Fox Valley Charm Makes The Reserve In St. Charles An Easy Choice For City Family

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Growing up in Carol Stream, Robert Bertolini was familiar with the western suburbs and Fox Valley area. So when it came time for him and his wife Pana to move out of Chicago, St. Charles—with its hometown charm and rural ambiance—was a natural choice.

After browsing listings online, the couple came upon a quick move-in new home at The Reserve in St. Charles. They drove out from the city to take a look and instantly fell in love with the property.

“I never expected my wife to be so quick to say let’s do it,” said Robert Bertolini. “But we signed right away. We knew this would be a great place to raise our family.”

The couple was attracted to the new-home community’s relaxing vibe and wide-open spaces, which were a stark contrast from the urban lifestyle the Bertolinis had in Chicago.

The Reserve in St. Charles offers estate homesites with big back yards along with neighborhood amenities such as bike trails, ponds and a park. In fact, the couple often walks with their children and loves to watch them play and run around outdoors.
Beyond the neighborhood’s borders, the Fox River and its bike trail and river walk are nearby, offering more recreational opportunities. Plus, the quaint downtown district is just a few miles away.

Unlike other more secluded parts of St. Charles, The Reserve in St. Charles is close to the Randall Road corridor, as well, so everyday conveniences are nearby. It’s only a few minute drive to find a family dinner spot or spend a couple’s evening out. Plus, the community falls within the boundaries of highly rated School District #303.

At The Reserve in St. Charles, Meritus Homes is building a limited number of semicustom single-family homes…and more than 70 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 for these customizable homes.

For those with a desire to move quickly, a Dunberry is ready for delivery within 60 days. Located at 1025 Reserve Drive, it is priced at $624,900 and 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.

Robert and Pana chose the Dunberry plan, in part 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.

Inside, the timeless design boasts a grand foyer flanked by the dining room and living room, which the Bertolinis converted into a more functional space.

“When I was growing up, the only time anyone used the living room was for formal entertaining, otherwise is 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, as well.”

The back of the home is where everyday living happens. 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. Added features on the first floor include a spacious laundry room and dual staircase from the foyer and kitchen. The Tudor-inspired Dunberry also has a full basement.

Upstairs, 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.

This was the Bertolinis’ first time building a new home but they found it enjoyable.

“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.”

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.

“And the Meritus Homes staff was so nice,” said Robert. “Moving here has been a wonderful choice.”

New home shoppers 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. They also can view the Dunberry quick move-in home.

The model and sales office are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
To visit, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. 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.

Homebuyers At The Reserve In St. Charles Can Customize Their New Homes

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Robert and Pana Bertolini were looking online for a new house when they saw a listing for a quick move-in home at The Reserve in St. Charles. The couple drove out from Chicago, toured the property and found the Meritus model beautiful.

“In the Dunberry, we found a plan that truly suited our lifestyle,” said Robert Bertolini. It is one of five floor plans from Meritus Homes at the new-home community. Overall, the builder offers 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 for these customizable homes.

Today, a Dunberry is ready for quick move-in at The Reserve in St. Charles. Located at 1025 Reserve Drive, it is priced at $624,900 and 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 why 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.

“Everyone was so nice— the Meritus Homes staff and homeowners we met,” said Robert. “We knew this would be a great place to raise our family.”

The Reserve in St. Charles is a stark contrast from where the Bertolini’s lived in Chicago, offering small town charm and a rural ambiance. After growing up in west suburban Carol Stream, Robert was familiar with the St. Charles area. And when looking for a new home, the couple instantly fell in love with the wide-open spaces and relaxing vibe of The Reserve in St. Charles.

Unlike other more secluded parts 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. It’s only a few minute drive to find a family dinner spot or spend a couple’s evening out. Plus, the community falls within the boundaries of highly rated School District #303.

Even better, the Bertolini family can take advantage of recreational amenities right within their own neighborhood. They walk with their children to the park to play outdoors, and the big yards provide a great place for the children run around.

Overall, the peaceful setting and preserved open space make a gorgeous backdrop for the new homes at The Reserve in St. Charles.

The community 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.

The decorated model is available to tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday). Home shoppers also can view the Dunberry quick move-in home.

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

Read original article HERE.

Benefits Of New Construction Draw Buyers To Ranch At The Reserve In St. Charles

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Jim and Julie Keller first started looking for a new home about a year ago. They toured the model at The Reserve in St. Charles after driving past the community and reading about it in the newspaper. They looked at existing houses in St. Charles and neighboring suburbs and even considered renovating their current residence but they kept coming back to the Meritus Homes neighborhood.

“We thought…why disrupt our lives by rehabbing our house when we can create the perfect new home with the Marquis,” said Jim. So they did.

“The entire staff at Meritus has been great to work with,” said Julie. “The sales and construction team made sure we understood expectations so there were no hiccups along the way. They’re knowledgeable and have a genuine interest in us…and all homeowners in the neighborhood.”

This is the fifth new home Jim and Julie have purchased so they were quite familiar with the building process.

“This went very smoothly,” said Jim. “Our new home feels well built and the quality of the finishes are high. Overall, we have been very impressed.”

One of the main benefits of choosing new construction over resale is the ability to personalize, and that was very important to the Kellers.

“Starting out fresh with everything new and just the way we wanted was key,” said Julie.

