Meritus Homes Personalizes Ranch Home For Family At The Enclave At Mill Creek

/in ,

After living in their two-story Fox River Grove home for more than 30 years, the time came for the Fontana family to leave behind the yard work, pool and deck upkeep—and stairs—in favor of a more carefree lifestyle. That’s when Renzo and Franca Fontana moved with their son Michael to The Enclave at Mill Creek in the heart of DuPage County.

“We wanted to be closer to our grandchildren in Elmhurst,” said Renzo. “And we were at a stage in life where a ranch was appealing. Our son is in a wheelchair and it was becoming more difficult to get him up and down the stairs so single-level living was at the top of our new-home wish list.”

After casually looking for a house for about a year and a half, the Fontanas got serious about their search when the pandemic caused Franca to be laid off from her job.

“We had planned on moving once we were both retired,” said Renzo. “This gave us the push to do it now.”

While the couple did much of their home searching online, the sales center at The Enclave at Mill Creek was open so they were able to come out and tour the models. They quickly decided to purchase at the community and from there the homebuying process went remarkably smoothly. Renzo and Franca chose a homesite in Phase II that is adjacent to a pond and backs up to the creek, offering them a sense of seclusion and relaxation. They signed a contract in April and closed on their new home in October…a few weeks ahead of schedule.

“Everyone at Meritus Homes was extremely helpful and responsive,” said Renzo. Plus, the builder 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.

Although the Fontanas made some changes to their home, the floor plan they chose—the Waterleaf—already 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 our first big family gathering recently 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.

The Waterleaf, as well as all homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek, is built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. 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.

The Enclave at Mill Creek also 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. For a monthly fee, the homeowners’ association handles lawn care for all homesites as well as maintains common area landscaping.

Coming from McHenry County, Renzo and Franca are impressed with all that DuPage County has to offer. Nearby are numerous restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment opportunities along with forest preserves. DuPage County has very good special needs programs, as well. Living at The Enclave at Mill Creek means that Interstates 355 and 290 plus Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway are all just minutes away, making travel around the suburbs, and even into the city, convenient and easy.

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder residents are moving to the community from towns as far away as South Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and even Chicago.

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

Meritus Homes is building 87 low-maintenance 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 $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 with base prices that range from $496,925 to $520,650.

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.

Read original article HERE.

The Clover Ranch At The Reserve In St. Charles Appeals To All

/in ,

An open-concept layout accented by soaring ceilings and expansive windows in the main living areas gives the Clover ranch at The Reserve in St. Charles an unprecedented sense of spaciousness and elegance, making it a favorite among homebuyers of all ages from all across the northwest suburbs.

Two of those buyers were Jim and Judy DiVerde from South Elgin who instantly knew “this was it” when they entered the Clover model from Meritus Homes.

“We felt comfortable the minute we walked in,” said Judy.

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. 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.

Approximately 75 percent of the builder’s homes having been sold and although only a limited number of sites remain, they include prime locations with several backing to open space. Meritus Homes even has a home, the Dunberry, under construction and ready for delivery this summer. This quick move-in home has a three-car split-bay garage, deep pour basement, 10-foot first-floor ceilings, dual zone heating and A/C, and a tray ceiling in the owner’s bedroom. Not only is it filled with luxury appointments, there is still time for buyers to make their interior selections to personalize the plan to their tastes.

For the DiVerdes, the Clover plan had all the features the had been searching for so they promptly decided to build one from the ground up. The couple had toured countless new-home models and visited open houses on and off for a few of years and finding a ranch was particularly challenging in the resale market.

“We had been seriously looking at houses for about six months, knowing at some point we wanted to leave behind our two-story in favor of the convenience of single-level living,” said Judy.

With 2,491 square feet of living space on one floor, 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 the couple was 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.

Read original article HERE.

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

/in ,

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.

Read original article HERE.

Homebuyers Moving To Enclave At Mill Creek From All Around Chicagoland

/in ,

A central location in the heart of DuPage County—near multiple highways, plenty of conveniences and outdoor recreational areas—is making The Enclave at Mill Creek a favorite with new-home buyers from all around Chicagoland.

