Sun Publications , New Homes section
May 21, 2004

Recent retirees take scenic route to The Townes of Prestbury

"We didn't exactly plan our move the way it turned out," said Barb Meyer, a resident of The Townes of Prestbury in Sugar Grove. "It just evolved."

Evolution is perhaps a modest description of Ken and Barb Meyer's move to The Townes of Prestbury. It is a game plan that other home buyers might want to use when plotting their own moves.

"Ken recently retired and we decided to move from our large family home in Lisle when someone rang our doorbell and wanted to purchase our home," Barb said. "We started looking for a more carefree home here in the Chicago area where two of our three children live. We became acquainted with Kensington Homes through the Hobson Villas in Naperville, the place where we first considered buying."

"When we heard that Kensington Homes had model homes at The Townes of Prestbury in Sugar Grove, we visited that community and were drawn to the country setting, the quality architecture and construction and the elegant floor plans with first-floor master bedrooms."

The Meyers' Lisle home sold quickly and the new owners were anxious to move in, so Barb and Ken made their selections for their new Kensington home, and migrated to Florida until their new home was built.

"The team at Kensington Homes was so helpful to us, guiding us through our many choices," Barb said. "We started the process in August and had several meetings with team members. We really grew to trust them, which was especially important since we were going to be back and forth between Florida and Chicago. We made most of our choices before we left, but while in Florida, we made a few changes to our selections, and these were efficiently handled by phone and fax. Kensington was very accurate on the February delivery date, and we were delighted when we saw our home. Everything was just the way we wanted it to be."

Now happily residing in Prestbury, Barb and Ken are enjoying the Danbury floor plan. The Danbury floor plan is a light, airy design with an inviting sunny atmosphere and can be expanded to 1,954 square feet. The Danbury is a two-bedroom home with 12-foot ceilings, 1.5 baths, formal living and dining areas, great room, spacious kitchen with island and breakfast nook and two-car garage. Barb and Ken opted for a second-floor guest suite with a private bath, for a total of three bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

"With three children and 10 grandchildren, we want to have plenty of space for entertaining and overnight guests, and our home gives us those opportunities," Barb said. "In addition, we have a beautiful homesite that looks onto a park area with mature trees and the golf course in the background. We have views of nature and plenty of privacy, and we hope to use that golf course soon. It is great to have a beautiful setting and landscaping without having to maintain it."

In addition to the second floor with its bedroom and bath and a light, airy look-out basement, Barb and Ken's major upgrades included deluxe kitchen cabinets, granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, staircase trim and a larger deck.

Looking back on a whirlwind year, Barb and Ken are thrilled with their new lifestyle.

"It was emotional leaving our home of 25 years in Lisle but now we are very happy that we've done it," Barb said. "We have the freedom to travel and to spend time with family and friends. We look forward to using the recreational amenities of the Prestbury community and to make new friends here in our own neighborhood."

The Townes of Prestbury includes just 44 townhomes and approximately 60 percent are already sold. Current base prices range from $215,990 to $244,990 for homes with basements and two-car attached garages, and with the array of customizing options, the homes are typically valued in the high $300,000s. Look-out basements and second floor guest suites are available as options. A selection of wooded sites is available this spring, and Kensington Homes offers a reservation program to help determine who has first choice of the most desirable homesites remaining in the community.

Part of a planned community that centers on Prestbury's Bliss Creek Golf Course and is bordered by the Kane County Forest Preserve, the townhomes include access to a pool and tennis courts as part of the association fee. Densely wooded preserve areas with two large ponds enhance the setting and a neighborhood park plus hiking and bicycling paths are additional attractions. The Townes of Prestbury is also close to Interstate 88, Naperville and the Fox River Valley.

Four home designs range in size from 1,415 to 1,780 square feet with two bedrooms and two baths.

Custom-influenced details included in the price of the homes are 12-foot main-floor ceilings with volume ceilings in some areas per plan; stone-look ceramic tile floors in foyers and master baths; kitchens with furniture-quality cabinets, islands with snack bars, walk-in pantries, and Whirlpool appliances including a microwave.

Distinctive exteriors feature covered porches, architecturally interesting gabled rooflines and dormers, brick accents and custom-influenced trim details.

Download a PDF file of this article
Return to the In the News page