Exceptional Homes . . . Exceptional Places

Unlike most builders who install only minimal landscaping, Edward R. James’ communities are exceptional. Our tagline is “exceptional homes . . . exceptional places” and the landscaping is an integral part of what makes our developments exceptional.

Before the first home is even completed, we’ve installed hundreds of trees and shrubs, strategically placed outcropping stones, and dressed the sloping bedlines with lush green turf grass.

Just wait and see what this entry looks like in the weeks and months ahead.

All models at Anets Woods will feature James Hardie siding, selected for aesthetic appeal, durability, and low-maintenance. Unlike natural cedar which requires nearly annual maintenance, James Hardie siding is a cement-based product and will keep looking good year after year with little to no maintenance.

The New Haven model taking shape at Anets Woods features the same stacked stone used in the perimeter fencing.

This is our “shingle” elevation. Keep following this page for updates.

We are planning for a late July/early August 2017 model grand opening.

large evergreen installation at anets woods

Lush landscaping is a hallmark of Edward R. James developments. To immediately enhance privacy and screening for our residents and neighbors large 15′ -18′ evergreens are being installed.

 

dry-stacked-stone-wall-anets-woods-northbrook-il

The stacked stone walls at Anets Woods are made from field stone that we import from Pennsylvania. Each piece of stone is painstakingly chiseled by hand and then set in mortar to create a dry stacked look. Using unique materials, like dry set stone, harkens to a time when farmers created fences by stacking the stones found in their fields.

At Edward R. James, we’re known for our landscaping and hardscape. For us, using these premium materials are critical in marrying the architecture to the land.

Ed James, in the business for 60 years has a favorite axiom, ” We build to the land, not on it.” The hardscape and landscape are key parts of perfecting that goal. And when done correctly, the architecture harmonizes with nature and this offers a lasting positive experience for our buyers and the communities in which we build.

Is it easy to achieve and inexpensive? Not at all. But it’s what we think makes our business fun, interesting, challenging, and what sets an ERJames communities apart.

Big builders are gobbling up market opportunities across the country. To compete, other builders are deciding if they need to scale up or stay small.

A new study finds that trees are a key factor in how neighborhoods affect residents’ health. A group led by Adriana Zuniga-Teran, a postdoctoral research associate in the University of Arizona’s Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, wrote a journal entry titled “Neighborhood Design, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing: Applying the Walkability Model.”

Most homebuyers have a “dream house” that includes everything they want, whether it’s a new kitchen, open floor plan, lots of bedrooms and bathrooms or all that and more. So, how can you buy your dream house, whether you are in your 40s, 50s or 60s

Westgate Rowhomes

When it comes to size, is a bigger home better? Not so. In fact, today’s homebuyers say it’s not size, but function that counts.

Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms will always be hot buttons when home buyers decide how to personalize their homes. To remain relevant, builders must stay ahead of product trends in these areas.