Recent residents have moved into the community on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard from towns like South Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and even Chicago. They agree that being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes traveling around the suburbs, and even into the city, convenient and easy. Local amenities are abundant, as well. Restaurants, forest preserves, entertainment, and shopping can be found nearby while Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Center and Woodfield Mall are all about the same distance away.

“We’d been in the northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 45 years of our marriage,” said Ken Siok, who along with his wife Sandy were the first people to move into Phase II at The Enclave at Mill Creek. He admitted it was a big decision for the couple to leave Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years to relocate to DuPage County to be near family.

“Now, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter in Glen Ellyn and 15 minutes from our two sons in Elmhurst.”

Meritus Homes is building 87 low-maintenance 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 Enclave at Mill Creek offers a rare opportunity to build a brand-new home in an established, close-in suburb. Often, home shoppers looking in these sought-after areas are limited to existing houses that need updating or rehabbing.

“This is our first newly built home and we were excited to pick out our finishes and add our own personality,” said Ken, adding that the Marigold plan they chose to build already had so many of the features they desired that they didn’t have to make many upgrades. A comfortable ranch with 1,754 square feet of space, The Marigold boasts an open concept layout, single-level living, and it’s detached. The couple opted 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,” Ken 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.”

“It just feels like that’s the way a home is supposed to be,” Sandy 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.”

She 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.

Empty nesters, the Sioks appreciate 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.

Even though new construction was not originally the plan, Ken and Sandy are glad they made the decision to build with Meritus Homes. Their home is built to exacting standards with 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.

The Enclave at Mill Creek also 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.

For a monthly fee, the homeowners’ association handles snow removal and performs lawn care for all homesites as well as maintains common area landscaping. This carefree lifestyle allows Ken and Sandy to spend more time with their nine grandchildren now that they live so close to them.

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.

Read original article HERE.

The Enclave At Mill Creek Draws Couple To DuPage County

/in ,

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.

Read original article HERE.

Life Changes Lead To New Homes At The Reserve In St. Charles

/in ,

Planning to expand a family. Children reaching school age. These are the life changes that prompted Michael McCarthy and Ashley Schremser to build their new homes at The Reserve in St. Charles. While they moved two years apart, the brother and sister both chose the Meritus Homes neighborhood because it offered everything they wanted—a St. Charles address, familiar schools, big homesites, fresh home designs, and first-rate construction.

Michael was the first to move to The Reserve in St. Charles after growing out of his townhome. With a daughter and hopes for more children, he and his wife were ready for a larger home and yard. The Reserve in St. Charles provided both. The couple decided on a 2,491-square-foot ranch that backs up to open space. Today, their daughter and son…who they welcomed in May 2020…have plenty of room to play ball and run around yet stay within sight.

The McCarthy’s ranch is one of five designs Meritus Homes is offering at The Reserve in St Charles. 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 for base prices that range from $545,900 to $602,900.

In all, Meritus Homes is building 88 semicustom single-family homes on sites that span up to one-third of an acre. The neighborhood also boasts natural and recreational amenities such as ponds, bike trails and a park. Approximately 75 percent of Meritus’ homes have been sold and although a limited number of sites remain, they include prime locations with several backing to open space.

“Where we live now, we have houses practically right in our back yard, so we knew we wanted more outdoor space in our new home,” said Michael’s sister Ashley. She and her husband purchased at The Reserve in St. Charles last year. “Not only is our homesite much bigger, we back up to a berm with grass and trees for extra privacy.”

“Our goal was always to move before our oldest son started kindergarten,” Ashley explained. Happy with the education she received in St. Charles schools…including St. Charles North High School…she wanted her children to attend schools in District 303, too.

Undeterred by the pandemic, the couple kept to their timeline.

“Despite everything that happened in 2020, we chose to stay on track with our plan to move in spring or summer of 2021,” she continued. “Meritus Homes is doing an excellent job of keeping construction on schedule and we should close by May.”

Another benefit of working with Meritus Homes, according to Michael, is that the builder was willing to make design and structural changes—more than most allow. In fact, he made some custom changes to his kitchen, reconfiguring one wall to accommodate a larger refrigerator and freezer to create his wife’s ultimate gourmet kitchen. He also added a bay window in his dining room.

Being able to personalize their home was one of the reasons Ashley and her husband, also named Michael, favored new construction as well.

“We looked at some resale houses in the area but none had everything—some had one feature but not another, and vice versa. Building allowed us to get everything just the way we wanted,” she said.

