The soundproofing of the townhomes in Batavia’s new Deerpath Crossing development probably shouldn’t be their main selling point, but the developers, Waterford Real Estate Development Corp., are giving it a lot of play. And if you’re considering living in one of the lower-end Bradford models in this former cornfield, the so-called “sounds of silence” offered by the state-of-the-art insulation may indeed be the feature that closes the sale for you.
Of the 87 homes at Deerpath Crossing, 41 are already sold.
The Bradford is a two-story, two-bedroom townhouse with 2 1/2 bathrooms. While the interior is nicely laid out and attractive, it’s fairly narrow. The 1,337 square feet definitely go up rather than across, and though the loft styling lends the appearance of airiness, these center units feel like a tight squeeze.
The buildings themselves feature attached garage units that sit very far forward, straddling and cramping a narrow sidewalk that leads to opposing front doors. With the Bradford model, the two-car garage is standard. This garage-forward design also has the effect of limiting natural light in the ground-floor entrance and kitchen areas.
To be fair, large windows and a sliding glass door at the rear of the ground floor allow plenty of light into the back of the unit, which offers a view of the backyard greenery. The upstairs windows, as well as an optional skylight over the bathroom ($750), are unobstructed, nicely lighting up the top floor.
Formica countertops in the kitchen come standard, but little else in the model does. The stained oak cabinets and fireplace are lovely, though the latter will add a minimum of $3,000 to the base price of between $115,900 and $117,900 (depending where you are on the block). An optional air conditioning unit-it’s impossible to imagine living here without one-costs $2,400.
Congoleum tile in the kitchen is attractive and practical, and the dining area is conveniently nearby. So is the relatively compact living room area, which is improved by the volume ceiling that serves to define the unit as a loft. The first floor also features a laundry and half bath.
Outside the rear sliding doors is a small concrete patio. A wood partition separates it from its neighboring patio, while a wall of the Cambridge model that flanks each four-unit townhouse building serves to provide the patio area with a small measure of privacy.
In addition to the stained oak cabinets, other standard features in the Bradford plan include a dishwasher and gas oven/range, cultured marble bowls and vanities, a double-bowl vanity in the bath outside the master suite, vinyl siding and full sod and landscaping.
Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a semi-vaulted ceiling; the model has a view of the neighboring shopping center out the front set of windows and the neighboring townhouse out the other windows. The walk-in closet is good size, as is the bathroom off of the master bedroom, which features a preformed plastic tub and shower.
The upstairs baths, like the downstairs half bath, has no windows (unless you opt for a skylight).
The second bedroom upstairs is fairly small, and the double mirrored doors are optional at $176. The backyard view will be a bit better than the master bedroom view once the dirt lots are replaced by single-family homes under construction nearby.
Options for the Bradford include upgraded vinyl tile, ceramic tile, hardwood floors and upgraded carpet. Three variations on the loft railing are available, including a painted pine railing for $720, a stained oak railing for $900 or a stained oak railing with painted balusters for $1,100.
A monthly assessment of $75.50 provides maintenance of common areas, green spaces, walks, driveways and building exteriors; lawn cutting, shrub and tree trimming; snow removal; liability and casualty insurance for common areas; and management and administrative fees for the homeowners’ association.
Models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Deerpath Crossing is on McKee Street, west of Randall Road, in Batavia.
To visit, take the East-West Tollway (Interstate Highway 88) to Illinois Highway 31. Take 31 north to McKee Street and turn west past Randall Road to the entrance. The phone number is 708-879-4766.
