Hughes News

Basement Views, Now Free

Basement views, quite an oxymoron. How could a basement, typically an underground space with window wells, have views? Enter the English basement, which Wiseman-Hughes Enterprises is now offering at no additional cost at Windett Ridge in Yorkville.

Windett Ridge is a community of 277 single-family homes on 1/4 to 1/2 acre homesites, much larger sites than the typical new-home community. For a limited time, buyers will receive an English Basement, valued up to $7,500, free.

An English basement or look out basement is where a portion of the basement is above grade in the rear of the home and provides typical windows rather than basement window wells the rear of the lower level or basement of the home is slightly above ground level. Wiseman Hughes includes in its English basements, standard poured 8-foot walls and additional full size windows which offer views of the backyard.

According to Gail Payonk, director of marketing for Wiseman Hughes, an English basement adds tremendous living opportunities to the home, especially when the space is finished.

"Buyers love the amount of natural light an English basement brings to the lower level," she said. "This space is so large it often becomes a recreation room, den, and hobby area. It's the ideal space for teenagers to just hang out. And right now, it's free for our buyers."

Payonk added that the Windett Ridge site has quite a bit of rolling terrain, which lends itself well to offering English basements. "It's rare to find a community in this area offering English basements. Our home prices, under $300,000, beat our competition hands down when comparing similar features. We decided to include the English basements just to drive that point home," Payonk concluded.

The five single-family plans at Windett offer 2,190 to 3,048-square-feet with three to five bedrooms, 2-1/2 to four baths and two or three-car garages. Full basements, four-season rooms, mid-level dens and luxury master suites are available. Wiseman Hughes also allows buyers to customize their home to their desired preferences. Base prices range from $241,200 to $291,200.

Five models feature designs of traditional, eclectic, country French and contemporary interiors are available for touring.

Windett Ridge is in the charming river town of Yorkville, population 6,189 and the county seat of Kendall County. Bi-monthly, the mayor invites all for coffee and an open forum at a local eatery.

Yorkville is also home to the Silver Springs State Park and Lyon Historical Farm and Village. Harris Forest Preserve is also nearby Windett Ridge. Children attend Yorkville elementary, middle and high school, located in district 115 and within minutes of the community.

Standard features at Windett Ridge include: brick front, two or three-car garages per plan; nine-foot, first-floor ceilings; ceramic tile or hardwood flooring in the foyer; six panel Colonist doors and trim; Colonial oak railings; structured wiring; furniture-quality 42-inch cabinets with crown molding; Brushed nickel Schlage premium door hardware, Whirlpool appliances and deluxe soaker tubs.

The community boasts large home sites, some upward to 16,000 square feet, bike-paths, pond views and a biking path that winds through the neighborhood.

Energy efficient features include 80 percent gas-forced-air furnaces, 50-gallon water heaters, Tyvek house wrap, R-38 and R-13 insulation, weather-stripped exterior doors and windows, low E windows and sliding glass doors with argon gas and drywall and fire taped garages.

To reach Windett Ridge take Rte. 34 to Rte. 71 west, turn south on Rte. 47 to the site on the east side of Rte. 47. Or take Int. 88 west to Rte. 47, south to the site.

The sales office is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 6p.m.
Call (630) 553-2510 or visit www.wisemanhughes.com.