Northbrook-based Red Seal Homes is breaking ground on two early-delivery homes at Willow Lake, an upscale community of 52 semi-attached, maintenance-free homes in Lake Forest. Of the two homes, one will feature a ranch design – the first at the community.

Located off Route 60, just east of Interstate 94 and across from Conway Farms Golf Club, Willow Lake offers seven floor plans ranging in size from 2,495 to 4,338 square feet with two to three bedrooms, 2½ to three baths, and attached, two-car garages. They are priced from $800,000.

“The demand for new-construction homes on the North Shore – and Lake Forest in particular – is very strong due in part to a lack of inventory, so we think buyers will be excited we’re bringing more options to the area,” said Brian Hoffman, an executive with Red Seal Homes.

He added, “Early-delivery homes at Willow Lake have sold very quickly. So that, coupled with the fact that these homes offer an extremely popular waterfront location, give us the indication buyers will want to act quickly on these two homes, especially since one is a ranch.”

As all homes at Willow Lake are maintenance-free, residents have more time to enjoy the community’s two lakes for fishing or kayaking, as well an adjoining walking trail. The community previously was part of an estate belonging to Marshall Field, and much of the wetlands, mature trees and other natural elements have been carefully preserved.

All homes at Willow Lake come with high-end finishes such as crown moldings, built-in Kitchen Aid professional appliances including double ovens and a chimney-style exhaust hood; granite kitchen countertops; site-finished oak hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas; porcelain and ceramic tile in the bathrooms, mudroom and laundry room; and an oak staircase with an oak railing between the first and second floor, per plan. Homes also feature a full, unfinished basement with 9-foot ceilings.

Home designs come with customizable European country or classic revival-inspired elevations with cedar shake-shingle roofs and brick or stone exteriors.

Of the two early delivery homes available, the first is a 3,408-square-foot Crofton plan with three bedrooms, 2½ baths, and an attached two-car garage. It has an open concept kitchen and great room, separate formal living and dining rooms, a library, a mudroom/ hobby space, second-level laundry, six walk-in closets and a walk-in pantry. It is priced at $940,000.

Hoffman noted there is still time to make customizations to the home, such as selecting different finishes or adding options like an elevator, first-level guest suite or a third full bath.

“Because we have been building homes on the North Shore for decades, we know customization is extremely important to our buyers. That’s why we’re marketing these homes now – while there is still time for the individual buyer to put their stamp on the final product,” said Hoffman.

The other home currently available is a 2,495-square-foot Brunswick plan, which will be the first ranch home available at Willow Lake. It has two bedrooms, 2½ baths, an open concept living/dining and kitchen area, separate library, and an attached two-car garage. It is priced at $880,000.

“Willow Lake has been very popular among downsizing buyers, so we know a ranch plan with single-level living and a more accommodating footprint would be well-received,” noted Hoffman.

Residents of Willow Lake also enjoy a prime Lake Forest location less than three miles from downtown Lake Forest and across the street from Conway Farms Golf Club, which hosts 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.

For more information on Willow Lake, visit www.rswillowlake.com or call (847) 722-8016, and 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.