New Huntley subdivision offers panoramic views
Homebuyers who want easy, stair-free living must visit Henning Estates where luxury ranch homes sit on one-third-acre homesites in the beautiful Huntley countryside.
The new-home community by Rock Creek Homes presents 103 ranch homes on 110 acres with each home backing to mature woods, scenic wetlands or tall grass prairie.
We believe ranch homes are becoming more popular because people are tired of climbing stairs every day, said Ryan VanLue, president/founder of Rock Creek Homes. "Also ranches allow architects the freedom to put volume or dramatic vaulted ceilings in every room because they won't impact rooms on the second floor."
The builder also took advantage of the community's scenic surroundings. "We made sure the backyard of every home opens up to some sort of green space," VanLue said. "The result of this effort is that homeowners will hardly ever look out their back windows and see the backyard of another home."
Windows also play a role in homes' exteriors. "The days are long gone when front windows of a ranch consisted of a picture window in the living room and two tiny windows in the bedrooms," VanLue said. "All of our ranches feature dramatic windowscapes."
Surrounded by protected prairie land, homeowners will enjoy natural beauty, wildlife, scenic views, peace and privacy and freedom from city entrapments and congestion.
Open only a month, the community has already sold one home and has a deposit on another.
The South Haven model is priced from $396,900 and features 2,260 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, great room, formal dining room, study, basement and two-car or optional three-car garage.
A stone masonry exterior and dramatic roofline with architectural grade shingles and a variety of gables, hips, valleys and copper flashing give this home excellent curb appeal.
With a traditional interior, the home features an open layout, dramatic windows and hardwood oak floors finished on site.
Columns define the oversized dining room that shows a volume ceiling and decorative molding. A floral arrangement tops the large table while a mirror hangs above the credenza.
A full-height, stone masonry fireplace highlights the great room and sits against a burnt umber wall. A cathedral ceiling adds drama and an area rug texture. Topped with red and gold pillows, a dark chocolate sofa and two red and gold chairs provide a pleasant seating arrangement around the fireplace.
Also topped with a cathedral ceiling, the kitchen shows upgraded GE stainless steel appliances, glazed cherry cabinetry topped with granite and breakfast bar with pendant lighting. The sink overlooks the great room living space.
A round table set for five sits in the breakfast area where windows provide scenic views of the outdoors. The room accesses the patio.
With a feeling of the outdoors, the four-season room features artwork of birds, leaves and also accesses the patio. Sage walls contrast with white trim and diagonally installed floor tile. An area rug complements the outdoors theme.
In the front of the home off the foyer, French doors open to a study or home office. Front windows brighten the space.
The home features a split style with the common living spaces separating the master suite from the secondary bedroom and hall bath.
With chocolate brown walls, the master suite showcases a fabulous four-poster king-size bed topped with a silk spread. Plenty of windows allow an abundance of natural light into the room. The room also includes a large walk-in closet.
The luxury bath features European height vanity with oil rubbed bronze fixtures, soaking tub with ceramic tile deck and walk-in shower with ceramic tile surround and private commode.
On the opposite side of the home, the second bedroom, or guest room, is shown in a girl's theme with a pink, black and white color scheme, a pink and white spread and a distressed wood chest of drawers.
At the garage entry, there's a closet, laundry room and multipurpose bonus space that offers several possibilities for homeowners.
Other available floor plans include Brunswick, priced from $378,400 with 2,023 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths, formal dining room, pocket study and basement. The Newcastle is priced from $347,400 and features 1,803 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths, formal dining room, screened porch and basement. This home will be furnished as a second model home and will be open by the end of January.
Homebuyers can modify any available floor plan to their desires. Most of the homesites are suitable for a home with a walkout or lookout basement.
Henning Estates is located on Church Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 20 and two miles north of I-90. Visitors can tour the model home from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For information, call (847) 338-3821 or visit rockcreekhomesil.com.
Price range: $347,400 to $396,900
Square footage: 1,803 to 2,260
Schools: Riley Elementary School in Riley Elementary District 18 and Marengo High School in Marengo High School District 154
Parks: Huntley Park District