Architectural features enhance ranch living
Today's ranch homes are both elegant and practical.
Wiseman-Hughes Enterprises remedies the lackluster exteriors and entryways of traditional ranch homes by including architectural features such as varied rooflines, porches and optional bay windows. Foyers also contribute to the luxury feel that was missing from some ranches of the past.
The developer maximizes two benefits of ranch homes that separate them from their multi-story rivals. Open floor plans instead of the small rooms of traditional ranch homes. Wiseman-Hughes ranches are designed so that each of the major rooms flows into the next. They also feature oversized windows that add to the open feel.
The new ranch plans are also designed to serve multiple purposes. Family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and optional four-season rooms adapt to the lifestyle of the homeowners.
"People who are used to the ranches of the 1950s and walk into our models are bowled over," says Gail Payonk, marketing director for Wiseman-Hughes. "Through careful planning, we've managed to maximize the traditional benefits of ranches and create exterior and entry appeal as well."
The 2,190-square-foot Hickory ranch, available at Ashcroft Place in Oswego, is base-priced at $299,900 and includes three bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage. The exterior features aesthetic brick, gabled roofs, shutter-framed windows. The master bedroom is segregated from the other two bedrooms. In addition to a dining room, breakfast/kitchen area, and laundry room, there is a great room.
The 2,190-square-foot three-bedroom two-bath Windett base-priced at $273,200 and available at Windett Ridge in Yorkville, comes with 9-foot first-floor ceilings, a ceramic tiled entry and a great room with access to the breakfast area and island kitchen. It also has a brick exterior and two-car garage.
An optional fireplace, skylights, and media wall highlight the great room. The master suite includes an enlarged bath with a separate shower and walk-in closet. A three-car garage and Wiseman-Hughes' signature four-season room are options. Also included are a two-car garage and basement.
The 1,789-square-foot Ellwood at Devonaire Farms in DeKalb, base-priced at $230,500, has three bedrooms, two baths, 9-foot first-floor ceilings, a great room that opens to the kitchen and breakfast area, as well as a brick exterior and two-car garage. The kitchen includes a breakfast bar. The flexible open design includes a wide foyer and archway that frame the view to the dining room, great room and breakfast areas.
The master bedroom and two additional bedrooms are secluded on one side of the house. One of the bedrooms can function as a den and the basement can be finished for additional living space.
To reach Ashcroft Place, take Ogden Avenue (Route 34) to Route 71. Follow Route 71 to Plainfield Road. Turn south on Plainfield Road and drive one mile to the site. For more information, call (630) 551-4058.
To reach Windett Ridge take Route 34 to Route 71 west, turn south on Route 47 to the site.
To visit Devonaire Farms, take I-88 west to Annie Glidden Road north. Turn west at Taylor Street/Malta Road and drive a half-mile to site. For more information, call (815) 787-1025.
Sales office hours for all three communities are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Visit the Web site at www.wisemanhughes.com.