Patriot Commons has adult community amenities, few restrictions

It sounds like something you would do to get tickets to a popular rock concert, not to purchase a new home in a slow real estate market. But last summer Renu and V.K. Gupta camped out overnight on the porch of the Patriot Commons at The Glen sales center for an opportunity to get first choice on a townhouse there.

Knowing there were a limited number of townhouses for sale, the Guptas and 50 other potential buyers spent a chilly evening awaiting the Saturday morning grand opening.

No matter how chilly it got, the next morning it all seemed worthwhile when the Guptas were first in line to purchase a 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath end-unit townhouse overlooking The Glen's championship golf course which hosts the LaSalle Open Nationwide Tour.

Located on the last parcel of residential land in The Glen which was developed when the Glenview Naval Air Station closed, Patriot Commons features a highly desirable location and innovative home designs.

"These factors fueled the campout frenzy," says Toll Brothers' Senior Vice President Andy Stern. "This is the final opportunity to purchase a new townhouse in the region's most successful master planned community and that fact alone generated an urgency to buy."

Residents of New Jersey for many years, the Guptas moved to the Chicago area when they retired because they wanted to be close to their two sons. One lives in The Glen and the other resides in Chicago.

"This is like a homecoming," said Renu who established her roots in Deerfield many years ago. "This summer, our grandkids can ride their bikes over to our new home."

According to the Guptas, Patriot Commons has all the qualities of an adult community without any of the restrictions.

"We can be close to our family, have many recreational opportunities, live in a nice neighborhood, yet be among people of all ages," added V.K.

The Guptas wanted plenty of space to entertain family and friends, without the upkeep. So they opted for single-level living in a low-maintenance community. Since all exterior maintenance like lawn mowing and snow removal is taken care of by the homeowners association, the Guptas can now spend more time enjoying life.

Their spacious townhouse has an open floor plan with lots of windows and three balconies overlooking open green space and the golf course. Since they have an end unit the Guptas' three balconies are located on two sides -- off the dining room and study and off the master bedroom and third bedroom, promising many hours of rest and relaxation.

"We entertain a lot, so we are happy that our kitchen opens into the living and dining rooms, which will become our great room. I can prepare meals in my kitchen and visit with my guests at the same time," said Renu.

Another major benefit to living at The Glen are the many recreational opportunities such as the Glenview Park Center boasting a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor swimming pool, jogging and walking track and a gymnasium. Gallery Park surrounding Lake Glenview is adjacent to Patriot Commons and features playgrounds, gardens, athletic fields, tennis courts, walking and biking trails, and picnic areas.

The Glen is also home to wonderful restaurants, a department store and movie theater complex.

Patriot Commons is an exclusive community of 120 condominiums and townhouses within the prestigious master planned community. Centered within the community are two private landscaped courtyards with park benches, a rock garden, walkways and trellised shade canopies.

The low-maintenance townhouses priced from the upper $500,000s feature 1,750 to 2,100 square feet homes with one-or two-story living, two or three bedrooms and 2½ baths.

For those interested in condominium living, there are also low-maintenance home designs priced from the low $400,000s, featuring single-level one- or two-bedroom home designs with 1½ to two baths and 1,000 to 1,500 square feet of luxury living. Added bonuses include climate-controlled indoor parking, two elevators, a fitness center, secure storage and an entertainment room.

To visit Patriot Commons from I-94, exit Lake Avenue west for three miles and turn right on Patriot Boulevard. Go north one mile and turn left on Chestnut Avenue to the sales center. For information, call (847) 998-0400 or visit www.tollbrothers.com.