bustling Randall Road corridor.

Children living within the neighborhood attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School—all within two miles of The Villas at Madison Lane. Elgin Community College offers the opportunity for higher learning and continuing education.

The Villas at Madison Lane is the most recent community from Meritus Homes, a family run business with decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland. The company has an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value. It also prides itself on creating an exceptional customer experience by building a personal connection with each homebuyer.

Since opening a professionally decorated model of the Geneva earlier this year, 25 percent of the homes at The Villas at Madison Lane have been sold. And with only 12 ranch duplexes total, the opportunity to purchase here is limited.

Home shoppers can tour the model or walk through the two Quick Move-In Homes. Sales hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

The sales center is located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

To request a showing of a Quick Move-In Home, call (847) 877-1123 or log onto www.MeritusHomebuilders.com for more information.

Read the original article HERE.

25% Of The Ranch Townhomes Have Been Sold At Elgin’s Villas At Madison Lane

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The Geneva ranch townhome at The Villas at Madison Lane showcases today’s popular open-concept design.

The Geneva ranch townhome at The Villas at Madison Lane showcases today’s popular open-concept design.

The opening of a professionally decorated model home has catapulted sales at The Villas at Madison Lane where a quarter of the ranch townhomes have been sold this spring.

Being developed by Meritus Homes in an established residential area on the west side of Elgin, The Villas at Madison Lane boasts open-concept ranch designs—a highly desirable housing style that’s in short supply. To meet this demand for single-level living, Meritus Homes has two Quick Move-In Homes that are already built and are move-in ready. Each has 1,367 square feet of living space, two bedrooms and two full baths, a lookout lower level, attached two-car garage, and deck.

The highlight of these luxurious, low-maintenance, ranch townhomes is their gourmet kitchens, which come equipped with a full suite of stainless steel appliances…including a refrigerator. All new homeowners have to do is unpack and they can start enjoying homecooked meals immediately. Other upscale kitchen touches are 36-inch wall cabinetry with decorative crown molding, soft close cabinet doors and drawers that reduce noise, and a food disposal for quick clean-up.

Additional interior appointments include nine-foot main-floor ceilings for a sense of openness; a walk-in shower in the primary bath; easy-care, luxury, vinyl-plank flooring; three-panel doors; and Moen faucets. Depending on the Quick Move-In Home, finishes such as quartz or granite kitchen countertops, and oil rubbed bronze or chic black light fixtures have been selected. The two ranch townhomes ready for move-in are priced at $416,228 and $422,914.

In addition to the homes already built, Meritus Homes has seven ranch townhomes available to be finished, priced from $389,000. One of the many benefits of new construction is that homebuyers can select their interior finishes, fixtures, colors, and more to create a home that truly fits their personality and design aesthetic.

A variety of upgrades such as a tray ceiling in the family room and primary bedroom, a second sink on the primary bath, den in lieu of the secondary bedroom, washer, dryer, laundry tub, and bench in the back hall are offered in the ranch plans at The Villas at Madison Lane. And while lookout basements are included, Meritus Homes offers the option of finishing the space with a living room, bedroom and bath. This creates a private environment for overnight guests or college students home for the summer, and is also an ideal layout for entertaining.

Priding itself on its quality craftsmanship, Meritus Homes uses Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnaces, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heaters, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction for energy-efficiency.

Outside, all ranch townhomes at The Villas at Madison Lane feature classic architecture accented with brick detailing along with professional landscaping and fully sodded yards to create an attractive streetscape. Best of all, individual homesite lawn care and all common area maintenance is handled by the homeowner’s association, making for carefree living. That means owners who move in this spring won’t have to worry about cutting their grass this summer, raking leaves in the fall, or shoveling snow next winter.

Converting a secondary bedroom into a den or home office is one of the many options Meritus Homes offers to allow buyers to personalize plans at The Villas at Madison Lane.

Converting a secondary bedroom into a den or home office is one of the many options Meritus Homes offers to allow buyers to personalize plans at The Villas at Madison Lane.

