Pulte features the single-family Crossings series in Oswego

Prescott Mill offers everything buyers want in a new home community: affordable homes with plenty of space for growing families, seven-acre park with playground, walking trails and 46-acre natural prairie as its centerpiece.

The community by Pulte Homes is located at Wolf's Crossing and Harvey Road in southwest suburban Oswego. The builder offers two series of single-family homes and two series of low-maintenance townhouses. The single-family homes and townhouses sit on opposite sides of the prairie, lending a relaxed and open feel to the community.

Three single-family models in the Crossings series recently opened for visitors to tour. Each home offers nine-foot first-floor ceilings, four bedrooms, 2½ baths, full basement and two-car attached garage.

"Our new single-family models feature flexible layouts, included features and overall space that growing families need," said Chris Naatz, vice president of sales and marketing for the Illinois division of Pulte Homes. "With full basements, the homes also give buyers the option of finishing off the basement on their own for even more living space."

One of the featured models is The Carrington, priced from $299,990 with 2,198 square feet.

The two-story foyer with chocolate walls opens to the living room where an area rug brings color to the neutral décor and a sofa and chairs provide seating. A dining table is set for six and topped with a copper centerpiece while a large gold-framed mirror adorns the wall.

The kitchen, breakfast nook and family room stretch across the rear of the home in an open layout. Chocolate walls flow into the kitchen that features 42-inch maple Merillat cabinets topped with Corian, stainless steel appliances, center island, pantry and breakfast nook.

A column defines the family room where a burgundy wall complements the other chocolate walls. The room includes a game table by the window, love seat, sofa and media center with plasma screen.

Inside the entry from the garage, there's a half bath with pedestal sink and laundry room.

Upstairs, a cathedral ceiling tops the master bedroom where again we see the burgundy and chocolate walls, dark wood furnishings and textured spread with copper accent pillows. The bath has dual sinks, Corian countertops, soaking tub with window, walk-in shower with clear glass door, private commode and walk-in closet with vinyl shelving.

A full hall bath serves the three secondary bedrooms. One room is outfitted as an office with an outdoor theme; another room for a young boy shows a dinosaur motif; and the nursery features soft peach and yellow walls, animal wallpaper border and fabric canopy over the crib.

The Wilshire -- priced from $319,990 -- features 2,499 square feet.

In this home, dark hardwood floors cover most of the main level and contrast with the white woodwork.

Off the two-story foyer, an office for two features gold walls, contemporary artwork and a glass-enclosed bookcase. Across from the office, the open dining room shows a square wood dining table with glass inlay and candle centerpiece. Two large mirrors on the wall give the room a spacious feel.

The library is set up as a playroom with bright colors, chalkboard, toy bins and two kids' chairs in front of the TV.

Again, open casual living areas sit to the rear of the home. The kitchen features dark brown walls, 42-inch maple Merillat cabinets with Corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, and center island with breakfast bar. In the breakfast nook, there's a planning desk and sliding doors to outside.

A fireplace with ceramic tile surround and two windows on either side highlights the family room. A dark brown sofa and three chairs furnish the room while a textured area rug adds interest. There's also a media center with plasma screen.

A half bath with pedestal sink and laundry room sits inside the garage entry

The master bedroom with cathedral ceiling features a stunning mirrored headboard while a retreat area features a love seat, chair, two tables and an animal print rug. The bath has gold walls, dual sinks, soaking tub and walk-in shower with clear glass door.

Secondary bedrooms include a guest room, young boy's room with monkey motif, and a little girl's room with a lemonade theme. A full hall bath serves these rooms.

Also modeled and part of the Crossings series, The Dorchester with 2,317 square feet is priced from $309,990.

Visitors can also tour the Buckingham model from the Highlands series of larger single-family homes.

The community also features the Courts and Townes series of townhouses priced from $169,990 with decorated models.

To visit Prescott Mill, take I-88 to Route 59 south to 95th Street, west to 248th Street, south to Wolf's Crossing and west to the community on the right. The sales centers and models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily or by appointment. The single-family sales center is located at 414 Baker Court. For more information, call (888) 539-1530. The townhouse sales center is located at 412 Valentine Way. For more information on the townhouses, call (888) 539-1531 and for either visit www.pulte.com.

Price range: $299,990 to $319,990

Square footage: 2,198 to 2,499

Schools: Churchill Elementary, Karl Plank Junior High and Oswego East High schools in Oswego Unit District 308

Parks: Oswegoland Park District