Model profile: Meadow Ridge

For those who prefer the finer things in life, Meadow Ridge offers 164 luxury residences on 40 quiet acres, maintenance-free living and a parklike setting with lavish landscaping, water features and a walking-biking path around the community.

KZF Development recently raised the curtain on a brand new duplex model at the community that is comprised of townhouse and duplex designs. The new three-bedroom model features a first-floor master suite and has generated a lot of buyer interest in the past few weeks, said Suzy Friedman, president of KZF Development, developer of the community.

“Meadow Ridge is a private community targeted to people moving from large single-family homes on the North Shore,” Friedman said. “Our buyers are looking for a specific maintenance-free lifestyle as well as living in a private, gated community.”

Homebuyers have a choice of two townhouse floor plans and four duplex designs with brick exteriors and water views. Townhouses are built in clusters of four units per building while duplexes are built side-by-side in two-unit buildings. Each features two or three bedrooms, 2½ baths and two-car attached garage.

Situated at Waukegan and Founders roads in Northbrook, Meadow Ridge's premiere location, low crime rate and proximity to transportation, shopping and employment make this a very desirable community, said Shannon Gibson-Giampa of Gibson and James Properties Inc., the exclusive marketing agent for the development.

The new Residence C model is base priced from $645,000 and features more than 3,000 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, 2½ baths, bonus room and two-car garage.

An elegant foyer welcomes you into this home's open floor plan. Windows overlook a scenic pond. With a sophisticated French transitional look, the interior showcases a mix of modern pieces and traditional furnishings and is complemented with wide, oak-plank flooring with a dark walnut finish.

Off the foyer, guests will enjoy fine cuisine in the octagonal dining room that features a drop tray ceiling and walls of windows. The room reflects soft earth tones that flow throughout the home.

An arched doorway leads from the dining room into the kitchen where several unique features are sure to stir up conversation. A decorative tile with double mirror backsplash and wood hood with ornate corbels highlight the room, along with the seashell chandelier that hangs above the island.

Gleaming granite tops and hand-painted white cabinetry accented with bronze hardware crowns the island that features a wine cabinet. A table with bench seating and two chairs occupies a sunny spot in the kitchen.

Straight ahead from the entry, the great room shows a dramatic vaulted ceiling with timbered beams. A sofa and three chairs provide seating around the fireplace, which features a marble surround and white wood mantle. A long shag rug in gold tones brings a touch of whimsy to the space.

In the master bedroom, luscious silk bedding beckons homeowners to restful sleep while a spalike bath wrapped in grass cloth shows marble flooring with pewter floral inlays and Portobello mushroom hand-painted cabinetry. Split sinks with a separate vanity make it a pleasure to get ready for a night out.

The bedroom, adjoining bath and two custom walk-in closets create an adult privacy zone, which is one of the home's many luxury features.

A wood staircase with iron rails and floral patterned carpeting provides an elegant look and leads to the second level where each room displays carpeting with a different pattern.

Secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets eagerly await guests, children or grandchildren for an overnight or weekend visit.

The bonus room is furnished with a sofa, two floral print chairs and a desk. It offers many possibilities and is large enough to accommodate two functions, such as a family room and office or exercise space.

Meadow Ridge offers comfortable, private living near North Shore amenities like the Willow Festival Shopping Center, the nine-hole Willow Hill Golf Course and Five Seasons Tennis and Country Club. Also, Northbrook is knee-deep in dining options that include several popular eateries and ethnic restaurants.

KZF Development has developed more than 600 high-quality, single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums and apartment units on the North Shore since 1987.

The Meadow Ridge sales center at Waukegan and Founders roads in Northbrook is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. For more information, call (847) 559-9800.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range:</b> $495,000 to $895,000

<b>Square footage:</b> 2,243 to 3,174, plus unfinished bonus space

<b>Schools:</b> Wescott Elementary and Maple Junior High schools in Northbrook/Glenview Elementary District 30 and Glenbrook North High School in Northfield Township High School District 225

<b>Parks:</b> Northbrook Park District