With the introduction of a new single-family floor plan priced under $200,000, J. Lawrence Homes is offering homebuyers at Ambry Estates in Lynwood, Ill., even more choices in home design. In addition to several two-story plans and one ranch plan, Ambry Estates now offers the split-level Sutherland, which includes three bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage and an unfinished lower level. It is priced from $199,900.
“Split-level homes like the Sutherland are a bit of a blast-from-the-past, but one that our buyers are happy to see return with modern features and stylish details,” says John Wozniak, president of Wheaton, Ill.-based J. Lawrence Homes. “Younger buyers with families of their own have fond memories of growing up in similar homes, and many downsizers remember raising their children in a split level, so they love the nostalgic idea of returning to their roots.
“And the price, which is under $200,000, makes the Sutherland pretty attractive, too,” he says.
However, Wozniak noted that the biggest reason for adding a split level floor plan to Ambry Estates is because of the versatile and practical layout it offers.
Like the classic split level that became popular in the 1950s and ‘60s, the 1,500-square-foot Sutherland offers two nearly equal-sized levels joined by a short flight of stairs in the center of the home. On the main level, buyers will find an entry foyer, open living and dining room and a separate eat-in kitchen with a pantry and optional preparation island.
Up a short flight of stairs are a shared hall bath and three bedrooms, including two secondary bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and private bath with dual bowl vanity.
“The half flight of stairs that separates the main and upper levels gives just the right amount of privacy while still maintaining the feeling that everything is relatively close,” says Wozniak.
For even more room, buyers can upgrade to a finished lower level, which features a family room, full bath, a den/guest room, two storage closets and an oversized laundry area with a laundry sink. This finished lower level option adds 750 square feet of living space.
“This plan would be a great choice for a variety of buyers,” says Wozniak. “It offers a number of features that are attractive to a family, such as plenty of closets, an eat-in kitchen and the optional family room. And because the Sutherland has minimal stairs and plenty of space for entertaining it also appeals to downsizers, who might not need the extra family room space.”
Buyers can choose from three exterior elevation options for the Sutherland, each of which has the appearance of a ranch home with a ground-level entrance. “That’s one big change we made compared with the traditional appearance of a split level home. We made it a little more timeless and classic with a contemporary exterior design, which buyers really seem to like,” Wozniak says.
He notes that buyers at Ambry Estates have been very pleased with the homes’ high level of included features and finishes. All homes include nine-foot first-floor ceilings; Mohawk® carpeting; GE® kitchen appliances; master bedroom suites with private baths and walk-in closets; two-story foyers, per plan; a professional landscape package; and brick exteriors. Homes in the Premiere series also offer oak railings, island kitchens, volume ceilings in the master bedroom, and deluxe master baths with a separate shower and soaking tub.
Ambry Estates offers 93 estate-style homes in two home series – the Classics, which features five plans, including the Sutherland plan, and the Premiere Series, which offers four plans, all of which are two stories. Homes measure 1,500 to 3,354 square feet and have two to five bedrooms and two to three baths. For a limited time, the Wheaton-based developer is offering special pre-construction pricing, with base prices ranging from $199,900 to $314,900.
The community is also offering a special chef’s delight kitchen package or an outdoor living landscape and patio package, both of which are a $10,000 value.
Wozniak adds that just as nostalgic as the split level design of the Sutherland is the small-town charm offered by the village of Lynwood. “This is the type of quaint community that people often think no longer exists. But here, neighbors are friends and there is a true sense of belonging among the residents. It’s a long-established village and a place that a variety of people are proud to call home,” he said.
Lynwood is located roughly 30 miles southeast of Chicago, along the Indiana border. The village is less that 10 minutes from the intersection of Interstates 80, 94 and 294 and residents have access to Metra service in neighboring South Holland and Homewood, offering an easy commute to Chicago, the south suburbs and northwest Indiana.
To visit Ambry Estates, take Interstate 94 to Route 6/Torrence Avenue and head south. Turn right on Nichols Drive. The sales center is located at 2273 Nichols Drive. For more information and sales hours, call (708) 474-7070 or visit www.JLawrenceHomes.com.