Model profile: Regency Estates, St. Charles

Regency Estates, a new home community nestled on the western edge of St. Charles, features 44 quarter-acre homesites surrounded by open space and forest preserve land.

K. Hovnanian Homes offers buyers four, two-story home designs from which to choose, each with three to four bedrooms, 2½ baths, full basement and two-car attached garage. Amenities include lofts, second floor laundry rooms, deluxe master suites with dual walk-in closets and private baths.

This is the only new construction in St. Charles that is really affordable for the average family, said Ray Blankenship, area vice president for K. Hovnanian Homes.

“There are $800,000, $900,000 and million dollar homes, but nothing the average family can get into. This is a good opportunity for families to get into the great city of St. Charles, which was recently voted No. 1 by Family Circle magazine as one of the best places in the country to raise a family,” he said.

For outdoor activities, an on-site park district park will be part of the community, a regional walking/biking path sits nearby and the subdivision is just a half mile from the quaint downtown area.

A beautiful professionally decorated model home by Laura O'Connor Designs is open for visitors to tour.

The featured model is The Regency, priced from $334,995 with 3,044 square feet, four bedrooms, 2½ baths, loft, second-floor laundry, full basement and attached two-car garage.

With family-friendly features, this home will appeal to the first-time move-up buyer with children. The interior shows a contemporary décor, but not trendy, with current colors of pomegranate and dark chocolate brown, O'Connor said.

The home shows light hickory flooring with white trim throughout the first floor. The living room provides a comfortable place for conversation before dinner and is furnished with a taupe sofa and two chairs. A large painting of a lady's face gets attention.

In the dining area, a dark round wood table is paired with white leather chairs while a chandelier above the table adds a touch of elegance.

The designer accentuates the rear space of the home — a nice large space for cooking and entertaining family and friends.

The kitchen sparkles with stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets topped with granite and a walk-in pantry. A ceramic tile backsplash extends along a whole wall of cabinetry, which is sure to be a welcome feature for homeowners. For casual meals or morning coffee, a breakfast table with four chairs and bench seat will accommodate family members.

Against a chocolate wall, a stone fireplace with wood mantel and large mirrors on either side presents a stunning focal point in the room. A cream sofa and two chairs provide seating.

Tucked in a spot off the family room, the office shows a dual function area where homeowners can catch up on work from the office, watch TV or read. Thus, the room is furnished with a desk, plasma TV and cream sofa.

Upstairs, the loft with two windows is outfitted as a homework area with built-in cabinetry and cubbies along with hooks for backpacks. This area is a flex space that could serve other purposes.

The elegant master suite features a deep coffered ceiling and features a beautiful chandelier that draws the eye upward. Hand painting on the wall also depicts the chandelier. Luxury materials on the bed and windows give the room a rich look. The room includes plenty of storage space and two walk-in closets.

The bath is also bathed in luxury with colors that coordinate with rest of home and is wrapped in wallpaper with an Old World feeling. The room includes a large soaker tub and oversized walk-in shower with seat while windows allow the flow of natural light.

Three secondary bedrooms, two with walk-in closets, are served by a full hall bath. One room decked out for the sports fan features sports-themed wallpaper and border. A second bedroom shows a cupcake motif for a sweet little girl. The room includes hand painting on the walls, fluffy cupcake seats and a red play stove and fridge. The little guy in the family will love his fireman-themed room complete with a fire pole and boots and a display of old fire trucks.

Three other designs, each with four bedrooms and 2½ baths, include:

Ÿ The Durham, price from $259,995 with 2,131 square feet

Ÿ The Cumberland from $284,995 with 2,468 square feet

Ÿ The Dawson from $304,995 with 2,689 square feet.

To visit Regency Estates, take Route 64 (Main Street) west past Randall Road to Oak Street; turn right on Oak, then left to the community. The model is at 208 Regency Court West.

For more information, call the sales office at (630) 549-6198 or visit www. KhovnanianHomes.com.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range:</b>$259,900 to $334,995

<b>Square footage: </b>2,131 to 3,041

<b>Schools: </b>Davis Elementary, Richmond Elementary, Wredling Middle and St. Charles East High schools in Community Unit District 303

<b>Parks: </b>St. Charles Park District