Model profile: The Jensen at Woodcrest

Woodcrest by William Ryan Homes offers a small upscale neighborhood within Highland Woods, a lifestyle community by Crown Community Development on Elgin's west side.

The development sits on gently rolling land with mature oak groves among 196 acres of open space. The neighborhood features natural preservation areas, an 18-acre lake, more than 5 miles of walking and biking paths and seven neighborhood parks and playgrounds.

Residents have access to Highland Woods' exclusive Owners Club, with its clubhouse, fitness center, sports courts, pool and water park. The community also features an on-site, award-winning elementary school.

The featured Jensen model offers a first-floor master with an optional master on the second level. With multigenerational living becoming more commonplace, this floor plan has been one of the builder's top sellers in the Chicago area, said Debbie Beaver, William Ryan Homes' vice president of operations.

"The home attracts buyers of all ages because it's so flexible," she said. "We have customers who buy this design knowing they can age in place. They use the second level master suite now with the lower level used for an in-law, then 15 years from now or when needed, they'll move downstairs without having to buy a new home."

The Jensen is priced from $346,990 and offers 3,090 to 4,589 square feet, four bedrooms, 2½ baths, a full basement and two-car garage. The model is shown with several available options.

With a sophisticated color scheme of plum, cream and dove gray, along with silver accents, this home is polished and comfortable. It shows a relaxed, traditional interior with warm woods that is very attractive to families.

A grand, two-story foyer welcomes visitors into the home where, to the left, the flex room is outfitted as a den with wood bookshelves. On the other side of the foyer, the formal dining room features a large wood table topped with decorative glass pieces. Striped silk draperies dress the windows, and a silver framed mirror adds sparkle.

In the first-floor master suite, plum walls pair with white draperies for a stunning look. This room has plenty of space for the large dresser and mirror and a reading area. The private bath has split vanities, a tub, separate shower and walk-in closet.

In the dramatic two-story family room, cream draperies reach to the ceiling. The room is furnished with a media center, large TV and plenty of seating. An area rug and plum throw bring texture into the space.

The wonderful, ergonomically designed kitchen features a super island with cabinetry and breakfast bar. White cabinetry and the white tile backsplash contrast with dark wood flooring. Topped with a cathedral ceiling, the morning room offers a bright spot for meals or morning coffee. A small pod office sits off the kitchen.

This kid-friendly home features a mudroom with cubbies, coat hooks and a chalkboard wall.

Upstairs, the loft offers a cozy spot to curl up and watch TV.

The master suite on the second level features striped draperies, two comfortable chairs, a large walk-in closet and an enclave furnished with a desk. The private bath offers split vanities, corner tub and large walk-in shower.

Secondary bedrooms have been staged as a boy's room with a Batman theme, a little girl's room done in pinks and purples and a possible guest room with black furnishings, desk and computer.

The Woodcrest community features six other designs.

To visit the Jensen model at 3652 Ancient Oak Drive, take Randall Road and exit on Lake Street (Route 20) west and proceed past Coombs Road to the Highland Woods entrance on the right.

Sales hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (847) 305-2075 or visit williamryanhomes.com.

Listing sheet

<span class="fact box text bold">Price:</span> $307,990 to $343,990

<span class="fact box text bold">Square footage:</span> 2,200 to 3,294

<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Country Trails Elementary, Prairie Knolls Middle and Central High schools in Burlington Unit District 301

<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Elgin Park District