After an extensive home search over a two-year period that took them all over the Chicago suburbs, Megan and Caleb Ankrom found the home of their dreams at Shodeen Homes’ Mill Creek community on the west side of Geneva.

“We constantly searched for homes online, and every Saturday we drove around visiting new home communities and talking to builders,” Megan said. “We knew we wanted a newly constructed home, and when we began to focus on Geneva, we noticed a home that was located in Mill Creek. We alerted our real estate professional, and traveled from our Schaumburg townhouse to Geneva.

“Upon arrival, we drove around the Mill Creek neighborhood and were impressed with the natural beauty, the parks and other attractions. When we reached the home and met our agent, it only took a few steps into the door for us to want to make an offer. It was love at first sight for both the home and the neighborhood.

“Our only reservation was that we wanted a finished basement, and the walkout basement in our dream home was unfinished. However, we learned that Shodeen was offering a promotion for a finished basement, so that made the home truly ideal,” she said.

The Ankroms chose a two-story home with five bedrooms, four baths and a Craftsman exterior with a large, covered front porch. The center foyer is flanked by the living room and dining room, and French doors between the living room and family room can be opened to expand the area for entertaining guests.

“Since we had done so much research, we were aware of the many beautiful upgraded features in the home and the value Shodeen offers for an affordable price,” Megan said. “Our home is not only large enough for the family we hope to have, but is filled with luxury finishes.

“We appreciate the natural light that fills every room from the plentiful windows. The family room is very comfortable, with a large raised-hearth stone fireplace, and the kitchen and breakfast room have wide flank floors. The deck is convenient for outdoor dining, and the 42-inch white cabinets are so plentiful that we even have some that aren’t filled yet. The dark wood island contrasts with the light cabinets, and the gray granite countertop and stainless-steel appliances are the perfect touch,” she said.

Other highlights include a master bedroom with a tray ceiling and a dressing room that includes a makeup area and his-and-hers walk-in closets. The luxury bath has a soaking tub and separate shower as well as a double-bowl vanity and matched light fixtures. The laundry room is conveniently located on the second floor.

Both Megan and Caleb are educators. He is a high school teacher in Elmwood Park and she is an assistant principal in the Schaumburg area.

“Although we now have a longer commute, we consider it well worthwhile to be able to live in this home and this neighborhood,” Caleb said. “We already feel we’re part of the community, due to the friendly, helpful service we’ve received from Shodeen Homes, from the president of the company to the sales and service team. They’ve really made us feel at home.”

Award-winning Mill Creek is an example of the Shodeen Homes’ vision of excellence and enduring 55-year commitment to building quality homes and communities that are ideal for family living. In addition to Mill Creek in Geneva, Shodeen Homes is also developing Blackberry Creek and Elburn Station in Elburn, Heritage Hills Estates in Maple Park; Heron Creek, Merry Oaks and Reston Ponds in Sycamore; and, in Wisconsin, The Row Homes of Fontana, Prairie View in Williams Bay and Geneva National near Lake Geneva. Custom homes on individual homesites are also offered by Sjodin Custom Homes.

The Mill Creek sales center is at 0N764 King Drive, Geneva. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call (630) 232-8181 or visit ShodeenHomes.com.