Couple back at home in new Libertyville community

Beverley and Gary Franzen couldn't stay away from Libertyville. They tried, but they couldn't do it.

After a short time away, they moved back to their hometown.

But by this time they had sold their former home and needed a new one. So the Franzens looked around and decided on Victoria Park, an active-adult community with 52 townhouses being developed by Residential Homes of America Inc.

"When we returned to Libertyville a couple of years ago, we visited Victoria Park and fell in love with the community. It really had everything we wanted: a great location in Libertyville that would allow us to be close to our daughter and to shopping, a quality builder, and a great value as well," Gary said. "We were among the first residents of the community when we moved in during the fall of 2006."

Victoria Park offers buyers like the Franzens a quiet and exclusive setting for those 55 and older who are looking for the very best in active-adult living. The community has townhouses available in both ranch and two-story designs, priced from $329,990, with professionally decorated and fully furnished models open daily. An on-site clubhouse features an exercise center and social gathering space.

RHA has three spacious townhouse floor plans at Victoria Park that range in size from 1,768 to 2,172 square feet. One even has a first-floor master bedroom. The homes feature two bedrooms, a den, up to 2 baths, full basements and attached two-car garages.

Every home also features a luxury master suite with one or more walk-in closets and a private full bath, nine-foot first-floor ceilings, central air conditioning and hardwood or ceramic tile in the kitchen, entry foyer and powder room.

Spacious kitchens feature 42-inch cabinets, built-in microwaves and ovens with separate cook tops, along with center islands or peninsulas.

The Franzens chose the Liberty floor plan, a comfortable ranch layout that measures 1,768 square feet. It has two bedrooms, a den, two full baths, a full basement and a two-car attached garage. They liked this plan because it was easily accessible and had a wonderful layout, along with the flexibility of a full basement.

"Beverley designed the layout for our basement, which includes a large bedroom, her quilting room, an office, a full bath and a large storage area. We took her plans to RHA and they were more than happy to finish the basement to our specifications. It was fantastic moving into our new home and having a fully finished basement that practically doubled the size of our home," Gary said.

On the main level of their Liberty, the Franzens have a bright kitchen with a center island and breakfast room, which opens into a sun room. The couple uses this space as a television and sitting room. They have solid surface counters in the kitchen, deluxe tile in their baths and hardwood floors throughout much of the main level.

Another reason Gary was smitten with the community is the convenience of the on-site clubhouse, which is within walking distance of all the homes in the community.

"I really wanted a clubhouse and find myself using the exercise room quite often. I also enjoy the walking paths to and from the clubhouse," he said.

A lit, tree-lined walking path leads to the clubhouse, which is located at the rear of the community. The clubhouse has a furnished clubroom with fireplace and a complete fitness facility with a variety of exercise equipment. There's also meeting space, which is ideal for residents who work part time or from home, as Gary does.

Even though the Franzens spend their winter months in Florida, they said the time they spend at Victoria Park is very enjoyable because of the maintenance-free lifestyle and the great neighbors who are now their friends.

"We just love everything about living at this community. Our home is beautiful, the clubhouse is great, our neighbors are wonderful and the location is very convenient.

"Libertyville is a great place to live and Victoria Park just makes it that much more enjoyable," Gary said.

Victoria Park is located on the north side of Peterson Road (Route 137), one mile west of Milwaukee Avenue. The sales center is located at 1850 Torrey Parkway and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call (847) 367-0300 or visit www.rhahomes.com.