The family upgraded flooring, carpeting and cabinetry to match their tastes and upgraded from a standard to finished basement so that her husband, who works from home, could have a secluded office.

The Schremsers chose the Chesapeake, which is a great plan for large households or anyone who desires a lot of space thanks to its 3,188 square feet, four bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths. The design is versatile with a flex room that can serve as a study, library or office plus a craft room and mud room that provide more space for activities. The two-story foyer makes an instant impression and a butler’s pantry unites the dining room with the dinette and gourmet kitchen, which has a walk-in pantry and huge center island. The adjacent family room has a fireplace and is a cozy spot for relaxing. On the second floor, double doors make a grand entrance into the owner’s suite, which has a walk-in closet and luxurious bath with soaker tub and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, share a hall bath. The laundry room is upstairs for convenience and the three-car garage loads from the side for curb appeal.

“With two young boys, we prefer the bedrooms being upstairs, away from the bustle in the main living areas,” said Ashley.

Michael, on the other hand, opted for the convenience of having everything on one level and built a Clover. The 2,491-square-foot ranch has three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and an open-concept layout that lives large. The center of attention in this elegant single-story home is the living room, which flows into the designer kitchen and adjoining dining room. An angled island, pantry and pocket office…perfect for planning meals or crafts…make the kitchen functional and fabulous. 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 also has its own bath and walk-in closet. In addition to the full basement, extra storage space is abundant in the garage.

“We adore the open floor plan with the kitchen and family room flowing into each other,” said Michael, who plans to finish his basement, which will nearly double his overall living space.

“We looked at a few existing houses over a six- to eight-week period but nowhere else measured up so our decision was quick and easy,” he explained.

Michael and Ashley grew up in St. Charles so it was a natural choice to live in the west suburban city and be near their parents and long-time friends when they had families of their own. Plus, they appreciate being only minutes from St. Charles’ quaint downtown as well as shopping, restaurants and everyday conveniences along the Randall Road corridor.

Now settled in, Michael is excited to soon have Ashley living right down the street and having the cousins so close by.

“It’s very convenient when we need a babysitter,” they agreed.

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.

Couple Finds The Enclave At Mill Creek An Idyllic Community

/in ,

Brian Labat first noticed The Enclave at Mill Creek when Meritus Homes broke ground at the community and he watched it develop from an unused golf course into a beautiful new neighborhood. Last spring, when he and his wife Ginger decided it was time for them to move, The Enclave at Mill Creek was a natural choice because the property is right down the road from Cavalry United Pentecostal Church where Brian is a senior pastor.

“We got the ball rolling in April of 2020 and closed on our new home in October,” said Brian. “This is a great little community and there’s really nothing else like it around here.”

Nestled in an established area of central DuPage County, The Enclave at Mill Creek 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 Labats’ home is built, is tucked back over a bridge and their homesite backs up to a pond.

“The way Meritus Homes designed the overall property makes it stand out from typical developments with rows of cookie-cutter houses,” said Brian. ”The neighborhood feel was a selling point for us.”

The couple also were drawn to The Enclave at Mill Creek’s carefree lifestyle. For a reasonable monthly fee, the homeowners’ association handles snow removal on their driveway…which has been much needed this winter. It also performs lawn care for all homesites as well as maintains common area landscaping.

In all, Meritus Homes is building 87 homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Four designs are 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.

Brian and Ginger chose the Waterleaf—a 2,154-square-foot ranch with three bedrooms and two full baths—because the open-concept layout works perfectly for entertaining, something they are looking forward to doing often in their new home. They enjoy the relaxing owner’s suite and the versatility of the flex room, and are using one of the two secondary bedrooms as a home office. The Waterleaf also has expansive windows that allow in lots of natural light to brighten the rooms and offer the Labats views of the pond outside.

Standard features in the Waterleaf include nine-foot ceilings, Colonist doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and a full basement. In fact, Brian and Ginger were so impressed with the level of standard inclusions, they didn’t have to upgrade much at all.

“Our home is very well built,” said Brian. “And our utility bills have actually gone down. We weren’t expecting such a pleasant surprise.”

That’s because all 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.

