Northbrook-based Red Seal Homes announces the availability of two immediate-delivery homes at Willow Lake, a community of 52 semi-attached, maintenance-free luxury residences in Lake Forest, Ill.

“Buyers don’t typically think of winter as a season to purchase a home, but these move-in-ready options are an ideal opportunity for those who want to avoid the wait associated with a new-construction build,” said Brian Hoffman, an executive with Red Seal Homes. “These inventory homes allow buyers to move in right away and begin enjoying the maintenance-free lifestyle residents appreciate so much, especially during the snowy winter months.”

A range of high-end finishes are featured in Willow Lake homes, such as white 42-inch cabinetry with contrasting gray cabinetry on kitchen islands; site-finished oak hardwood flooring; custom trim details including crown molding and oversized baseboards; a fireplace with 12-inch marble tile surround; porcelain and ceramic tile in the bathrooms and laundry room; and 9-foot ceilings throughout. In both inventory homes, upgrades include white quartz countertops and decorative tile backsplashes in the kitchens; extra recessed lighting throughout; lookout basements with 9-foot ceilings; and natural stone exterior accents in place of brick.

One of the two available homes features the Abberton floor plan, a two-story, 2,989-square-foot design with three bedrooms, 3½ baths, a full basement and attached two-car garage. Situated on a prime site within the development, backing up to a wooded area and one of two lakes, the home is priced at $899,000.

“The Abberton floor plan is one of the most requested at Willow Lake because of its broad appeal,” said Hoffman. “The home’s universally popular features include an open-concept layout with a kitchen, breakfast nook and family room that creates connected yet defined spaces, ideal for entertaining or day-to-day living. The inventory home also features a fireplace in the family room, a first-floor den and dining room, as well as an expanded master suite on the second level with an optional sitting area.”

Multifunctional spaces, including the first-level den and unfinished basement, allow buyers to tailor the home to their needs and lifestyles. “The Abberton easily accommodates work life, home life or a blend of the two,” added Hoffman.

The inventory home’s first-level living spaces feature dark hardwood flooring that extends up the staircase and into the hallway of the second level. On the second floor, the master suite also includes a spa-like bath with dual-bowl vanity and deluxe shower. One of the two secondary bedrooms features an en-suite bath, while the second connects directly to a hall bath. Both bedrooms also have spacious walk-in closets. This level is completed with a generously sized laundry room.

The Abberton inventory home also includes exterior features such as taupe cement board siding with stone accents, cedar shake-shingle roofing and a wide front porch. The concrete driveway is accented with a paver boarder and leads to a side-load garage that is finished with interior-level trim details such as molding and window trim.

The second inventory home at Willow Lake features the Brunswick plan, a 2,491-square-foot ranch with two bedrooms and 2½ baths. Priced at $825,000, the home features an open layout that includes a family room with fireplace, dining room, gourmet kitchen and breakfast area in one large living space opening up to a rear covered deck that overlooks one of two lakes. Additional upgrades in the kitchen include a Sub-Zero refrigerator.

“The beautiful water views are one of the reasons we have such strong buyer interest at Willow Lake, and the open floor plan of the Brunswick allows them to be seen throughout the living and entertaining space,” said Hoffman.

The master and second bedroom are on either side of the home, with the second bedroom featuring an en-suite bath and walk-in closet – ideal for guests or multi-generational living. In the master suite, a large expanse of windows and access to the rear porch maximizes the water views. The master walk-in closets include an installed organizational system, while the spa-like master bath features a dual-bowl vanity and deluxe shower. The Brunswick also features a library that can be utilized as a home office.

With its cedar shake-shingle roof and cement board siding with complementary white trim and stone accents, the Brunswick’s architecture fits with the stately architecture of nearby homes in Lake Forest.

“Buyers of these move-in-ready homes have the benefit of finishes and special features hand-selected by the Red Seal Homes design team,” said Hoffman. “This means buyers can move right into a home with a stylish, coordinated aesthetic without having to spend time making all of the design decisions associated with a newly constructed home.”

Located east of the Interstate 94/Route 60 interchange, Willow Lake is on land that previously was part of an estate belonging to Marshall Field. Much of the estate’s original wetlands, mature trees and other elements, including scenic Willow and East Lakes, have been carefully preserved, creating a peaceful natural setting. Residents enjoy the unusual perk of water rights, including access to fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Middlefork Savannah Forest Preserve is adjacent to the property, connecting Willow Lake directly to 640 acres of green space and a network of walking paths.

Willow Lake’s prime Lake Forest location puts residents less than 3 miles from downtown shopping and dining destinations and across the street from Conway Farms Golf Club, which has hosted the PGA’s BMW Championship, formally known as the Western Open. It also offers easy access to the Tri-State Tollway/Interstate 94. Willow Lake is served by Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115.

Willow Lake offers a total of seven floor plans, ranging in size from 2,491 to 4,338 square feet. Homes are priced from $800,000 and have two to four bedrooms, 2½ to 3½ baths, attached two-car garages and full, unfinished basements.

For more information on Willow Lake or to schedule a tour, call Laurie Richards, Willow Lake sales manager, at (847) 922-3707 or visit www.rswillowlake.com. The sales center is located at 1771 Westbridge Circle in Lake Forest. To learn more about Red Seal Homes, visit www.redsealhomes.com.

About Red Seal Homes:

Over the last 81 years, Red Seal Homes has built more than 50 residential developments and more than 6,000 residences in the Chicago area. Since its founding in 1934, Red Seal has established itself as one of Chicago’s most acclaimed builders, winning prestigious awards on an annual basis.