The abundance of light afforded by several tall windows, a solarium and the off-white color scheme makes a great first impression on those inspecting the townhouse model at the Coromandel development in Deerfield.
From the first step inside, the shopper is bathed in brightness that remains constant through most of the tour.
The problem is that the natural brilliance tends to overshadow some minor material flaws in the design-failings that might be not be expected in a $340,000 property, and which may not sink in until long after moving day.
When Coromandel is built out, it will include 16 single-family homes, 68 story-story townhouses and 316 condominiums. The townhouses range from $290,000 to $391,335 and from 844 to 2,352 square feet. The only model open is a 2,243-square-foot townhouse.
In the model, the 7-by-7-foot tiled foyer space leads to the two-car garage on the right, a powder room straight ahead and the rest of the first floor to the left. From that vantage point, each room-dining, kitchen, living and family-is in view, thanks to the open design.
The formal dining area allows for a full-size table and some smaller furniture. A large sliding patio door and other windows surround the space.
In the light that shines through those dining room windows, the big, cold air-return vent on a nearby wall reveals the shiny innards of metal duct work leading to the heating and cooling unit.
Next is the narrow 10- by 20-foot kitchen featuring the basic array of appliances, including a side-by-side refrigerator with automatic ice maker; garbage disposal; a dishwasher; a countertop gas range with a power-vented, microwave oven above; and a double oven. The floor is ceramic tile, and the counters have laminate top.
Cabinet and pantry space is plentiful in the kitchen, which has a smaller dining area just before reaching the family room/solarium.
Even though the kitchen cabinets are white, a long electrical outlet strip underneath one of them is tan and clashes with the color scheme.
Adjacent to the kitchen is the 17-by-20 foot living room that borders the rear of the building. A fireplace is centered on the long, solid wall, while the back edge of the room is lined with six)foot windows, inviting plenty of light and offering pleasant views of the nearby pond.
One of the townhouse’s most striking features is the solarium, an all-glass system that opens off the living room and kitchen, and that leads onto a small patio. It, too, faces the water.
Except for the kitchen, foyer and powder room, Berber carpet covers the floor, although plush can also be selected. Both styles are available in different colors.
Although the design is simple-no vaulted or cathedral ceilings here-the first floor is bright, attractive and comfortable.
The stairway with two skylights leads up to the three bedrooms and laundry room. This is the only spot in the unit where woodwork can be found-that being the rails.
The spacious, 15-by-18-foot master suite also has many windows and looks out over the small lake. The long hall to the master bath has a skylight and two large closets with all-mirror doors. There are three sliding mirrored panels per closet, and the middle one can be awkward to maneuver.
The bathroom includes a whirlpool bathtub, separate shower stall, double-sink vanity with a solid-material top and a separate toilet room with a loud fan. There is ample cabinet space and a closet.
This bathroom, like the other one on the second floor, has little in the way of wall tile; the’s some border at the top of the tub and sink areas, but that’s it.
The remaining two bedrooms are average size and contain a fair amount of closet space.
The upstairs floors are carpeted, except for the tiled bathrooms and laundry room.
According to a sales agent, options aren’t marked in this model because everything shown is standard.
Well, just about everything.
For example, the fireplace in the model is a gas unit, but the standard is a wood-burning fireplace with a gas starter.
The vertical blinds covering the many windows are not included in the price. According to the development rules, the only window treatments allowed are vertical blinds, either white or off-white. So unless buyers don’t care about privacy, they’ll have to buy blinds.
Some upgrades are available, such as basements, two-story living rooms, first-floor master bedrooms and custom countertops.
There are many attractions here, such as the handsome Georgian-style architecture, accented by the brick exterior and a shake roof; the various recreational facilities, such as pools, jogging trails and tennis courts; the terrific landscaping, including ponds and other waterways; and a Deerfield address.
Despite some of the few shortcomings, such as the lack of decorative moldings and baseboards and scant tile surfaces, empty-nesters and childless young professionals should find the unit generally attractive, spacious and functional. And there is no maintenance to worry about.
The larger units would be suitable for small families.
Monthly maintenance fees for Coromandel townhouses run from $180 to $200.
The 48-acre development is at Waukegan and Kates Roads, about a half-mile north of Lake-Cook Road. Sales office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 708-267-0600.