With their free time, homeowners can take advantage of nearby recreational areas such as Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park, and the Elgin Sports Complex. Plus, a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues abound just a mile away along the bustling Randall Road corridor.

Children living within The Villas at Madison Lane neighborhood attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School while Elgin Community College offers the opportunity for higher learning and continuing education. Commuters will appreciate that the Big Timber Road Metra Station is less than three miles away as is Route 20. Interstate 90 is a short drive, too.

For healthcare, Advocate Sherman Hospital is within minutes of the community and several places of worship are close by, as well.

The Villas at Madison Lane is the newest community from Meritus Homes, a family run business with decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland. The company has an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value. It also prides itself on creating an exceptional customer experience by building a personal connection with each homebuyer.

A professionally decorated model of the Geneva is open at The Villas at Madison Lane from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

The sales center is located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

For more information, call (847) 877-1123 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Low-Maintenance, Single-Story Living On Display At The Villas At Madison Lane

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With single-level living and low-maintenance exteriors, these ranch villas in Elgin offer a more carefree lifestyle.

With single-level living and low-maintenance exteriors, these ranch villas in Elgin offer a more carefree lifestyle.

Fewer outdoor chores means more time to spend on leisure activities and doing whatever it is that brings you joy. This more carefree lifestyle…where cutting the lawn, trimming trees and bushes, raking leaves, and shoveling snow is handled for the homeowner…is attainable at The Villas at Madison Lane.

Located in northwest suburban Elgin, this intimate neighborhood from Meritus Homes features just 12 ranch villas, including three that are ready for immediate move-in. Base prices start at $389,000 with the Quick Move-In Homes priced from $416,228 to $422,914.

“I came to a point in my life where I no longer wanted the upkeep of a big yard,” said Sue Risley, the very first buyer at The Villas at Madison Lane. “My new home offers me the ease of single-level living and no lawn maintenance.”

With the time they save on yard work, all homeowners at The Villas at Madison Lane can experience the countless recreational opportunities that are near the community. For example, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park, and the Elgin Sports Complex are all within a few-mile drive. Plus, abundant shopping, dining and entertainment venues can be found along the bustling Randall Road corridor.

Even numerous places of worship are within minutes of The Villas at Madison Lanes as is Advocate Sherman Hospital. And for those who commute into the city or northwest suburbs, the Big Timber Road Metra Station is less than three miles away. Children living in the neighborhood will attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School while Elgin Community College offers the opportunity for higher learning and continuing education.

Being tucked in an established area of Elgin is one of the benefits of The Villas at Madison Lane. The new-construction ranch plans are another. Single-story homes are a limited option for home shoppers and when they come on the market they sell quickly. The housing style is especially popular with empty nesters ready to downsize.

“I walked through the decorated model and right away I liked the layout and how the home looked and felt,” said Risley, who is moving into a ranch villa from a two-story.

The open-concept design in the Geneva at The Villas at Madison Lane is popular with today’s homebuyers.

The open-concept design in the Geneva at The Villas at Madison Lane is popular with today’s homebuyers.

The kitchen, dinette and family room in her new home all flow naturally into each other, reflecting today’s popular open-concept design trend. The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and an en-suite bath for privacy.

“The laundry room is conveniently located on the main floor but is still tucked away, out of sight,” she added. “And I appreciate the attached two-car garage, which I didn’t have at my previous house.”

Risley converted the second bedroom on the main level into an office with decorative French doors and upgraded flooring and appliances, but really didn’t need to add much more since the Geneva floor plan already met her lifestyle needs.

One of her favorite features is the large center island in the kitchen, which also has granite countertops, 36-inch wall cabinets with crown molding and soft-close doors and drawers, a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, and a garbage disposal. Sliding glass doors off the dinette lead to a deck, which is a cozy spot for morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or a relaxing evening.

Risley’s home, along with all the ranch townhomes at The Villas at Madison Lane, includes nine-foot first-floor ceilings, three-panel doors, decorative touches such as 2-1/4-inch door casings and 4-1/2-inch baseboards, chrome finishes, and central air conditioning. A lookout basement also comes standard and homeowners can add more livable space downstairs by having Meritus Homes finish the lower level with a living room, bedroom and bath.

