A few weeks back, I wrote a story for the Sunday Real Estate section about the increasing popularity of screened-in porches, sunrooms, covered decks and even decorated “outdoor rooms” in new homes. Many home buyers, it seems, want to let the sunshine–and the air and the views–into their inner living spaces.
Well, yes. But, I sure did underestimate the desire for sunrooms in particular.
Little did I know then, for example, that some of the sales personnel at Pulte Homes’ new subdivision in West Dundee are amazed when a buyer doesn’t add on the optional sunroom, even though that can add an extra $12,000 to $15,000 to the home’s base price.
In fact, “Only two buyers of the 28 who’ve signed contracts for homes to be built at Pulte’s Enclave of Carrington Reserve did not add on a sunroom,” said Nikki Schellhase, a Pulte sales consultant.
Take the 2,100 square foot Hansbury, base-priced at $282,990, for example: It’s the most popular of the three models; half of all buyers who’ve bought homes have chosen this floor plan and, yes, most have added sunrooms.
It’s easy to see why, because it is the most appealing and well-designed plan of the three models. The architects wisely put the living spaces at the back of the house, meaning the great rooms, kitchens and master bedrooms are away from the street and, at the Enclave, those living areas can look out at a wonderfully inviting view.
About half of the community’s 87 sites face an open space of wetlands, a winding creek plus trees and bushes that have been around for a while. What a backyard!
(The rest of the sites face each other or line up along Higgins Road).
The Enclave is Pulte’s third “age-targeted” community open for sales in the Chicago area, but the first to concentrate only on single-family detached homes. “Age-targeted” is marketing-speak for older buyers without designating specific ages.
The company’s Manchester Lakes Club in Algonquin has 119 “attached ranch” homes (meaning one-story town homes); Creekside Villas, also in Algonquin, has 89 town homes. Pulte’s marketing specialist, Toni Pokora, says generally 80 percent of the “targeted” buyers are 55 and over, with the rest in the 30 to 54 age bracket.
In the planning stages is a community that is age-restricted, not merely age-targeted, to “active adults,” which means one of buyers of each home must be 55 or older. This development of 1,050 single-family ranch homes in Elgin will be called Edgewater.
Very obviously, Pulte has heard the call of seniors who want to stay fairly close to their kids and grandkids, as well as the Baby Boomers and their younger siblings who are possibly downsizing or looking for a freer lifestyle. And, the company is investing heavily in building what this market wants.
Pulte is the world’s largest home builder and last year acquired Del Webb Corp., long known for its over-55 resort communities. Those factors make Pulte’s commitment to mature home buyers doubly significant.
What seems to attract “targeted” buyers to the Enclave? One-floor living (there’s only a single two-story model and not many have sold); year-round outdoor maintenance; and options that add space.
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Pulte must figure these “targets” aren’t too interested in having a clubhouse and the varied activities offered in a typical over-55 community.
All three of the models include optional rooms (and some hefty upgrades). The Hansbury has both and it’s clear to see why prospects would flip once they set foot in the home’s wide, long foyer: The view’s a straight shot through the 18-by-23-foot great room and into the sunroom, which adds another 133 square feet and more than adequate space for a sofa, varied small tables and some chubby side chairs.
The room expands the feeling of spaciousness and adds wonderful daylight.
When you walk through the Hansbury’s front door, you enter an inviting foyer. To one side is the library (call it anything you want–den, home office–because it will be the room you want it to be).
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As you walk toward the back of the house, there is a full bath (good placement for use as the powder room) and a bedroom. Next to the bedroom is the semi-enclosed formal dining room (with a door to the kitchen).
Mentally, move back to the front of the home: On the other side of the foyer, opposite the library, you passed the indoor wall of the garage, then the door to the large laundry room (and a big guest coat closet) as well as the open staircase to the basement.
Now, you’re in that great room which, on one side, opens to a breakfast nook (that’s almost as large as the formal dining room) and is partially open to a U-shaped kitchen.
The plan offers a great use of open space and these essential living spaces are designed to take advantage of light and views.
In case you think I forgot the master suite, it’s also at the back of the house (which would make it adjacent to the great room).
It’s big, has a huge walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with enclosed toilet and double sinks.
Enclave of Carrington Reserve
Address: 2903 Exeter Ct., West Dundee
Developer: Pulte Homes, Illinois Division
Phone: (847) 783-4600
Description: An age-targeted community of 87 single-family homes on 69 acres including mature wooded areas, natural wetlands and a creek. Ranch and two-story homes with two or three bedrooms, 2 or 2 1/2 baths; first-floor master suite; brick front exterior, partial basement, two-car garage.
Amenities: Nine-foot first-floor ceilings; wood plank or ceramic foyer; carpeting; interior sprinkler system; 42-inch kitchen cabinets; range, dishwasher, disposal; master bath walk-in shower and soaking tub.
Prices: Base-priced from $262,990 to $329,990 with 1,704 to 2,565 square feet (not including basement); estimated $127 monthly outdoor maintenance fee.
Neighborhood: North of Interstate Highway 90, east of Randall Road on Illinois Highway 72; near golf courses, parks, pools, supermarkets and health care centers.