After living in in their previous house for 15 years, this is the first home Brian and Ginger have built from the ground up, and the process went seamlessly despite building during a pandemic.

“It was so cool and exciting to choose our finishes and make this the home we really want,” said Ginger. “And the entire team at Meritus Homes was a delight to work with…from the patient and supportive sales consultant to the knowledgeable construction manager who performed our walk-through. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

The couple also appreciates all the area has to offer like restaurants, forest preserves, recreational opportunities, entertainment, and everyday conveniences. Plus, shopping at Oak Brook Center, Yorktown Center and Woodfield Mall are all about the same distance away. Being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes it easy to get around the suburbs.

Despite its convenient location at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street, “The Enclave at Mill Creek is peaceful and serene and a wonderful place to come home to.”

The community’s entrance 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.

Read original article HERE.

Siblings Stay Close With New Homes At The Reserve In St. Charles

/in ,

Brother and sister Michael McCarthy and Ashley Schremser grew up in St. Charles and loved it so much that when they had families of their own, they both built new homes in the west suburban city…right down the street from each other at The Reserve in St. Charles.

Here, Meritus Homes is building 88 semicustom single-family homes and approximately 75 percent have been sold. Although a limited number of homesites remain, they include prime sites with several backing to open space. Five ranch and two-story designs offer 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 $543,900 to $602,900.

Michael moved into The Reserve in St. Charles first, about two years ago. Impressed with the location and quality of his home, Ashley decided last year to build there, as well.

“We were on a timeline, wanting to move before our oldest son started kindergarten,” said Ashley. Happy with the education she received in St. Charles schools…including St. Charles North High School…she wanted her children to attend schools in District 303, too.

“Despite everything that happened in 2020, we chose to stay on track with our plan to move in spring or summer of 2021,” she continued. “Meritus Homes is doing an excellent job of keeping construction on schedule and we should close by May.”

Michael also elected to move because of a life change. Living in a townhome with their daughter and with plans to have more children, they decided they needed a bigger home and yard. With its large homesites—up to one-third of an acre—The Reserve in St. Charles was the perfect fit. He and his wife welcomed a son to their family in May 2020.

“We looked at a few existing houses over a six- to eight-week period but nowhere else measured up so our decision was quick and easy,” he explained. Today, his home backs to open space so his children have plenty of room to play ball and run around yet stay within sight.

“Where we live now, we have houses practically right in our back yard, so we knew we wanted more outdoor space in our new home,” said Ashley. “Not only is our homesite at The Reserve in St. Charles much bigger, we back up to a berm with grass and trees for extra privacy.”

Another benefit—within the neighborhood are natural and recreational amenities such as ponds, bike trails and a park.

While Michael and Ashley agree on their love for The Reserve in St. Charles, they have different tastes in home styles. Ashley chose the two-story Chesapeake while Michael picked the Clover ranch.

The 2,491-square-foot Clover has three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and an open-concept layout that lives large. The center of attention in this elegant single-story home is the living room, which flows into the designer kitchen and adjoining dining room. An angled island, pantry and pocket office…perfect for planning meals or crafts…make the kitchen functional and fabulous. A covered porch in back is ideal for outdoor dining or simply relaxing. The master suite has a walk-in closet and private luxury bath. The second bedroom also has its own bath and walk-in closet. In addition to the full basement, extra storage space is abundant in the garage.

“We adore the open floor plan with the kitchen and family room flowing into each other, and the convenience of having everything on one level,” said Michael.

“With two young boys, we prefer the bedrooms being upstairs, away from the bustle in the main living areas,” said Ashley.

With 3,188 square feet, four bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths, The Chesapeake is great for large households or anyone who desires a lot of space. The design is versatile with a flex room that can serve as a study, library or office plus a craft room and mud room that provide more space for activities. The two-story foyer makes an instant impression and a butler’s pantry unites the dining room with the dinette and gourmet kitchen, which has a walk-in pantry and huge center island. The adjacent family room has a fireplace and is a cozy spot for relaxing. On the second floor, double doors make a grand entrance into the master suite, which has a walk-in closet and luxurious bath with soaker tub and separate shower. Three additional bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, share a hall bath. The laundry room is upstairs for convenience and the three-car garage loads from the side for curb appeal.

According to Ashley, being able to personalize their home was one reason they favored new construction.

