Spacious model at Creeks Crossing in Algonquin

For a taste of the good life, visit the Monticello model home at Creeks Crossing, an enclave of 50 semi-custom homes tucked near woodlands in a rural setting with mature trees and a winding creek.

The community is set on a beautiful 40-acre site in Algonquin where the old world charm of Main Street mixes with the modern conveniences of shopping and dining along Randall Road.

The Lakeland Homes development offers eight ranch and two-story designs including a first-floor master, with three to four bedrooms, 2 to 3 baths and two- and three-car garages. All plans offer flexible space and can be customized to homeowners' desires

"We're getting a lot of rave reviews, which is exciting," said Cathy Bain, director of sales and marketing. "We have beautiful, well thought-out plans and a great location. It's close to excellent schools, great shopping, the I-90 corridor, and the beautiful Fox River amenities."

Situated in a sweet spot off Sleepy Hollow Road east of Randall Road, the community sits minutes from the I-90 corridor with easy access to Schaumburg and downtown Chicago.

The Monticello, priced from $626,900, features 4,213 square feet, four bedrooms, 3 baths, full English basement and three-car garage. Showing a transitional interior with a sage and taupe color scheme, this home is shown with several upgrades and options.

"We used a lot of natural products - stone, leather, silks - and colors based on the look of nature," Bain said. "We have such a wonderful view here. When you look out the bay window you see the natural setting with all the trees. We continued that natural theme on the inside. The feel is comfortable, yet sophisticated."

A grand two-story foyer opens to the home's formal spaces - a music room complete with baby grand piano and plenty of seating for pre-dinner entertainment, and the dining room ready for an elegant meal at the oval wood table paired with fabric chairs and topped with two globed candles.

Whether a family gathering or an elaborate soiree, this home is designed for the ultimate entertaining experience.

The showpiece kitchen, hearth room and breakfast space allows family and friends to gather and interact with the cook. A custom breakfast bar provides a hosting area, seating and more prep space while luxury amenities include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash and a wine cooler.

In the breakfast area, a rectangular table combines with cream leather chairs while silk draperies dress the windows. The hearth room with a two-sided fireplace and leather chairs offers a warm spot for after-dinner coffee.

Nature itself is the focal point in the family room where an extended bay with a wall of windows gives the room a view to savor. Columns with decorative molding define the room where sofas and chairs surround the two-sided fireplace.

French doors open to a media room with large-screen plasma TV and sectional and also to the home office. Occupants can close off each room for privacy or freedom from household noise. A large laundry room with sink and cabinets completes this level.

As you reach the upper level, a curved center wall adds interest while the loft features double computer stations and built-in bookshelves. The spacious loft separates the luxurious master suite from the other bedrooms.

A deep tray ceiling tops the master suite where a leather king-size bed covered with a silk spread sits against a sage wall. A fireplace and two chairs comprise the sitting area. The suite also includes plenty of windows with striped draperies and two custom walk-in closets. The adjoining bath features dual sinks, whirlpool tub with ceramic decking and walk-in shower with clear glass door.

A Jack and Jill bath links the two secondary bedrooms, one with a skateboarding theme done in teal and green and the other featuring hot pink and green. This level includes a hall bath with walk-in shower.

The lower space at ground level features a full bar, family room, bedroom and full bath. Doors lead to the outside patio.

Seven other floor plans, all two-stories with one ranch plan, available at Creeks Crossing include the Ashley, a ranch from $569,900 with 2,868 square feet; Bellaire from $576,900 with 3,127 square feet; Canterbury from $539,900 with 3,134 square feet; Deville from $551,900 with 3,467 square feet; Easton from $565,900 with 3,564 square feet; Heatherton from $579,900 with 3,667 square feet; and Lexington from $595,900 with 3,776 square feet.

To reach the sales center and model home at 1700 Creeks Crossing Drive, from I-90 and Randall Road, travel about four miles north on Randall Road to Longmeadow Parkway. Turn right and travel about 1 miles to Sleepy Hollow Road. Turn left and the entrance is on the right. The model is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily or by appointment. For more information, call (847) 960-2500.