To help owners save on energy costs, homes feature energy-efficient construction with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnace, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

Outside, the ranch villas feature classic architecture accented with brick detailing, landscaping and a fully sodded yard. All common area maintenance along with individual homesite lawn care is handled by the homeowner’s association. In winter, snow removal also is included.

“This is my first time building new construction,” said Risley. “The Meritus Homes team made the process trouble-free—the sales manager was so accommodating and just a fun, nice guy. Having someone to trust made my decision to build here easy.”

The promise of personal connection, attentiveness, confidence, and creating an exceptional customer experience is what Meritus Homes prides itself on. The family run business has decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland and an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value.

Home shoppers can view Meritus Homes’ workmanship firsthand by visiting the decorated model of the Geneva or touring the three Quick Move-In Homes ready for immediate delivery at The Villas at Madison Lane.

The sales center is located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

The Geneva model is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

For more information, call (847) 877-1123 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Move In This Spring At Elgin’s Villas At Madison Lane

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The spring real estate market is here and Meritus Homes is ready for it, offering three Quick Move-In Homes at The Villas at Madison Lane in northwest suburban Elgin.

Already built and available for immediate delivery, each of these luxurious low-maintenance ranch townhomes has 1,367 square feet of living space, two bedrooms and two full baths, a lookout lower level, attached two-car garage, and deck. They also are filled with upscale appointments like nine-foot main-floor ceilings; walk-in showers in the primary bath; easy-care, luxury, vinyl-plank flooring; three-panel interior doors; and Moen faucets.

The kitchen in the Geneva model at The Villas at Madison Lane showcases the ranch townhome’s open-concept design.

Gourmet kitchens come equipped with a full suite of stainless steel appliances…including a refrigerator…along with 36-inch wall cabinets with crown molding and soft close doors and drawers, and a garbage disposal. Depending on the home, other elegant features include quartz or granite kitchen countertops, and oil rubbed bronze or chic black light fixtures. Prices for the Quick Move-In Homes range from $416,228 to $422,914.

In addition to the three homes already under construction, Meritus Homes has seven ranch townhomes available to be built, priced from $389,000. Lookout basements come standard on each and Meritus Homes offers the option to finish the space with a living room, bedroom and bath.

Looking forward to moving in this spring is Sue Risley, the first buyer at The Villas at Madison Lane.

“This is my first time building new construction,” she explained. “The Meritus Homes team made the process trouble-free—the sales manager was so accommodating and just a fun, nice guy. Having someone to trust made my decision to build here easy.”

She decided upon the Elgin community because, “I came to a point in my life where I no longer wanted the upkeep of my large two-story house and big yard. The Villas at Madison Lane offers me the ease of single-level living and no lawn maintenance.”

Not only does her new home come with professional landscaping and a fully sodded yard, all common area maintenance along with individual homesite lawn care is handled by the homeowner’s association, making for carefree living.

Creating attractive curb appeal, her ranch villa features classic architecture accented with brick detailing. Inside, the layout reflects today’s popular open-concept design trend where the kitchen, dinette and family room all flow into each other.

“I walked through the decorated model and right away I liked the floor plan and how the home looked and felt,” said Risley.

“The laundry room is conveniently located on the main floor but is still tucked away, out of sight. And I appreciate the attached two-car garage, which I didn’t have at my previous house.”

Risley upgraded her flooring choices and appliances a bit but didn’t need to add much more since the Geneva floor plan already met her lifestyle. She did, however, convert the second bedroom on the main level into an office with decorative French doors.

Her Meritus home boasts energy-efficient construction with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnace, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

“I drove by a sign for this community after I had already looked at several places, knowing I was ready to move,” she said.

Not far from where Risely’s existing house is located, The Villas at Madison Lane is in an established area on the west side of Elgin. The intimate neighborhood is just a mile from the bustling Randall Road corridor, where shopping, dining and entertainment venues abound. The Big Timber Road Metra Station is less than three miles away, as well, for anyone commuting into the city or northwest suburbs.