“We looked at some resale houses in the area but none had everything—some had one feature but not another, and vice versa. Building allowed us to get everything just the way we wanted,” she said.

The family upgraded flooring, carpeting and cabinetry to match their tastes and upgraded from a standard to finished basement so that her husband, who works from home, could have a secluded office.

Michael also plans to finish his basement, which will nearly double his overall living space. Additionally, he added a bay window in his dining room and made some custom changes to his kitchen, reconfiguring one wall to accommodate a larger refrigerator and freezer—creating his wife’s ultimate gourmet kitchen.

“Meritus Homes was willing to work with us to make design and structural changes, more than most big builders allow,” he said.

Now settled in, Michael is excited to soon have Ashley as his neighbor and the cousins so close by. The siblings are grateful to be near their parents who still live in St. Charles, too.

“It’s very convenient when we need a babysitter,” they agreed.

While Michael and Ashley are thankful to live near family and long-time friends, they also appreciate being only minutes from St. Charles’ quaint downtown as well as shopping, restaurants and everyday conveniences along the Randall Road corridor.

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.

Read original article HERE.

Buyers Are Flocking To The Carefree Lifestyle Of The Enclave At Mill Creek

/in ,

As the trees turn brilliant colors this autumn, Ken and Sandy Siok can rest comfortably knowing they don’t have to worry about raking leaves …or shoveling snow come winter. That’s because the couple moved into a low-maintenance new ranch at The Enclave at Mill Creek, a Meritus Homes community tucked in an established area of central DuPage County.

“With fewer outdoor chores, we have more time to spend with our grandchildren,”Ken Siok said. After all,the move to The Enclave at Mill Creek was to be near family, specifically the couple’s three children — a daughter in Glen Ellyn and two sons in Elmhurst.

“It was a smart idea to get closer to our nine grandchildren because Sandy helps out on a regular basis,” he said,noting that the couple relocated from Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years.

“It was a big decision because we were in the Northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 44 years we’ve been married,” Ken continued. “Now, at The Enclave at Mill Creek, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter and 15 minutes from our boys.”

The Sioks had been looking for about six months when they purchased the 1,754-square-foot Marigold ranch from Meritus Homes. Sandy and her daughter, however, had identified the development nearly two years earlier.

“Initially, we visited the sales center before any foundations were even in the ground, looking only at floor plans,” Sandy said. “Once we made the decision to move, we came back out and toured the models, which had opened by then. Even though new construction was not originally the plan—we were sold.”

Having purchased existing homes before, the couple wasn’t sure they wanted to go down that road again. The fact that The Enclave at Mill Creek offered new homes was appealing to them, especially because not much new construction exists in the area.

“This is our first newly built home and the people at Meritus Homes were great to work with,” Ken said. “They made the process stress-free. 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.”

He was reassured of making the right decision after spending time talking to homeowners who lived in Phase I at The Enclave at Mill Creek, noting he received nothing but 100% positive responses.

“It’s been really fun to see the neighborhood take shape,” he added. When complete, the neighborhood will feature 87 homes. Four designs are available in Phase II. Ranch plans have 1,603to 2,154 square feet of living space; two, three or four bedrooms; and two full baths for base prices that range from $401,900 to $446,900.

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 $472,400 to $491,900.

Sandy was excited to pick out the finishes and add her personality to their new Marigold ranch — something that is not an option with resale. Plus, the home has everything the couple wanted, most importantly 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.

Empty-nesters, the Sioks like the luxury master 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.

Standard features include 9-foot ceilings, Colonist doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning and a full basement. Like all Meritus homes, the Sioks’ house showcases energy-efficient construction for greater comfort and energy savings compared to 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-21wall and R-49 ceiling insulation,and 2-by-6 exterior wall construction.

Because the Marigold was exactly what Ken and Sandy desired, 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,” said Ken 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.”

Ken and Sandy’s home sits on a cul-de-sac in Phase II of The Enclave at Mill Creek. Overall, the development boasts abundant green space—including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area — with more than two-thirds of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas and open space.

The Enclave at Mill Creek is located at Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street in Addison. The community’s entrance 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 Blvd.into GPS system to find the site.)

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

Read original article HERE.

The Reserve In St. Charles Draws Buyers From Chicago

/in ,

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.

Read original article HERE.