The couple chose the Marquis, one of five floor plans Meritus Homes offers at The Reserve in St. Charles. The ranch and two-story designs have 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 $519,900 to $569,900. There’s even a Marquis under construction and ready for immediate delivery for anyone who needs to move quickly. It is priced at $574,900.

With 2,610 square feet of space on a single level, the Marquis boasts an expansive feel thanks to 10-foot ceilings and an open layout. The gourmet kitchen with center island flows into the family room, creating a generous gathering place while the dining room is nearby, ideal for entertaining.

“We host a lot of family dinners and holidays so having a big dining area that was comfortable but not formal was a must-have,” said Julie. “We’re incredibly pleased with how beautiful the space turned out and how perfectly it fits our needs now and will in the future as our family—hopefully—continues to grow.”

Tucked off the kitchen and steps from the pantry is the laundry room, loaded with plenty of storage. On the opposite side of the Marquis, the master suite has a private luxury bath with corner soaker tub and separate shower, plus walk-in closet. Both secondary bedrooms have walk-in closets, too. A den adds flex space—as a library, office or study area. A full basement and two- or three-car garage complete this luxury ranch.

The Kellers were able to make some structural changes to the standard floor plan to create the true open-concept layout they wanted. They also expanded the center island in the kitchen and upgraded to quartz countertops to create a statement piece where family and friends will be able to congregate. The couple chose the vaulted ceiling option in the great room to visually open the room even more and created a huge walk-in shower in the master bath for a luxurious spa ambiance. They upgraded to a three-car garage and deep-pour basement, too.

“We chose a homesite that has a lookout lower level and with the higher ceilings the basement has so much potential for us to finish it in the future,” said Jim.

Many empty nesters like the Kellers have been attracted to The Reserve in St. Charles because of the easy-living ranch plans. However, thanks to the big back yards and its location in highly rated School District #303, the neighborhood is home to many families with young children, as well.

As new homebuyers, Jim and Julie appreciate the friendly and welcoming ambiance at The Reserve in St. Charles. They have seen joggers and walkers out on the paths and several people have stopped to say hi. While just a few minutes from the Randall Road shopping corridor and the village’s quaint downtown, the community feels like an escape.

“In addition to the large homesites, we overlook wetlands and lush evergreens so we really feel like we are away from it all when we’re actually close to everything,” said Julie.

“After 27 years, we wanted to stay in St. Charles because we have so many ties to the area,” said Jim. “The Reserve in St. Charles gave us that option.”

To visit community, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the sales office at 775 Reserve Drive. A decorated model is open to tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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

Read original article HERE.

Pioneering Spirit Brings Couple To The Marigold Ranch At The Enclave At Mill Creek

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As the first buyers in Phase II at The Enclave at Mill Creek, Ken and Sandy Siok felt like pioneers purchasing their new home. After literally watching their home being built, the time came for them to move in. But they’re not worried about being alone in Phase II—there are many more homes under construction and the couple has met several neighbors already.

“It’s been really fun to see the neighborhood start to take shape,” said Ken. The community of low-maintenance new homes is being developed by Meritus Homes at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street in an established area of central DuPage County.

It was a big decision for Ken and Sandy to leave Arlington Heights where they had lived for more than 30 years to relocate to The Enclave at Mill Creek. But the couple wanted to be near family, specifically their three children—a daughter in Glen Ellyn and two sons in Elmhurst.

“We’d been in the northwest suburbs and Cook County for the entire 44 years of our marriage,” said Ken. “Now, at The Enclave, we’re less than 10 minutes from our daughter and 15 minutes from our boys. Being so close to our nine grandchildren is great because Sandy helps out on a regular basis.”

Plus, being within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway makes it an easy drive to work for Ken who is an insurance agent.

Still learning about the area and DuPage County, Ken and Sandy have been impressed with all the local amenities they have found—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.

The Sioks had been looking for about six months when they finally took the plunge at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Sandy and her daughter, however, had identified the community nearly two years earlier—before any foundations were even in the ground.

“Once the homes started to be built, we were very impressed,” she said. “And as soon as we walked into the model we were sold.”

In all, Meritus Homes offers four designs at The Enclave at Mill Creek. 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 $401,900 to $443,900. 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 $472,900 to $493,600.

The Marigold is a comfortable ranch with 1,754 square feet of space. It has everything the couple 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.

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.

“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.”

The couple also chose a homesite on a cul-de-sac in Phase II of The Enclave at Mill Creek even though it meant waiting a little longer to move. Overall, the property 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 and open areas. Phase II 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. Unlike at their old house, The Enclave at Mill Creek’s homeowners’ association will perform all lawn care for their homesite as well as maintain common area landscaping and even handle snow removal on driveways.

“With fewer outdoor chores, we’ll have more time to spend with the grandchildren,” said Ken.

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.

When complete, The Enclave at Mill Creek will feature a total of 87 homes. A few remain in Phase I and sales now are underway for Phase II.

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. The sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road in Addison. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

For more information on The Enclave at Mill Creek, call (331) 225-3646 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

It’s Fall Season And Ranch and 2 Story Home Living Are Easy At The Reserve In St. Charles

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Ready for fall…and a new home? Then you’re in luck. Two brand-new, easy-living ranch homes are ready for immediate move-in at The Reserve in St. Charles, a community of semicustom residences from Meritus Homes.

The Marquis offers 2,610 square feet of living space all on one level, three bedrooms plus a den, 2-1/2 baths, a deep pour basement, and is filled with upscale appointments such as 10-foot ceilings, eight-foot doors, a fireplace, deluxe master bath with walk-in shower and freestanding tub, and gourmet kitchen with built-in Bosch stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. Ready now, it is priced at $594,900.

