Hard hat tours offered at Stonebridge
Stonebridge of Lake Bluff is a new adult community primarily for those 55 or older being built on the grounds of the historic Kelley Estate designed by architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. New England Builders and the Offices of Shawn Hunt are restoring 47 acres of historic land to its original architectural splendor.
Four single-family and duplex models are being built, each at a different stage of construction. The developer is offering a sneak preview in the form of hard hat tours prior to model opening.
These appointment-only tours allow potential buyers to walk through the homes with a member of the sales team to experience the flow of the floor plan, the room sizes, the abundance of natural light from the large expanses of windows and the views available from different home sites.
Nestled midst 130 acres of wooded land with ponds and walking trails, will be 71 European-inspired country manors. Both single family and duplex homes will offer ranch styles and two-story designs with first-floor master suites. Additionally, there will be 14 condominiums.
Homes range from 2,160 to 3,230 square feet of luxury space and are preview-priced from the high $800,000s to $1.8 million. At a later stage, 14 luxury condominiums will be built in the historic structures.
Buyers have nine country manors or villas to choose from in either stone and stucco or shingle-style façades. Basements are available for finishing on a limited basis. Owners may also add a screened porch on their home in lieu of the standard stone paved terrace.
One of the four models is the Ainsley, just under 2,300 square feet, offering two bedrooms and 2½ baths. Gracious entertaining takes front and center with the living room and dining rooms flanking a column-lined gallery. The master bedroom has access to an optional screened porch patio.
The Exeter, an open flowing floor plan, is a three bedroom and 3½ bath home with over 3,000 square feet of living space. Stunning pond vistas are visible from the living room and master bedroom. The kitchen is highlighted by a breakfast room surrounded by windows. A screened porch will be featured on this model.
The 2,800-square-foot Hampshire features a breathtaking two-story foyer, bright breakfast room, stone and stucco exterior and an English basement. This home will be built with standard finishes.
A two-story living room sets the stage in the Warwick, the largest and most elegant home with three bedrooms, 3½ baths, 3,238 square feet and a three-car garage. The octagonal shaped breakfast room offers vistas of the center pond, waterfall and stately manor house.
In addition to the architectural renovations, Stonebridge of Lake Bluff will feature the restoration and conservation of 12 acres of historic Jens Jensen designed woodlands and gardens. Under the watchful eye of landscape architect Bernie Jacobs of Jacobs/Ryan Associates, the restoration of the original Jens Jensen landscaping will be achieved. Cascading waterfalls and stone bridge crossings will enhance the stunning landscaped canvas and the community is bordered by the Lake County Forest Preserve along its western boundary.
The sales center is located at 136 Green Bay Road. Take Route 41 north to Deerpath Road, east for one mile then north on Greenbay Road for two miles to the community entrance. For safety reasons, weekday Hard Hat Tour appointments are restricted to after 3 p.m., while weekend appointments are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The sales center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. To schedule a Hard Hat Tour, call (847) 234-4500. For more information, visit www.stonebridgeoflakebluff.com.