The property also is close to a variety of recreational areas such as at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park, and the Elgin Sports Complex. Numerous places of worship are within minutes as is Advocate Sherman Hospital. Children attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School while Elgin Community College offers the opportunity for higher learning and continuing education.

The Villas at Madison Lane is the newest community from Meritus Homes, a family run business with decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland. The company has an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value. It also prides itself on creating an exceptional customer experience by building a personal connection with each homebuyer.

A professionally decorated model of the Geneva is open at The Villas at Madison Lane from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

The sales center is located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

For more information, call (847) 877-1123 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Open-Concept Ranch Design Attracts First Buyer To The Villas At Madison Lane

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When it came time to downsize, Sue Risley didn’t have to move far. She found a brand-new ranch townhome at The Villas at Madison Lane, the newest community from Meritus Homes in Elgin.

“I came to a point in my life where I no longer wanted the upkeep of my large two-story house and big yard,” she explained. “The Villas at Madison Lane offers me the ease of single-level living and no lawn maintenance.”

Risley was the very first buyer at The Villas at Madison Lane, purchasing in December. Her home is under construction and she anticipates moving in this spring.

“I knew I was ready to move and had looked at several places when one day I drove by a sign for this community,” she said. “I walked through the decorated model and right away I liked the layout and how the home looked and felt.”

With a kitchen, dinette and family room that all flow naturally into each other, the Geneva floor plan reflects today’s popular open-concept design trend. Risley enjoys the large center island in the kitchen, which also has granite countertops, 36-inch wall cabinets with crown molding and soft-close doors and drawers, a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, and a garbage disposal. Sliding glass doors off the dinette lead to a deck, which is a cozy spot for morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or a relaxing evening.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and an en-suite bath for privacy. Risley converted the second bedroom on the main level into an office with decorative French doors. A lookout basement comes standard in the Geneva; however, homeowners can add more livable space downstairs by finishing it with a living room, bedroom and bath.

“I upgraded my flooring and appliances a bit, but really didn’t need to add much more since the Geneva floor plan already met my lifestyle needs,” she said. “The laundry room is conveniently located on the main floor but is still tucked away, out of sight. And I appreciate the attached two-car garage, which I didn’t have at my previous house.”

Risley’s home, along with all the ranch townhomes at The Villas at Madison Lane, has nine-foot first-floor ceilings, three-panel doors, decorative touches such as 2-1/4-inch door casings and 4-1/2-inch baseboards, chrome finishes, and central air conditioning, all as standard.

Outside, the ranch villa features classic architecture accented with brick detailing, landscaping and a fully sodded yard. All common area maintenance along with individual homesite lawn care is handled by the homeowner’s association making for carefree living at The Villas at Madison Lane. In winter, snow removal also is included.

Another benefit of The Villas at Madison Lane is the fact that it is an intimate neighborhood. Meritus Homes is building just 12 ranch townhomes so the opportunity to move here is limited. Located in an established area on the west side of Elgin, the property is near the multitude of shopping, dining and entertainment venues along the Randall Road corridor. The Big Timber Road Metra Station is less than three miles away, as well, for anyone commuting into the city or northwest suburbs.

Also close by is recreation at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Powder River Park and Eagle/Burnridge Park, and the Elgin Sports Complex. Children attend Creekside Elementary, Kimball Middle School and Larkin High School while Elgin Community College offers the opportunity for higher learning and continuing education. Numerous places of worship are within minutes of The Villas at Madison Lanes as is Advocate Sherman Hospital.

“This is my first time building new construction,” said Risley. “The Meritus Homes team made the process trouble-free—the sales manager was so accommodating and just a fun, nice guy. Having someone to trust made my decision to build here easy.”

The promise of personal connection, attentiveness, confidence, and creating an exceptional customer experience is what Meritus Homes prides itself on. The family run business has decades of experience crafting homes throughout Chicagoland and an unrivaled understanding of what it takes to build a home that offers extraordinary quality, comfort and value.