The Clover also offers single-level living with 2,491 square feet of space, three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, hardwood flooring in main living areas, 10-foot ceilings, eight-foot solid-core doors, a bay window in the dining room, tray ceiling in the foyer, sumptuous master bath with oversize shower and quartz countertops, and gourmet kitchen with built-in Bosch appliances and quartz countertops. This home has a deep pour walkout basement and backs up to open space and a pond. It is priced at $599,900 and is move-in ready.

Overall, Meritus Homes is offering five floor plans at The Reserve in St. Charles. Ranch and two-story designs have 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 $519,900 to $569,900.

It was the Clover ranch that attracted Carly and Geoff Reisner to The Reserve in St. Charles after what began as a casual search for a single-family home. Living in a townhome in Elgin, the couple was just starting their home search when they learned about the new ranch model Meritus Homes was debuting at The Reserve in St. Charles. The moment they toured the Clover model they decided to purchase.

“Suddenly, what we expected to take six to eight months turned into us putting a deposit down within six weeks,” said Carly Reisner. “Even before we walked into the Clover model we knew no other home was going to be good enough. And we were right.”

The Reisners closed on their new Meritus home in September of 2018 and have been thrilled with their decision from day one.

“Geoff’s sister lives in The Reserve so we were familiar with the neighborhood,” said Carly. “We wanted to stay in the Fox Valley area near our families which made this location highly desirable.”

The Clover is an elegant ranch with an open-concept layout. The center of attention is the everyday living space, which features the designer kitchen with center island flowing into the adjoining dining room and spacious living room. 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. A second bedroom also has its own bath and walk-in closet while the third bedroom can be converted into a den. In addition to the full basement, extra storage space is abundant in the garage.

“We found the Clover’s layout appealing,” said Carly. “We joked that we’re too young for a ranch but Geoff grew up in a ranch and his mom told us that we would love raising a family in one.”

“The Clover is relaxed and welcoming, with no formal living or dining room that we won’t use,” she continued. “While it’s casual, it has a luxurious presence thanks to the 10-foot ceilings and fine details. Plus, the whole back of the house is windows that let in lots of natural light. No detail was left unconsidered—there’s even a window in the pantry.”

Carly noted that the couple did make some upgrades like adding a tray ceiling in the master bedroom and an octagonal tray ceiling in the foyer—which creates drama. They also added a bay window in the dining area and upgraded to a deep pour basement from the standard basement. They added a sliding door between the master bath closet and the neighboring laundry room to make doing laundry extremely convenient. The couple turned the third bedroom into an office, as well.

“We really enjoyed working with Meritus Homes because of their flexibility,” said Carly. “We were able to make semicustom changes.

“In the model, the owner’s bath only had a shower,” she continued. “We worked with Meritus Homes to reconfigure the space to include a freestanding tub and separate vanities. Now Geoff feels like he’s in a luxury hotel or spa.”

Coming from a townhome, the Reisners had never purchased new construction before. Carly believes that working with a mid-size locally based builder over a big box economy builder was a huge advantage.

“With Meritus Homes, I received individualized attention from people who had the ability to solve problems, which are inevitable when building a house,” she explained. “Everyone from the salesperson to construction manager was a pleasure to work with. They were patient, thorough and provided us with answers that were in alignment with our goals. We are really happy and the process has been a breeze.”

While the Reisners built their home from the ground up, Meritus Homes has two homes ready for quick move-in at the Reserve in St. Charles: the two-story Marquis priced at $594,900 and the Clover ranch priced at $599,500.

Nearly six months after moving in, the Reisners are thankful every day for their decision.

“We can get to two downtowns—St. Charles and Geneva—within 10 to 15 minutes,” said Carly. “Both offer amazing food, a quaint and warm feel, culture, and charming shops. At the same time, everyday conveniences like Target and Costco are nearby along the Randall Road corridor.”

Because of the large homesites that provide big back yards and its location in highly rated School District #303, The Reserve in St Charles is home to many families with young children. However, the neighborhood also has retired couples who have been attracted to the ranch homes. Carly described the mix of residents as a very social group…inviting, warm and kind.

To visit The Reserve in St. Charles, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the sales office at 775 Reserve Drive. A decorated model is open to tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Home shoppers are invited to visit the property and tour the quick move-in homes, which are ideal for anyone who has already sold their current house and is on a short timeline to relocate.

Boomers are driving accessibility in housing

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By Jean Murphy
Daily Herald Correspondent

Trekking up a flight of stairs several times each day is becoming a chore for more and more baby boomers who have suffered sports or military-related injuries — or just mishaps of one kind or another — over the years. Illnesses of various types can also make the daily trek difficult.

Consequently, many are now seeking one-level living or at least a home with the master bedroom on the main floor.

First-floor master

Steve and Debby Jacobs moved into a new ranch home at Fisher Farm, an Airhart Construction community in Winfield, nearly two years ago. They now have a three-bedroom ranch overlooking a pond. They use one of the bedrooms as an office and love the screened porch they added as an option.

“We wanted to downsize to a ranch with a finished basement because we were tired of doing the stairs all the time,” Debby explained.

“Our previous home only had a half bath on the main floor so we started thinking about a move about five years before we actually did it,” Steve added.

