Long-time Libertyville residents downsize in style in a Samuels Homes townhome at Victoria Park

Sandy and Ron Adams have lived and worked in Libertyville for 41 years before deciding to take life a bit easier in a townhome with a carefree lifestyle. A year ago, they moved into a ranch townhome at Victoria Park, where Samuels Homes is offering 12 luxury townhomes for those 55 and more.

"We wanted to stay in Libertyville, which is a wonderful community where we have strong connections, and where Ron's Civil Engineering business is located," said Sandy Adams. "However, there are only a few good options for empty-nester housing, and only one that is truly designed for buyers over 55. When we heard that Victoria Park was being built by Jeff Samuels, that's when we decided it would be an ideal choice.

"We had known Jeff Samuels, president of Samuels Homes, for many years, and were aware of his excellent reputation as a custom homebuilder of single-family homes. Jeff makes the option of having a custom townhome affordable. Since we were familiar with both Victoria Park and Jeff, it made our decision much easier," she said.

Sandy and Ron are pleased with their choice and what has been a smooth transition.

"Victoria Park is only five minutes from downtown Libertyville and we're close to family and friends. We also found that Jeff Samuels is very easy to work with. He'll make any changes that buyers want to their home and interior features, but he let us make the decisions and never pressured us. With his creativity and experience, he can do just about anything a buyer could want," she said.

Because of the high quality of the inclusions that are standard in the homes, Sandy and Ron didn't make many changes.

"We were delighted with the end location of our ranch, and the open floor plan with many windows and light," Sandy said. "We made a few changes in the kitchen, chose a different wood stain for the floors and added wood flooring to the master bedroom. We finished half of the large basement, and added a beverage bar with a sink. The result is an ideal amount of space and a living environment that is very pleasing to us."

"We enjoy walking with our dog along the scenic path that surrounds the Victoria Park neighborhood, and we stop and visit with neighbors whenever we're outdoors," Sandy said. "The community also includes a very nice clubhouse with fitness facilities, a great room with stone fireplace, a catering kitchen and meeting room. This is a very friendly place with a mix of

ages within the 55-and-older set, and many long-time Libertyville residents have chosen to downsize here."

Just two ranch plans remain available, while some buyers are opting for a two-story plan with a first-floor master bedroom and additional space to accommodate family members and guests. The townhomes include full basements.

Each building includes four residences, including a ranch plan in an end-of-building location and a pair of two-story homes. The buildings boast the same upscale exteriors as the other townhomes in the community, along with freshly reconfigured and enhanced interior. Both designs include gourmet kitchens with a choice of furniture quality cabinets, solid oak flooring or ceramic tile in the kitchens, foyers and powder rooms, master baths with deluxe showers, bathrooms with ceramic tile and marble vanity tops with undermount bowl sinks, full basements that can be finished as an option, patios and two-car garages with openers. The homes are priced from the low $400,000s.

The Carlyle ranch includes 1,700 square feet of living space, two bedrooms, two full baths, optional den, covered porch and private side entry.

Equally attractive with its first-floor master bedroom, the 2,270-square-foot Normandy has two bedrooms and a den, 2 ½ baths, two-story great room and dining room and gourmet kitchen on the main floor. Upstairs, the Normandy offers two more bedrooms, a large loft and Jack and Jill bath.

Victoria Park is on the north side of Route 137 (Peterson Road), just west of Milwaukee Avenue, and within walking distance from a shopping area that includes Sunset Foods, restaurants and a bank. The community is near the Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve, and is close to the eateries, shopping and other attractions of downtown Libertyville.

Samuels Homes, a well-respected custom home builder in the northern suburbs for more than 35 years, is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail and personalized service. Please call Jeff Samuels at (847) 417-3170 for more information or an appointment. Also visit samuelshomes.com. Like Samuels Homes on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter.