Smaller lots give neighborhood a close-knit feel

Home builders may be the first to tell you: bigger isn't always better.

Small parcels can set the stage for the personalized and secure feeling of a close-knit neighborhood. Fitting this criteria is Elliott Homebuilders' Timbers Glen, a community of only 19 luxury townhouses in northwest suburban Glenview.

As it approaches sellout, the last of six townhouse designs are offered, ranging in size from 1,987 to 3,332 square feet. The two- to four-bedroom residences are priced from $489,900. Most of the plans feature either a second-floor loft or a first-floor den, and half have first-floor master bedroom suites.

Although the development at Timbers Glen is compact, the list of amenities around and in the homes more than compensates. Included in the purchase price of each home is nine-foot first-floor ceilings, some with other architectural detail (such as cathedral ceilings), oak and ceramic tile flooring, unfinished full lower levels, patios, private driveways and attached two-car garages.

Each kitchen at Timbers Glen includes custom-designed 42-inch top cabinets, solid-surface counter tops and a cast-iron sink with disposal, a variety of built-in major appliances, as well as a breakfast area with a glass sliding door to the rear yard; some have center work islands. Master baths feature soaker tubs and separate walk-in shower enclosures with ceramic tile surrounds, double-bowl cultured marble vanity tops with integral bowls, and dressing areas (per plan).

The homes, featuring six panel Colonist interior doors, have walk-in laundry rooms with rough-ins for full-size washers and dryers, and are pre-wired for telephones and TVs in all bedrooms and the living room, with an extra phone outlet in the kitchen.

The buildings' exteriors feature specialty brick patterns, cut-stone sills and architectural roofing detail, as well as palladium and transom windows. Concrete patios, insulated steel garage doors and automatic garage door openers are included; extra space, both in the driveway and nearby, is available for guest parking.

Family owned and operated since its inception nearly 50 years ago, Elliott Homebuilders has built residential developments throughout the North Shore but during the past 15 years has concentrated its work in Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights. The company has constructed both high-end and mid-priced custom homes in those communities and has developed an expertise in providing highly tailored housing at production prices.

Timbers Glen is situated on West Lake Avenue at Potter Road, approximately four blocks east of Milwaukee Avenue. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon until 5 p.m. Sundays, or by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call (847) 327-9700. You may also visit the company Web site at www.elliottbuilders.com.