THERE ARE SOME TRULY exceptional homes in and around Calgary and as you move into higher-end homes, you begin to see amazing design features. Ron Davis, custom design and production manager with Beattie Homes Ltd., has worked in the new home industry for more than 27 years, most of which has been spent in the design and development of high-end custom homes. He joined Beattie Homes three years ago, and has been heading design and production for Beattie’s Expression homes. “I accepted this position with Beattie because I was very excited with their custom homes division,” says Ron. “They wanted someone who could focus on their upper-end custom product.”

One of the newest designs in a long line of exclusive designs is the Berkshire, one of the floor plans in Beattie’s upsclae Brownstones of Wentworth. This gorgeous two-bedroom estate home offers 3,210 square-feet of living space, not including the lower level. Ron says that the Wentworth Brownstone concept evolved from a desire to create a casual, yet sophisticated lifestyle within a multi-leveled residence, offering numerous possibilities for living space, form and function. “The initial challenge was to maximize square footage over a relatively compact ‘foot print’, the result being six potential levels of development,” says Ron. “The addition of a six-stop, dual-entry elevator ensured that the Brownstones would appeal to a much broader band of age groups and lifestyles by providing ease of access to any level without the use of stairs.”

One of the nice features of the Berkshire is the double-attached garage extending further to include a spacious storage area. This additional area also offers access to the home, leading into a walk-in closet style room tucked away from view from the main foyer. The entire floor plan includes equally unique features, but perhaps most versatile is the elevator that accesses all levels. The back of the home offers a stunning option—owners can choose a bow-shaped design at the rear of the great room, creating a fantastic focal point with eight windows forming a semi-circle and offering a spectacular view. This entire area can be viewed from the flex room above, which also completely open to the second level, maximizing the views. In addition, the huge deck that extends from the rear of the home ensures vistas can be enjoyed from the outside as well.

On the upper level, the Berkshire offers an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet in the secondary bedroom, a rarely-seen option, but a smart feature nonetheless. Meanwhile, the master bedroom is designed with the comfort of the owners in mind, including a large deck which leads to the side of the home located over the main level office.

Of course the owners’ suite also boasts a luxurious ensuite, but what is most unique to this plan is the enormous walk-in wardrobe with a stacked washer and dryer, located right where most of the laundry is usually stored. This clever feature saves time and energy and takes the upper-floor laundry feature one step further.

The home is chock full of elegant and functional design features, which Ron is quick to add he did not craft single-handedly. “The Brownstone design development team includes awarding-winning consultants in both interior design and architecture,” he says. NL