Nearly Out of the Woods - Grand Pointe Still Drawing People to the Preserves

ELGIN, IL, December 21 - Can nature still sell homes when the skies grow dark and the grounds turn bare? Apparently the potential remains. Grand Pointe Homes indicated today that home shopper traffic is still flowing at its Preserves at McDonald Woods, a development of 28 single-family homes under construction in Lindenhurst. "Despite the tough economy and the difficult winter, we're still seeing a lot of interest in the community," said Scott Ballard, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the West Dundee-based builder.

Some would say the interest is totally natural. The Preserves is a scenically stunning development, bordering on a 304-acre forest that's full of turtles, deer, foxes, and other wildlife. Occupying the center of the Preserves is a large, lush wetland, upon which 19 of the homes will sit with breathtaking views. Trails for hiking and bicycling wind and slope nearby. Two of the community's streets become cul-de-sacs that end in heavily wooded sites. A little path into the forest preserve accommodates cross-country skiing. "You'd have to look long and hard before you found a new-homes community that was as wonderfully green as this one. Residents will be close to a huge forest preserve and many will be able to see and actually touch the wetland on the property. Living here will be a welcome refuge from the hustle-bustle of everyday life while still being convenient to shopping, the tollway, and even a nearby commuter rail station," said Ballard.

But while visitors come for the nature, they often stay for the homes. The Preserves feature luxurious three-and-four bedroom homes with formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, master baths, studies, two-story family rooms, gourmet kitchens, and loads of space-ranging in size from 2,727 to 3,552 square feet (priced from $356,900 to $428,900). They're homes designed with growing families in mind. And all the homes' classic space will come with the attention to detail and craftsmanship for which Grand Pointe-one of the Chicago area's largest builders-is well known.

While the community's seven different models (including the newest, the Lincoln) are all traditional family homes, they each feature unique touches that give them an appealing contemporary feel. Art niches-places for a prized photo or painting-provide a nice twist on the conventional. Another dramatic touch is one model's skybridge, which connects a two-story foyer and family room. Others include imposing columns separating a dining room and living room; a master suite with its own octagonal sitting room; an octagonal breakfast area connected to a gourmet kitchen; a turret-style dinette; private commodes in individual roomettes; studies and master suites with double-door entryways; arched openings; and much more.

Meanwhile, Grand Pointe offers buyers plenty of individual choice through upgrades such as bay windows, skylights, jack and jill baths, lofts, extra bedrooms, cathedral ceilings in master bedrooms, three-car garages, and-even- raised-platform Roman tubs between pillars in the master baths. "Buyers have the flexibility to essentially put their family's personal stamp on their new home," said Ballard.

Distinctive style isn't confined to just the inside of The Preserves' homes. The exteriors can encompass covered entries, large front porches, shutters and coordinating trim, archways, coach lights, and decorative windows such as transoms, half-rounds, and palladians. Each floor plan comes in several exterior variations, producing many eye-catching elevations. Furthermore, Grand Pointe offers a variety of colors and materials (including brick, siding, and Dryvit) to help create diverse streetscapes and curb appeal.

"With so many special touches, the homes can seem almost custom-made. At the same time, they seem so intimately in touch with their natural surroundings. It's that dual nature that makes The Preserves a unique place to call home. The area even looks great on a gray winter's day," said Ballard.

To see a model of The Preserves, take 294 to Grand Avenue, exit and head west to the sales center, which is located two blocks east of Route 83. Sales office hours are 10 to 5, Saturday through Wednesday. For more information about the homes, call 847-837-8700 or click here.

Submitted 12/21/2007