They checked out communities of all kinds in the surrounding suburbs but they all had their limitations, according to the Jacobs. “And we were both teachers who enjoy being around kids. So we didn’t really want an age-restricted community,” he continued.

They stayed away from existing ranches built during the 1950s and 1960s because they didn’t want to take on a huge renovation project and didn’t want to maintain the large parcels of land on which many of them sit.

At their Fisher Farm home, the Jacobs like the fact that all outdoor maintenance is handled by the homeowners’ association and also that the community features homes of all sizes and descriptions, not just ranches. Debby didn’t want to move to a “cookie cutter” community where all the homes looked alike.

“We briefly considered adding an elevator to our previous home, but there was just no obvious place to put one,” Steve explained.

“And we didn’t need so much space anymore,” Debby continued.

“We are really glad we made the move. We are very happy at Fisher Farm,” he added.

Flex spaces

Court Airhart, president of Warrenville-based Airhart Construction, said that they are seeing many baby boomers who are re-evaluating the spaces they need and are opting to downsize by losing bedrooms. Instead, they are opting for multiuse rooms like dens or offices with room for a wall bed or a sleeper couch or even large air mattress when guests spend the night.

Some are forgoing a second floor entirely, while others are choosing a first-floor master suite and are placing their guest bedrooms on the second floor, Airhart said.

“That way they can do their day-to-day living on the main level and only go upstairs to prepare for and clean up after guests,” he explained.

Flexible spaces that can meet a number of needs are also quite popular in all plans — spaces that can function as part of the dining space one day and as part of the family room another day.

Airhart is currently building communities in Wheaton, Warrenville and Winfield and they have an architect on staff who can customize plans to meet buyers’ requests.

While 75 percent of their ranch-purchasers are empty nesters, Airhart said, they have also had some millennials who have been interested in the one-floor plans.

Ranch homes

KLM Builders of Richmond, Illinois, is a prolific ranch homebuilder. Ninety percent of the homes they build are ranches and they offer 20 different ranch home models, according to Kim Meier, president.

KLM currently has six ranch models available for touring each weekend throughout their communities located in Richmond, Lake Villa, Ringwood, Johnsburg and Spring Grove (all in Illinois) and in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. KLM is also planning to start a small community soon in Cary and is also willing to build homes on remote lots that buyers own or that KLM helps them find.

“We build ranch homes of every type, ranging in size from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet on a buyer’s lot or on our lot, anywhere from southern Wisconsin to the suburbs north of O’Hare,” Meier stated. “They all include full basements, granite or quartz countertops, garages that hold two, three or four cars and usually sit on a large lot. We offer a wide variety of homes and are also willing to customize.”

“Ninety-nine percent of our customers want ranches because they don’t want to have to climb stairs to clean more rooms. We are even getting young couples looking for ranches with open floor plans and high ceilings now that we are able to construct them to be energy-efficient,” he explained.

In addition, KLM offers three or four exterior elevations for each floor plan so that people can get a home made of brick, stone or frame done in a variety of looks including Craftsman and even a modern farmhouse.

“The popularity of ranch homes has accelerated in the last few years,” Meier added. “We are in the heat of it now and no one does a ranch like we do. We have buyers coming from as far away as Naperville, Batavia and Villa Park because they are ready to retire.”

How about an elevator?

Chicago-based Lexington Homes cares for baby boomer buyers by offering first floor master suites and, in one community, optional elevators.

Jeff Benach, president, makes the argument that ranches demand larger home sites which then need to be maintained and often need to be constructed on sites which are more rural and further away from friends and family. He prefers to construct homes on closer-in sites.

Lexington Homes will soon begin building 28 single family homes at Parkside of Glenview near Willow and Landwehr roads.

It will be the first Lexington project that features first-floor master bedroom suites. They also plan to do something similar at another new community — Concord Oaks in Palatine. In fact, plans at both call for first-floor master suites with large walk-in closets that open onto a first-floor laundry room for ease of laundering. These first-floor master suites include all of the features you’d find in their second-floor counterparts: spacious refuge, custom closets and attached baths with luxury finishes. And they come with an added amenity: convenience. There’s no need to climb the stairs as homeowners have access to everything they need on one floor.

In addition, Lexington Reserve in Oak Park offers 21 row houses with an option for an elevator in each.

Maintenance free

Meritus Homes, based in Riverwoods, is building two communities that are primarily composed of ranches — The Enclave at Mill Creek in Addison, an age-targeted, maintenance-free community, and The Reserve in St. Charles, a semi-custom community located near downtown St. Charles.

The Enclave is a community of 87 single-family homes being constructed on an old par-3 golf course. It is drawing people in the 50 to 70 age range who are looking for maintenance-free ranch homes in the 1,600- to 2,100-square-foot range, with full basements, according to Jay Dulla, vice president.

Homes at The Enclave list for between $395,000 and $440,000.

“You can choose to add a second story to three of the five plans there, if you wish,” he explained. “When we do that, we put the master bedroom on the first floor and secondary bedrooms on the second floor and it generally costs $50,000 extra to do.”

The Reserve in St. Charles offers two ranch plans of 2,500 and 2,650 square feet. They feature 10-foot ceilings, eight-foot doors, open floor plans, covered patios and granite countertops and start at $525,000 and $625,000, sitting on one-third acre lots.

