Homebuyers navigating the competitive North Shore real estate market have the opportunity to purchase a new-construction custom home in Wilmette available for immediate move-in. Recently completed by Meritus Custom Builders, the custom-build division of Deerfield, Ill.-based Meritus Homes, the home is located at 820 Oakwood Avenue in Wilmette, east of Green Bay Road and within the highly desirable Central Elementary School District.

“This part of Wilmette showcases the best of North Shore living, with access to terrific schools, Gillson Park and the Wilmette Park Beach House about a mile away, Metra and CTA stations in walking distance, and a variety of nearby shopping and dining options such as the 4th and Linden Business District,” said Brian Brunhofer, president of Meritus Custom Builders. “As Chicago’s real estate landscape heats up, buyers are acting quickly when homes hit the market in this sought-after neighborhood. This custom home is sure to catch the attention of buyers not only for its immediate availability, but also for the modern floor plan and features it offers in an area known for its older housing stock.”

Listed at $1,769,000, the six-bedroom, 5½-bath home features 4,660 square feet across four levels, including a 1,200-square-foot finished lower level. Walnut-stained 3¼-inch site-finished oak floors run throughout the first floor, which features an open design with a formal living room and dining room at the front of the home, a den outfitted with stained oak trim detail and a coffered ceiling, and a large family room with a cathedral ceiling, masonry fireplace and built-in cabinetry at the back of the home. A mudroom entry with custom lockers and bench seating leads to a blue stone patio in the backyard.

Opening to the family room, the home’s chef’s kitchen is equipped with white custom cabinetry and contrasting island cabinetry with hand brushstroke finish in gray; white marble countertops; a professional appliance package including a six-burner range with cabinet hood and a separate warming drawer in the island; and an in-wall iPad control center for audio and temperature controls. The kitchen also features a breakfast area, as well as a butler’s pantry with white cabinetry and marble countertops carrying through from the kitchen, a wine cooler and refrigerator drawers.

“We know what custom buyers on the North Shore are looking for, and this home will check off every box on their must-have list,” said Brunhofer. “We’ve incorporated special elements and extra touches in every room, from rich, handcrafted carpentry details to practical features that will really enhance the day-to-day function of the home.”

Located on the second floor, the home’s deluxe master suite features the same 3¼-inch walnut stained oak flooring found throughout the first floor. The suite is complete with a tray ceiling, dual walk-in-closets, and a master bath with custom cabinetry and a linen tower between dual raised-height vanities, granite countertops, designer tile, an oversized spa tub, and a frameless glass-enclosed shower with rain shower head and body jets.

Also on the second floor are two secondary bedrooms, each with a private bath, and a laundry room featuring white bead-board cabinetry. The third floor features two additional bedrooms and a shared hall bath.

“Parents will appreciate the configuration of the bedrooms, since it gives them the flexibility to choose to be on the same level as younger children, or create some additional privacy for the master suite by putting the kids on the third floor,” said Brunhofer.

The finished lower level includes a media room wired for surround sound, a bar area with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, mirrored backsplash, microwave drawer and beverage center, as well as a bedroom and a full bath.

“This area is designed for entertaining, but it’s also a great space for younger kids to play, teenagers to hang out, or for families to enjoy movie night together,” said Brunhofer. “And with the bedroom and bath downstairs too, homeowners can give some privacy to guests, an au pair, or let college-age kids claim some space of their own.”

The home is located less than a half mile from highly acclaimed Central Elementary School, and is also served by sought-after New Trier High School.

In addition to the home at 820 Oakwood Avenue, Meritus Custom Builders also has a custom home available for immediate move-in at 556 Hawthorn Lane in Winnetka. For more information on Meritus Custom Builders and available homes, call Brian Brunhofer at (847) 707-7307 or visit www.MeritusCustomBuilders.com.

About Meritus Homes and Meritus Custom Builders
Meritus Homes and Meritus Custom Builders were founded by homebuilding veterans Brian and Karen Brunhofer. The couple has more than 30 years of combined homebuilding experience, during which time they led teams that delivered more than 10,000 homes to the Chicago area. Meritus Homes and Meritus Custom Builders have built homes in many of Chicago’s most sought-after communities, including St. Charles, Long Grove, Park Ridge, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, Inverness and Naperville.