Pennsylvania empty-nester chooses two-story townhome with ranch-style living at Victoria Park

Lynne Britt lived for 30 years in Westchester, Pennsylvania in a 3,500-square-foot ranch-style residence on two acres of land. When her husband passed away a year ago, she began to think about the next phase of her life.

"My one-level home was so sprawling that friends would tease that I should have a riding vacuum," she said. "Although I have a son, daughter-in law and grandson in Pennsylvania, I began to think about moving to Illinois where I could be close to my daughter, Debra, and my grandchildren, Allison and Matthew. When I received the encouragement of my dental student grandson, Ryan, along with the rest of my Pennsylvania family, I felt encouraged and ready to go."

Daughter Debra began to scout around the Libertyville area for likely new home communities, and when she met a resident of Victoria Park and received rave reviews on the community, she added Victoria Park to her list. Lynne flew out to start the house-hunting process.

"Victoria Park was the first place we visited and I was just delighted with the two-story model home," Lynne said. "Although we toured a few other communities, I found myself comparing them with Victoria Park, so I decided to purchase the two-story floor plan. The craftsmanship and quality appointments in the home are elegant, and the first-floor master bedroom provides one-level living on an everyday basis along with private space for visitors. In addition, if I should ever need live-in help, the privacy of the floor plan would ensure an ideal arrangement."

Lynne's new home is the 2,270-square-foot Normandy. Featuring an inviting open concept plan centering on the two-story great room, dining room and gourmet kitchen, the first floor also features the master bedroom and private bath plus a powder room. Upstairs are two more bedrooms, a large loft and Jack and Jill bath.

"The quality of the standard features that Jeff Samuels has put into these homes is so fine that I didn't really put in many extras," she said. "Jeff was very careful to match the color of the kitchen cabinets, the oak railings and the flooring for a beautifully harmonious look. Some of my neighbors have done more customizing, and they say that Jeff Samuels is very creative, easy to work with and will make any changes they desire."

Lynne and her dog Winnie have made many friends at Victoria Park.

"The neighborhood has a warm atmosphere and neighbors are friendly and care about one another," she said. "I also enjoy being close to my Libertyville family, and to be part of my grandchildren's lives. I feel safe and contented here, and all in all, it makes for a happy woman."

Samuels Homes is offering 12 luxury townhomes at Victoria Park, an already established community for those 55 and more. Half of the homes are ranches and half are the two-story designs with first-floor master bedrooms. All have 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 have 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.* Victoria Park also includes a scenic walking path that circles around the community and a clubhouse with fitness facilities, a great room with stone fireplace, a catering kitchen and meeting room.

Victoria Park is just five minutes from historic Libertyville and is on the north side of Ill. 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. The model is open weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or evenings and weekdays by appointment. Please call (847) 417-3170 for more information or an appointment. Also visit samuelshomes.com.