“The Reserve is not a 55-plus community, but anyone can purchase there. We have some homes there that are 100 percent ready to purchase if someone is in a hurry,” Dulla said. “Buyers should remember that ranch homes generally cost 20 to 25 percent more than a two-story home of a comparable size because they need bigger foundations and bigger roofs and that drives up all the costs. That is why many builders choose not to build them.”

Open concept

M/I Homes, which is based in Columbus, Ohio, broke ground this spring on a new community of 54 low-maintenance single-family ranch-style homes in Kildeer. The 27-acre Wentworth community is located adjacent to the Kemper Lakes Golf Club.

M/I Homes has unveiled five new open-concept ranch home designs at Wentworth that will complement the community’s tranquil setting. Floor plans range from 1,776 to 3,097 square feet and feature two to three bedrooms, two to three baths, an attached two-car garage and full basement. All homes in the community offer modern layouts with open kitchen and living area configurations, mudrooms, flex space that can be used as a den or bedroom, and a rear patio with the option for a screened porch. Additionally, every plan offers the option to add an upper-level bonus room, bedroom and bath. Base prices range from $427,990 to $480,990.

“For buyers looking for a new home and single-level living in Kildeer, Wentworth is truly a unique option,” said Cheryl Bonk, vice president of sales and marketing for M/I Homes.

“Each floor plan includes the open living space today’s homeowners prize, comfortable master suites and a number of extra touches buyers will appreciate. Many also offer the opportunity for front porches and covered patios.”

Bonk added that the ranch plans at Wentworth are especially flexible due to the opportunity to add upper-level living space and bedrooms, perfect for college-age children and even visiting grandchildren.

Buyers can also personalize their home with morning rooms, butler’s pantries or formal dining rooms. They can also opt for a luxury master bath with dual sinks and a separate tub and walk-in shower.

In addition, the lots at Wentworth are deep, but narrow, with beautiful rolling, wooded topography. Landscaping maintenance and snow removal will be handled by a homeowners’ association.

This will be an empty-nester community, but not an age-restricted one. Residents will be able to choose either a golf or a social membership at Kemper Lakes, if they wish, Bonk stated.

M/I Homes also has a townhouse community called Brentwood available near downtown Barrington. The townhouses range in size between 1,782 and 2,098 square feet and several offer first floor master suites with a base price of $379,900.

And in Winfield, M/I Homes offers duplexes in the low $400,000s at Timber Creek. The Danbury model features a first-floor master bedroom.

“We find that many empty nesters want to downsize nearby because they have family roots keeping them here. Many have a second home elsewhere, but they want a low-maintenance home in an infill location here that is close to friends and family,” Bonk stated.

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Ranch Home At The Reserve In St. Charles An Instant Hit With Young Couple

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They say when it’s right you know it. That’s exactly the case for Carly and Geoff Reisner who purchased a Clover ranch at The Reserve in St. Charles from Meritus Homes. What began as a casual search for a single-family home turned into a quick decision to purchase the moment they toured the Clover model.
Living in a townhome in Elgin, the couple was just starting their home search in late 2017. After touring about a half dozen new homes along with several resales, they learned about the new ranch model Meritus Homes was debuting at The Reserve in St. Charles.
“Suddenly, what we expected to take six to eight months turned into us putting a deposit down within six weeks,” said Carly Reisner. “Even before we walked into the Clover model we knew no other home was going to be good enough. And we were right.”
The Reisners closed on their new Meritus home in September of 2018 and have been thrilled with their decision from day one.
“Geoff’s sister lives in The Reserve so we were familiar with the neighborhood,” said Carly. “We wanted to stay in the Fox Valley area near our families which made this location highly desirable.”
At The Reserve in St. Charles, Meritus Homes is offering five floor plans for the community’s semicustom homes. The Clover is one of two ranches. Three two-story designs also are available. Overall, homes have 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 $519,900 to $569,900.
The Clover is an elegant ranch with an open-concept layout. The center of attention is the everyday living space, which features the designer kitchen with center island flowing into the adjoining dining room and spacious living room. 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. A second bedroom also has its own bath and walk-in closet while the third bedroom can be converted into a den. In addition to the full basement, extra storage space is abundant in the garage.
“We found the Clover’s layout appealing,” said Carly. “We joked that we’re too young for a ranch but Geoff grew up in a ranch and his mom told us that we would love raising a family in one.”
“The Clover is relaxed and welcoming, with no formal living or dining room that we won’t use,” she continued. “While it’s casual, it has a luxurious presence thanks to the 10-foot ceilings and fine details. Plus, the whole back of the house is windows that let in lots of natural light. No detail was left unconsidered—there’s even a window in the pantry.”
Carly noted that the couple did make some upgrades like adding a tray ceiling in the master bedroom and an octagonal tray ceiling in the foyer—which creates drama. They also added a bay window in the dining area and upgraded to a deep pour basement from the standard basement. They added a sliding door between the master bath closet and the neighboring laundry room to make doing laundry extremely convenient. The couple turned the third bedroom into an office, as well.
“We really enjoyed working with Meritus Homes because of their flexibility,” said Carly. “We were able to make semicustom changes.
“In the model, the owner’s bath only had a shower,” she continued. “We worked with Meritus Homes to reconfigure the space to include a freestanding tub and separate vanities. Now Geoff feels like he’s in a luxury hotel or spa.”
Coming from a townhome, the Reisners had never purchased new construction before. Carly believes that working with a mid-size locally based builder over a big box economy builder was a huge advantage.
“With Meritus Homes, I received individualized attention from people who had the ability to solve problems, which are inevitable when building a house,” she explained. “Everyone from the salesperson to construction manager was a pleasure to work with. They were patient, thorough and provided us with answers that were in alignment with our goals. We are really happy and the process has been a breeze.”
While the Reisners built their home from the ground up, Meritus Homes has two homes ready for quick move-in at the Reserve in St. Charles: the two-story Marquis priced at $624,900 and the Clover ranch priced at $627,500.
Nearly six months after moving in, the Reisners are thankful every day for their decision.
“We can get to two downtowns—St. Charles and Geneva—within 10 to 15 minutes,” said Carly. “Both offer amazing food, a quaint and warm feel, culture, and charming shops. At the same time, everyday conveniences like Target and Costco are nearby along the Randall Road corridor.”
Because of the large homesites that provide big back yards and its location in highly rated School District #303, The Reserve in St Charles is home to many families with young children. However, the neighborhood also has retired couples who have been attracted to the ranch homes. Carly described the mix of residents as a very social group…inviting, warm and kind. The Reisners already have seen homeowners out walking their dogs on the community’s trails and expect more outdoor activity as children play in the neighborhood park once the weather warms up.
To visit The Reserve in St. Charles, take Rt. 31 and turn west onto Reserve Drive, which is between Red Gate Road and Silver Glen Road. Proceed to the sales office at 775 Reserve Drive. A decorated model is open to tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
On Saturday, March 2, Meritus Homes is hosting an open house event. Home shoppers are invited to visit the property, tour the quick move-in homes, and enjoy pizza and refreshments from Riverside Pizza & Pub. Two quick move-in homes are available to walk through and are ideal for anyone who has already sold their current house and is on a short timeline to relocate.
For more information, call (224) 634-4054 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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An open-concept layout is one of the design features attracting new-home buyers to the ranch homes at The Reserve in St. Charles.

