Newly built ranches are a rare find
"These homes are beautiful, but do you have any ranch models to show?" asked the 20-something couple.
"I'm looking for the convenience of a single-story home. What do you have in the way of ranches?" inquired the gray-haired businessman.
Kenar Homes has been fielding a lot of questions like these recently, particularly at its Ashton Pointe community in Crystal Lake.
The questions reflect a revival of intense interest in the open, sprawling ranch home that once dominated American homebuilding. Older Boomers initially drove the revival, but lately younger generations have bought into it as well, seemingly attracted by the "retro" nature of the ranch style.
In an effort to meet the demand, Kenar announces the unveiling of the Ivy, a ranch floor plan for Ashton Pointe.
"It's hard to find ranches in new construction, and so we decided to do something about that," said Laura Johnson, director of sales and marketing for the Schaumburg-based builder. "So many of those people searching for single-story living can now buy their home here: We have space for up to 22 ranches. We anticipate doing very well with the Ivy"
Ranging in size from 2,096 to 2,289 square feet, the Ivy will offer three bedrooms -- or two bedrooms with a study -- and two full baths. Those rooms will open out into a large great room, a formal dining room, a kitchen with an island, and a separate breakfast area with an optional sun room. The master suite will feature an oversized walk-in closet and a luxurious bath. Finally, the home will include central air conditioning and a full nine-foot basement. The price ranges from $425,990 to $431,990.
Ashton Pointe also offers two-story townhouses and single-family homes. But -- for now -- the ranch option is occupying center stage.
"People are being pretty single-minded right now. They'll buy only what they want, and more and more of them want the single-story convenience of ranches. We're meeting them at the door with the Ivy," Johnson said.
To visit Ashton Pointe, take I-90 west to Route 31, north to Northwest Highway (Route 14), west to Pingree Road, north to Valerie Road, and west to the sales center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (815) 477-4939 or visit www.kenarhomes.com.