For instance, all Meritus homes feature energy-efficient construction with Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 90-percent-efficiency gas forced-air furnace, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation, and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

Home shoppers can view Meritus Homes’ workmanship firsthand by touring a decorated model of the Geneva or one of three Quick Move-In Homes at The Villas at Madison Lane ready for immediate delivery, priced from $418,208 to $424,956.

The sales center is located at 558 Madison Lane in Elgin. To reach the community, take Randall Road and turn east onto West Highland Avenue. Travel approximately one-half a mile and turn north onto Trinity Terrace, then east onto Madison Lane.

The Geneva model is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Thursday and Friday).

For more information, call (847) 877-1123 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

Read the original article HERE.

Quick Move-In Home Charms Homebuyer At The Enclave At Mill Creek

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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.

Read original article HERE.

Central DuPage Location Draws New-Home Buyers To The Enclave At Mill Creek

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Being able to live near family, friends and everyday conveniences is often the reason homebuyers choose a specific neighborhood when moving…whether they’re purchasing their first home or scaling back and simplifying life. For Renzo and Franca Fontana, The Enclave at Mill Creek’s central DuPage County location was a driving factor in the family’s decision to build a new Meritus Homes ranch there.

Now in Phase II, The Enclave at Mill Creek features 87 low-maintenance 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 community’s ranch-style homes back to natural areas and open space…a rarity in this area.

After enjoying their two-story Fox River Grove home for more than 30 years, Renzo and Franca moved with their son Michael to The Enclave at Mill Creek in part to be closer to their grandchildren in Elmhurst.
“Living here, I-355, I-290 and Route 83 are all just minutes away, making travel around the suburbs—and even into the city—easy,” said Renzo.

With such a convenient location, he was not surprised to find residents in the neighborhood had moved there from towns as far away as South Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and even Chicago.

“Coming from McHenry County, we were quickly impressed with all that DuPage County has to offer,” he said. Nearby are numerous restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment opportunities along with forest preserves. DuPage County has very good special needs programs, as well.

The Fontanas’ son, Michael, is in a wheelchair so finding single-level living was also at the top of their new-home wish list.

“We were at a stage in life where it was becoming more difficult to get him up and down the stairs,” he explained. “So a ranch was appealing.”

At The Enclave at Mill Creek, four ranch designs are available offering 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.

In addition to saying good-bye to stairs, The Fontanas were ready to leave behind the yard work, pool and deck upkeep of their old house in favor of a more carefree lifestyle. At The Enclave at Mill Creek, all lawn care for the homesites as well as common area landscaping is maintained by the homeowners’ association, leaving the Fontanas more free time to explore.

“We’ve mapped out a 3-1/2-mile path through the neighborhood where Franca and I walk and Michael rides his recumbent bike on a regular basis,” said Renzo. Plus, the family’s home is adjacent to a pond and backs up to the creek, giving them a sense of seclusion and relaxation.

The Fontanas chose the Waterleaf floor plan because it had most of the features they wanted and they were thrilled with the wide hallways that make it easy for Michael to maneuver his wheelchair. In this 2,154-square-foot ranch, the secondary bedrooms and full bath are separated from the owner’s suite, allowing privacy for everyone. The family is using the third bedroom as a study where Michael can go to watch television or get on his iPad. The Waterleaf’s open-concept layout also is perfect for entertaining.

“We had a big family gathering and the open floor plan made everyone feel comfortable,” said Franca. She added that the high ceilings in the family room make the space live larger and expansive windows along with white cabinets make the kitchen feel light and bright. The basement is huge, too, and offers plenty of storage and play space for the grandchildren.

Meritus Homes also was willing to make semicustom changes to accommodate Michael’s wheelchair. For example, they built a ramp in the garage, enlarged the doors to Michael’s bedroom and bath, and expanded and added a seat to his shower.

“Everyone at Meritus Homes was extremely helpful and responsive,” said Renzo. “The entire homebuilding process went incredibly smoothly.”

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

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.

Now after living at The Enclave at Mill Creek for just under a year, Franca and Renzo continue to be impressed with their new neighborhood.

“The people here are really friendly,” said Renzo. “Everyone who sees us out and about waves and says hi. It’s a warm sense of community here.”

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.)

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.

Read original article HERE.