Highland Woods welcomes new builder, neighborhood

M/I Homes presents Meadows Edge, the newest neighborhood in Highland Woods, a clubhouse community on the west side of Elgin.

Highland Woods, developed by Crown Community Development, features 12 neighborhoods and 196 acres devoted to parks, preserved wetlands and lavishly landscaped green space.

The clubhouse complex has an adult lap pool, children's pool, fitness center, child activity area and locker and shower areas. Other features include competition-quality tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and miles of nature trails and jogging paths.

"We are very pleased to add M/I Homes to the outstanding homebuilders represented at Highland Woods because our philosophies are complementary and an excellent fit," said Hugh Smeed, vice president of Crown Community Development.

Located near the bustling Randall Road corridor, Highland Woods sits three miles west of Randall Road on the north side of Lake Street.

The Meadows Edge neighborhood of 145 single-family homes offers seven floor plans, including a ranch plan, with two to four bedrooms, two to 31/2 baths, full basements and two- or three-car garages. Amenities include a neighborhood park with playground equipment, wetland area and a green belt border, as well as rolling land suitable for walkout and lookout basements.

"Buyers should take special note of the deluxe inclusions in these homes as well as their flexibility," said Ron Martin, a Chicago native and area president for M/I Homes. "Each floor plan has exciting architectural features while maintaining practical designs for today's families."

The two-story Torrey model is priced from $319,990 and features 2,667 square feet, four bedrooms, 21/2 baths, full basement and three-car garage.

The Torrey model home features a warm and inviting interior well-suited for a move-up family with young children. Eggplant, emerald green and cream combine for a rich color scheme that complements the home's dark wood flooring.

A covered porch brings you into the foyer that flows into the living and dining rooms. The living room features transitional furnishings with a dark espresso wood finish and clean lines, while columns define the dining room with coffered ceiling and crown molding. A butler pantry will allow homeowners to entertain with ease.

Outfitted with the latest amenities, the kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, stone backsplash, a central work island and walk-in pantry. In the breakfast nook, sliding glass doors lead to the outside deck. A morning room with two walls of windows has black woven furnishings.

Topped with a cathedral ceiling, the family room features a media center, cream sofa, love seat and two leather chairs. Windows flank the stone fireplace with wood mantel and raised hearth.

In a cozy corner, the den with built-ins features a golf theme. A half bath is nearby.

A laundry room with sink and cabinets sits off the rear service foyer, where optional built-ins will store coats, book bags and other items.

The master bedroom features a tray ceiling, four-poster bed, media center with plasma TV and his-and-hers walk-in closets. The private bath has double-bowl vanities, tub with ceramic tile deck, and walk-in shower with clear glass door.

Other bedrooms with walk-in closets feature a skateboarding theme and an "American Idol" motif. Another room is shown as a hobby room with built-ins, sewing table and scrap booking materials. A full hall bath serves secondary bedrooms.

Another model, the two-story Augusta priced from $339,990, features 3,144 square feet, four bedrooms, 21/2 baths, full basement and three-car attached garage. This move-up home, geared for a couple with older children, has a custom feel with a lot of natural materials, textures and faux finishes. The model shows a Ralph Lauren traditional décor in chocolate, coral and cream.

A two-story foyer with plant shelf and art niche extends an intimate welcome to guests. Columns accent the living and dining rooms where faux finish, crown molding and wainscoting show the fine workmanship seen throughout the home. A bay window allows light in the dining room where a table is dressed and ready to serve guests.

The kitchen features a work island with built-in wine rack, mosaic tile backsplash and walk-in pantry. Stone arched columns between the nook and family room add drama to the space.

A wall of windows draws light into the family room while the stone fireplace with raised hearth provides a focal point around which the family can gather. For recreation, there's a pool table in the adjacent game room.

Upstairs, twin computer stations occupy the loft.

Topped with a tray ceiling, the master suite offers a serene escape. A sleigh bed with leather headboard and ivory spread furnish the room, which includes a reading area and his-and-hers walk-in closets. The bath features double vanities, corner tub with window and walk-in shower with clear glass doors.

Secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets include a guest room, boy's room with a Fighting Illini theme and a girl's room with a chocolate and pink palette.

A full hall bath serves secondary bedrooms. A large laundry room has a sink and lots of cabinets.

Other floor plans include Hampton from $289,990 with 2,209 square feet, also modeled; Victoria from $284,990 with 1,871 square feet; Pinehurst from $279,990 with 2,050 square feet; Andrews from $302,990 with 2,420 square feet; and Waterford from $329,990 with 2,843 square feet.

To reach the community, travel three miles west of Randall Road on Route 20 (Lake Street) to the community entrance on the north side. Sales center hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, call (630) 405-4753 or visit CrownCommunities.com or mihomes.com.