Buyers in United Homes Inc.’s Royal Hill development in Algonquin don’t fit any particular demographic niche. “We have move-up and move-down buyers — a little bit of everything,” says sales associate Mary Bickness.
That’s probably why the 138-acre subdivision off Hanson Road offers both ranch and two-story homes. And that’s why the Montclare model in Royal Hill offers buyers a flexible design plan, allowing them to expand or contract the floor plans on the first and second story according to need — and budget.
The unfurnished Montclare model exhibits how this home looks expanded on both floors and offering 3,181 square feet of space.
If buyers choose to bump out only the first floor, the model measures 2,824 square feet. Electing an expansion on the first floor, or both the first and second, gives the buyer a three-car garage.
The smallest version features 2,633 square feet and a two-car garage and comes with the lowest price tag, starting at $199,900. That compares to the base on the mid-size version of $211,900, and the $219,900 base price on the largest layout.
It’s not just that buyers have flexibility expanding square footage. The Montclare design also gives buyers options on uses for the space. A room with bath on the first floor, for instance, can either be an out-of-the-way bedroom or a den or home office.
No matter which version is selected, you enter the Montclare and step into a volume foyer. Although the airy height is there, this foyer is a little bit different than those found in many new homes; that your gaze doesn’t draw upward to the second story landing above. While a second story view is possible if you look straight up, your eye more naturally gravitates to the windows and glass doors that line almost the entire back of the house.
To the left of the foyer is the living room (15 feet 4 inches by 12 feet 8 inches) and dining room (13 feet by 10 feet) combination.
The dining room leads to the kitchen (14 feet 4 inches by 16 feet 9 inches) which has an attractive boxed-bay window to accommodate a family breakfast table. One step down leads from the kitchen to the great room (19 feet by 16 feet 9 inches).
The largest room in the house, the great room features a two-story ceiling and recessed shelving for TV, VCR and other entertainment equipment. A fireplace is an option.
The expanded first floor shown in the model has a hallway off the great room that makes a turn into a room (15 feet 4 inches by 11 feet 5 inches) that can serve as a den or even a guest bedroom. A bathroom leads off that room, but is accessible only by going through the room — which may be why the builder’s literature only suggests using the room as a den. If the room were used as an extra bedroom, visitors would have to traipse through the room to use a downstairs bathroom.
The hallway off the great room also provides access to the laundry room, garage and basement.
An angled staircase which fans out wider from middle downward is also off the great room.
The staircase’s unusual design is meant for dramatic appeal. In fact, children will probably be tempted to bump or slide down the angled portion of the staircase, but otherwise it may not be used which could eventually contrast it with the more worn area of the stairs.
Going up the stairs and turning right, there’s a zig-zag hallway to the master bedroom suite. The zig-zag may not appeal to those whose taste runs to the straight and narrow, but it does allow the master suite a sense of privacy.
The master suite features his and her walk-in closets and a private compartmentalized bath with tub, separate shower and his and her vanities.
An optional sitting room (13 feet by 11 feet) with fireplace may adjoin the master suite in lieu of the fourth bedroom.
Two secondary bedrooms, which are zoned to the other side of the upstairs, share access to the full hall bath with double-bowl vanity. This bath also includes a large closet for linens.
An activity room (15 feet 4 inches by 15 feet) and larger secondary bedrooms can be added under the expanded second floor plan. Bickness says that many buyers use this extra room as a den or home office instead of a play room or activity room. Since the room has openings that overlook the great room, it can’t be considered an ultra-quiet retreat, however.
The Montclare’s exterior is traditional. Plenty of windows line the front — something that’s pleasing whether you’re sitting on the inside or driving by. Vinyl-clad insulated glass windows are standard, as well as thermal-break patio doors with insulated glass and screens, and vinyl siding.
Several of the lots available in the final 83-home phase of this development planned for 360 single-family houses back up to the Golf Club of Illinois, an 18-hole public course.
To visit Royal Hill, take Interstate Highway 90 to Illinois Highway 31. Go north on Illinois 31 to Algonquin Road (Illinois Highway 62), then left to Hanson Road. Turn left on Hanson to the community.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Sundays when hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 847-658-9040.