Meritus Homes pays special attention to the details, like creating a bright and airy dining area in the Clover ranch.

Buyers Attracted To Low-Maintenance Ranch Homes At The Enclave At Mill Creek

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Just the right fit. That’s how Angela Nassopoulos describes her brand-new ranch at The Enclave at Mill Creek. She and her husband Ari moved to the west suburban community last summer after searching for a single-level home to suit their empty-nester lifestyle.

Developed by Meritus Homes, The Enclave at Mill Creek features detached, single-family homes in a low-maintenance setting. Only a handful of the 44 homes in Phase I remain for sale, including four that are built and ready for move-in within 30 to 60 days.

When they moved in last June, Ari and Angela Nassopoulos became one of the first residents at The Enclave at Mill Creek—purchasing before models even opened. The couple heard about the property when researching online, then stopped by the sales center. They reviewed the blueprints and were sold.

“After home shopping for about four to five months, we couldn’t find anything that had everything we were looking for,” said Angela Nassopoulos. “Specifically, we wanted a ranch and the resale houses we saw were old and needed a lot of upgrades and work. We didn’t want to inherit someone else’s décor and problems, so we decided to go with a brand-new home.”

The couple purchased the Primrose, which has 1,946 square feet of living space, three bedrooms and two full baths. It offers a variety of today’s most sought-after design features such as a luxury master suite with a private bath and oversize walk-in closet, a big family room that flows into the dining area, a laundry room conveniently located off the two-car garage, a walk-in pantry in the kitchen, and Angela’s favorite—a 10-foot-long center island that ties the kitchen to the dining area.

“The island is a great gathering spot. It’s big enough to seat our five grandkids all at one time when they come over,” she explained. “And the open concept living area lets me work in the kitchen and still interact with everyone in the family room and dining room.”

The couple converted one of the three bedrooms into an office, added a fireplace and upgraded appliances and flooring. They made a few tweaks to some closets, as well.

“One of the best things about buying new construction is being able to personalize our space,” said Angela. “It’s nice to be able to move in and everything is just how we want it.”

The Primrose at The Enclave at Mill Creek is the fourth home that Angela and Ari Nassopoulos have built. As someone who has gone through the new construction process before, they were very pleased with Meritus Homes.

“They were wonderful from beginning to end,” said Angela. “They never hesitated to take care of any detail…no matter how big or small, and even offered support after we moved in.”

Meritus Homes is offering five designs at The Enclave at Mill Creek. Ranch plans have 1,379 to 2,154 square feet of living space; two, three or four bedrooms; and two full baths for base prices that range from $370,900 to $427,900. 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 $449,900 to $471,900.

All homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are built to 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.

Kitchens are designed around the chef with a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator; pantry, per plan; granite countertops; and elegant touches such as ceramic tile or oak flooring and cabinets with crown molding.

Bath floors and shower walls have ceramic tile as standard and vanity tops are cultured marble. Master baths have the added luxury of separate showers; custom-finished, wood, raised vanities; large linen closets; and compartmentalized water closets.

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.

Outside, homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek have classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some have covered entries or front porches to provide shelter from inclement weather. Exteriors are constructed of low-maintenance materials such as vinyl siding for easy upkeep. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

The homeowners’ association handles snow removal and performs all common area landscape maintenance as well as lawn care for each individual homesite, creating a low-maintenance environment ideal for anyone looking to reduce the amount of time they spend on outdoor chores.

The Enclave at Mill Creek also has abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area…with more than one third of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas. Plus, it is tucked in an established area in central DuPage County.

