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

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

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

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.

Variety Of Home Designs Appeal To Siblings At The Reserve In St. Charles

Open-concept ranch or traditional two-story? Brother and sister Michael McCarthy and Ashley Schremser may have different tastes in home styles but the siblings agree on one thing—The Reserve in St. Charles is the ideal place to build their new homes. The community offers a St. Charles address, familiar schools, big homesites, and first-rate construction from Meritus Homes.

For Ashley, the two-story Chesapeake suits her family’s lifestyle while Michael opts for single-level living in the Clover.

“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.

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 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. One of the two secondary bedrooms also has its own bath and walk-in closet. In addition to a full basement, which Michael plans to finish in the future, extra storage space is abundant in the garage.

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

The Chesapeake delivers…with four bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths spread over 3,188 square feet. The downstairs 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.

The Chesapeake and Clover represent two of the five designs Meritus Homes offers at The Reserve in St. Charles. Current base prices range from $550,900 to $607,900 for homes 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.

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

“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.

Michael agreed, stating that “Meritus Homes was willing to work with us to make design and structural changes, more than most big builders allow.”

For example, he made custom changes to his kitchen, reconfiguring one wall to accommodate a larger refrigerator and freezer—creating his wife’s ultimate gourmet kitchen. He also added a bay window in his dining room.

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

“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.”

Michael’s home also backs to open space so his children have plenty of room to play ball and run around yet stay within sight. Having a yard was important to Michael and his wife, who moved to The Reserve in St. Charles from a townhome with their daughter and plans to have more children. They welcomed a son 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.

“We were on a timeline, wanting to move before our oldest son started kindergarten,” said Ashley. Having grown up in St. Charles and happy with the education she received in area 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/summer 2021,” she continued. “Meritus Homes is doing an excellent job of keeping construction on schedule and we should close this month.”

Now settled in after about two years, Michael is excited to have Ashley as his neighbor and the cousins so close by. Both siblings are grateful to be near long-time friends and their parents who still live in St. Charles, too.

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

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.

The Enclave At Mill Creek Offers Low-Maintenance New Homes In DuPage County

Being able to create a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle is one of the main advantages new construction has over resale. That’s exactly why Renzo and Franca Fontana decided to build a brand-new Waterleaf from the ground up at The Enclave at Mill Creek.

The Meritus Homes community, now in Phase II, is an unexpected oasis in the heart of DuPage County. It features 87 low-maintenance homes and abundant green space, including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting spot. The Fontanas’ site is adjacent to a pond and backs up to the creek, giving the family a sense of seclusion and relaxation.

The Waterleaf is one of four ranch plans that offer 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 Waterleaf has everything we want and need,” said Renzo. In addition to an open layout, the secondary bedrooms and full bath are separated from the owner’s suite in the 2,154-square-foot ranch. This is the ideal setup for Renzo and Franca, whose son Michael also lives in the home. The family is using the third bedroom as a study where Michael can go to watch television or get on his iPad. Additionally, wide hallways make it easy for Michael to maneuver his wheelchair.

“What was most important to us was that Meritus Homes was willing to make semicustom changes to accommodate Michael’s wheelchair,” said Renzo. 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. The entire home buying and building process went remarkably smoothly.”

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 couple’s grandchildren.

“We were at a stage in life where a ranch was appealing,” Renzo explained. “It was becoming more difficult to get Michael and his wheelchair up and down the stairs so single-level living was at the top of our new-home wish list.”

The couple also wanted to be closer to their grandchildren in Elmhurst. After living in their two-story Fox River Grove home for more than 30 years, they were ready to leave behind the yard work, pool and deck upkeep—and stairs—in favor of a more carefree lifestyle.

“We had planned on moving once we were both retired, but the pandemic caused Franca to be laid off from her job,” said Renzo. “After casually looking for a house for about a year, 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 signed a contract in April and closed on their new home in October…a few weeks ahead of schedule.

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.”

The Fontanas have more time to spend enjoying outdoor activities thanks to the low-maintenance lifestyle at The Enclave at Mill Creek. For a monthly fee, the homeowners’ association handles lawn care for all homesites as well as maintains common area landscaping. Front, side and rear yards come fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

To complement the established character of DuPage County, exteriors have classic architectural styling and decorative elements such as brick and stone accents, and some homes have covered entries or front porches. 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 as standard features.

All homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are 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.

Two decorated models are open at The Enclave at Mill Creek from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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 in Addison. (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.