McHenry subdivision now offers smaller Stimulus Series homes
Nestled within a master planned community, Liberty Trails offers ranch and two-story homes in McHenry, a small yet bustling village with a Metra station, a variety of shops and services and highly regarded schools.
Situated on Lincoln Road north of Route 120 and one mile west of Chapel Hill Road, Liberty Trails by Gerstad Builders features preserved trees and natural terrain, giving the community an earthy ambience.
"Prospective homebuyers couldn't wish for a better financial environment in which to buy a new home," said Roger Gerstad, president and CEO of Gerstad Builders. "We have dropped our pricing at Liberty Trails to the level at which we were selling homes back in 2003. This perfect storm has resulted in one of the best investment opportunities in a lifetime."
Besides its original homes, Gerstad Builders introduces a new series of four affordable, smaller, more compacted homes at Liberty Trails, Dawson Creek in Poplar Grove and Pheasant Ridge in Richmond. The four ranch and two-story plans are part of the Stimulus Series of homes priced from $180,490 to $204,99 with 1,567 to 2,030 square feet.
The two model homes open for visitors to tour represent the original homes offered, which include five ranch homes and six two-stories.
The Madison is priced from $269,490 and features 2,926 square feet and three bedrooms, including a first-floor master, loft and 21/2 baths. This model is shown with optional extended dinette/craft room and three-car garage.
A two-story foyer welcomes you into this home where hardwood floors, lots of wood, textures and earth tones give the home a warm, inviting feel.
A study with golf motif sits to the right of the foyer while the dining room occupies the space to the left. Here a wood table pairs with leather chairs for a formal dinner with guests. A wood china cabinet and pottery display finish off the room.
Straight back a stone fireplace in the two-story great room reaches to the ceiling with windows on either side while a large tan sectional accommodates the whole family.
The kitchen features white appliances, island topped with granite, pantry, ceramic tile flooring and a built-in desk with cubbies, cabinets and shelves. For light fare, the dinette shows a round glass table overlooking the patio.
In a private spot on the first floor, the master suite shows a tan spread topped with lots of pillows, wood dresser, end tables and media center. The bath offers a restful spot to soothe the mind. Natural light bathes the room that includes two walk-in closets, dual sinks, granite countertops, corner whirlpool tub with window above and walk-in shower.
A laundry room, craft room and half bath complete this floor.
Upstairs, a large loft offers flexible space for homeowners. The space shows dark chocolate draperies and horizontal painted stripes on the walls.
Two secondary bedrooms include a child's room with animal motif and walk-in closet and a room for the math whiz with a whole wall of hand-printed algebra problems.
The Jefferson, priced from $240,990, features 2,170 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths and two-car garage. This model is shown with the optional sunroom and study in lieu of a third bedroom.
This ranch home shows an ebony, pewter and ivory color scheme and lots of black and white photography throughout.
The formal living and dining rooms flank the entry showing ivory shear draperies and sofa, round wood dining table and credenza with mirror above. French doors open to the den with glass-topped table, bookcase, photos and starfish accessories.
A hall bath is wrapped in a sailing themed wallpaper.
Topped with a cathedral ceiling, the family room features a corner fireplace with mantle, cream sofa, distressed wood coffee table, plasma TV, chair and textured rug. The large room offers a perfect place for the family to hang out.
The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, sink overlooking the family room and a black wood center island. The dinette shows a wood rectangular table with four chairs while favorite things create an eye-catching display.
This home shows the optional sunroom with three walls of windows including sliding doors to the outside patio.
The master suite shows white draperies, wood dresser and blue and white paisley print spread. Homeowners can indulge their senses in the luxury bath with two closets, split vanities, whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and private commode.
A second bedroom with pewter wallpaper contrasts with the white spread and draperies.
The builder offers many options including skylights, three-car garage, fireplace, custom millwork, wood decks and English or walkout basements. Also, Gerstad Builders uses cost-effective green products wherever possible.
An annual association fee of $155 covers maintenance of entry berms, detention ponds and common grounds.
The Liberty Trails sales center is located on Lincoln Road, about one mile west of Chapel Hill Road and north of Route 120. Models are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (815) 385-4495 or visit gerstadbuilders.com.
Price range: $211,990 to $285,990
Square footage: 1,690 to 3,177
Schools: Hilltop Elementary, Duker Elementary and McHenry Middle schools in McHenry Elementary District 15 and McHenry High School East Campus in McHenry High School District 156
Parks: McHenry Parks and Recreation Department