“We were downsizing from a large house in Palatine and thought this was the perfect location,” said Angela. “Our children live in Elmhurst so we are close to the grandkids and can easily hop over there and visit.”

Positioned at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street, the neighborhood is within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway for easy access to Chicagoland’s western suburbs. The community also is near stores, entertainment, movie theaters, golf, casual dining, forest preserves, and everyday conveniences.

While close to so much, The Enclave at Mill Creek has an intimate neighborhood feel. “We enjoy the privacy and quiet here,” said Angela. “The neighbors have been great and we’re getting to know everyone.”

Two decorated models are open at The Enclave at Mill Creek from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. The sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road in Addison. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into GPS system to find the site.)

On Saturday, February 9, Meritus Homes is hosting an open house. Home shoppers are invited to visit the property, tour the quick move-in homes, and enjoy pizza and refreshments from the Giordano’s Pizzeria on Lake Street in Addison. Three quick move-in homes are available to walk through and are ideal for anyone who has already sold their current house and is on a short timeline to relocate.

For more information on The Enclave at Mill Creek, (224) 634-4034 or visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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The Primrose offers low-maintenance single-level living

Newly built homes like the Waterleaf are ready for buyers to move into in as quickly as 30 days

Addison’s Enclave At Mill Creek More The 65% Sold

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Less than four months after grand opening decorated models, more than 65 percent of the new homes have been sold at The Enclave at Mill Creek in Addison.

Jay Dulla, managing director for the property’s developer Meritus Homes, attributes the community’s success to its rare combination of new construction ranches and low-maintenance environment.

“Finding new homes in general, and single-level designs in particular, is uncommon in Addison and the surrounding area,” he explained. “Add to that the fact that homeowners at The Enclave at Mill Creek won’t have to rake leaves, cut their lawns or even shovel snow, and you have a winning combination.”

In fact, the community’s homeowners’ association performs all common area landscape maintenance as well as lawn care for each individual homesite so owners never have to spend their time or energy on outdoor chores. Snow removal also is included in the monthly assessment.

In addition to the low-maintenance setting, The Enclave at Mill Creek offers an incredibly convenient location that has attracted homebuyers from Addison as well as surrounding towns such as Lombard, Elmhurst, Itasca and even as far away as Palatine and Naperville.

Positioned at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street, the neighborhood is within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway for easy access to Chicagoland’s western suburbs. Shopping, entertainment, movie theaters, golf, casual dining, and forest preserves are also nearby.

Although tucked in a mature area, The Enclave at Mill Creek has abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area…with more than one third of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas.

To complement these surroundings, the architecture showcases classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some homes have covered entries or front porches to provide shelter from inclement weather. Exteriors are constructed of low maintenance materials such as vinyl siding for easy upkeep. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

In addition, all homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. Interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, six-panel doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements all as standard features.

Kitchens are designed around the chef with a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator; pantry, per plan; granite countertops; and elegant touches such as ceramic tile or oak flooring and cabinets with crown molding.

Baths have ceramic tile flooring and shower walls along with cultured marble vanity tops while master baths have the added luxury of separate showers; custom-finished, wood, raised vanities; large linen closets; and compartmentalized water closets.

Since these are newly built homes, owners can choose their colors, flooring, fixtures, and more. Plus, Meritus Homes offers a variety of options and upgrades that range from gourmet kitchen enhancements to gas fireplaces and upgraded flooring, among others. The builder also is willing to make semicustom changes for even more ways to tailor a home to someone’s tastes.

“The ability to personalize their space is a main reason home shoppers choose new construction over resale,” said Dulla. “Buyers know they are getting exactly what they want—and they don’t have to live with someone else’s decorating. Plus, all appliances and appointments are brand-new so they won’t have the repairs and upkeep associated with an old house.”

Visitors can see and feel the quality of Meritus Homes’ construction by touring models of the single-level Marigold and two-story Waterleaf at The Enclave at Mill Creek. They represent two of the five designs the builder offers at the low-maintenance community. Ranch plans have 1,379 to 2,154 square feet of living space, two or three bedrooms, and two full baths for base prices that range from $353,400 to $436,900. 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. These homes have a total of 2,620 to 3,077 square feet of space for prices that range from $449,900 to $471,900. In all, The Enclave at Mill Creek features 44 detached, single-family homes in Phase I.

The two decorated models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into Google Maps or GPS system to find the site.)

For directions to The Enclave at Mill Creek, visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com. Or call (224) 634-4034.

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Move Into A NEW Home This Fall At The Enclave At Mill Creek

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You may not want to admit it but…winter is right around the corner. In Chicagoland, that can mean bitter cold temperatures, howling winds and snow. As a homeowner, do you dread shoveling your driveway?

If you move into The Enclave at Mill Creek in west suburban Addison, you won’t have to because snow removal is included in the community’s monthly assessment. Even better, move-in-ready homes are available so buyers can be settled in before the weather changes this year.

“The Enclave at Mill Creek offers the superior energy efficiency of new construction, plus we have three completed homes for immediate delivery so owners can move within 30 to 60 days,” said Jay Dulla, managing director for the property’s developer, Meritus Homes. “That way, if someone has already sold their current house and is on a short timeline to relocate, they have the option to purchase a brand-new home.”

In all, The Enclave at Mill Creek features detached, single-family homes in a low-maintenance setting. Already, more than 65 percent of the 44 homes in Phase I have been sold.

Meritus Homes is offering five designs at the Addison community. Ranch plans have 1,379 to 2,154 square feet of living space, two or three bedrooms, and two full baths for base prices that range from $353,400 to $436,900. 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. These homes have a total of 2,620 to 3,077 square feet of space for prices that range from $449,900 to $471,900.

The move-in ready homes currently for sale are the Hyacinth, Larkspur and Waterleaf—all ranches.

With 1,379 square feet of space, two bedrooms and two baths, the Hyacinth offers easy single-level living that is just right for today’s lifestyles. The kitchen, dining area and family room all open to each other to create a Great Room effect ideal for both relaxing every day and entertaining guests. Food prep is a breeze in the kitchen thanks to a pantry and sink in the center island. The two bedrooms are separated from each other for maximum privacy while the master suite boasts its own bath and walk-in closet. A laundry room with linen closet and two-car garage round out this carefree ranch. The Hyacinth on homesite 41 features hardwood flooring in the foyer, hall, kitchen, dining room, and family room. The kitchen has 36-inch white maple cabinets with crown molding, a center island, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances. A full basement and 10-by12-foot deck also are included for $373,306.

Homeowners can relax and live comfortably in the Larkspur. Offering 1,603 feet of space, two bedrooms and two baths, this home is priced at $429,482. The family room is the heart of the Larkspur, offering plenty of space for everyone. The neighboring kitchen and dining room combine for easy meal prep, serving and dining. A large center island unites the rooms and provides ample work space while a pantry offers plenty of storage. The master suite has two closets, including a walk-in, along with a private bath. The second bedroom is ideal as a guest room, office or den. The laundry room if off the kitchen and allows access to the two-car garage. The Larkspur on homesite 20 is under construction and buyers can still add many of their own interior selections.

The Waterleaf on homesite 43 boasts 2,154 square feet, three bedrooms and two baths for $479,242. This plan maximizes versatility. The flex room has been converted into a bedroom while a den accented by double doors has been added. The main living area is flexible, with a kitchen, dining room and family room all open to each other to accommodate day-to-day activities as well as entertaining. Highlights of the kitchen include a center island and big pantry. The master suite is a relaxing place to unwind with a private bath and walk-in closet. Another bedroom, full bath and laundry room complete the living space. Upgrades in this home are hardwood flooring in the foyer, hall, kitchen, dining room, and family room; upgraded kitchen appliances; a deluxe master bath; and tray ceiling in the master bedroom.

The Hyacinth, Larkspur and Waterleaf—like all homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek—showcase energy-efficient construction that includes Tyvek® house wrap, ice and water shield protection for the roof, a damp-proofed foundation, 40-gallon high-efficiency water heater, and R-21 wall and R-49 ceiling insulation.

“Thanks to advances in technology and building systems, homes built today offer greater comfort and energy savings than older houses,” said Dulla. “And since furnaces and air conditioning units are brand-new, they won’t have to be repaired or replaced for years to come.”

He added that all homes at The Enclave at Mill Creek are built to the exacting standards that signify a Meritus home. Interiors have nine-foot first-floor ceilings, six-panel doors, decorative touches such as rounded drywall corners and brushed nickel finishes, central air conditioning, and full basements all as standard features.

Kitchens are designed around the chef with a full suite of stainless steel appliances including a range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator; pantry, per plan; granite countertops; and elegant touches such as ceramic tile or oak flooring and cabinets with crown molding.

Baths have ceramic tile flooring and shower walls along with cultured marble vanity tops while master baths have the added luxury of separate showers; custom-finished, wood, raised vanities; large linen closets; and compartmentalized water closets.

“Why restrict yourself to resale when an opportunity like The Enclave at Mill Creek exists?” said Dulla. “We offer high quality new homes that are ready for move-in now, all in a carefree setting.”

In addition to the low-maintenance environment—the homeowners’ association performs all common area landscape maintenance as well as lawn care for each individual homesite—The Enclave at Mill Creek benefits from a convenient location. So much so that the community has attracted homebuyers not only from Addison but also from surrounding towns such as Lombard, Elmhurst, Itasca and even as far away as Palatine and Naperville.

Positioned at the intersection of Army Trail Boulevard and North Mill Street, the neighborhood is within minutes of Interstates 355 and 290 as well as Ill. Hwy. 83/Kingery Highway for easy access to Chicagoland’s western suburbs. Shopping, entertainment, movie theaters, golf, casual dining, and forest preserves are also nearby.

Although tucked in a mature area, The Enclave at Mill Creek has abundant green space…including Westwood Creek, three ponds and a scenic sitting area…with more than one third of the ranch-style homes backing to natural areas.

To complement these surroundings, the architecture showcases classic elements such as brick and stone accents, and some homes have covered entries or front porches to provide shelter from inclement weather. Exteriors are constructed of low maintenance materials such as vinyl siding for easy upkeep. Front, side and rear yards are fully sodded plus a landscaping package is included with each new home to give it instant curb appeal.

Visitors can make an appointment to tour the Hyacinth and Waterleaf move-in-ready homes by calling the sales office at (224) 634-4034.

The sales office is located at 758 Fairway Drive, just north of Army Trail Boulevard and west of North Mill Road. The community’s entrance is on the north side of Army Trail Boulevard at Links Drive. (Enter 601 Army Trail Boulevard into Google Maps or GPS system to find the site.)

Two decorated models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For directions to The Enclave at Mill Creek, visit www.MeritusHomebuilders.com.

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