Tucked away in the quiet up-and-coming northwest community of Evanston’s Symon’s Corner is NuVista Homes’ Sheffield show home. The charming 1,509-square-foot, two-storey, three-bedroom craftsman-style show home evokes a time when porches offered a transitional respite from the elements, and a point of interest for guests about to make their entrance. “People love the old-fashioned idea of a welcoming front porch,” says Brenda Sali, sales manager at NuVista Homes. Though considered an entry-level home, the Sheffield is a striking house that leaves a lasting impression even as you step into the foyer. The open-concept plan provides sweeping views of the main floor’s dining and living areas. Directly off the entrance is a flex room that can be transformed into an office or a sitting room. To the left is a stairwell with a bank of large windows along the outside wall.

Around the corner, a half bath, laundry area and two roomy linen closets are found. The dining nook has a tucked-away space for a buffet or console table. The kitchen has an angled island, raised breakfast bar, black appl­iances, toffee-stained shaker-style cabinets and a pantry with a French door. The large windows, built-in maple-stained shelves and a fireplace with tile surround, all provide a handsome backdrop for the roomy great room. French doors open onto the deck from the kitchen. Beyond the deck, a good-sized yard and paved back alley create additional privacy and a natural noise barrier.

One of the key features of the Sheffield is an abundance of windows letting in a lot of natural light throughout the winter. Other aesthetically pleasing features include a shelf ledge across the front of the house that can be seen as you come up to the second-floor and where one can add foliage, plants and other decorative touches. Tile is used extensively in the entry, main bathroom and master suite. “It’s a beautiful little house. What is nice about NuVista is that our entry-level homes are built with the same specifications as our move-up homes,” says Sali.

Upstairs are three bedrooms. The master suite is awash with natural light streaming from the large windows. There is a seating bench in the shower, marble top in the main bathroom and large linen closet in the main bath. “This house has lots of room for a growing family. It’s a good-sized home,” says Sali.

The Sheffield’s developed 601-square-foot basement has an extra bathroom and two bedrooms and also gives homebuyers—including first-time buyers and empty nesters—other ideas on how best to utilize the space. “What is nice about the Sheffield is that it allows first time home buyers to get into the entry-level market that can accommodate family and friends for years to come,” says Sali. The Sheffield can be built (depending on the lot) starting around $391,000.
Evanston’s hard-to-resist qualities include natural grass­lands, bike paths, proximity to recreation and shopping centres, walkways, storm water wet pond and picnic areas. “Evanston is a nice community that’s going to be self-sufficient with all sorts of amenities,” says Sali.

NuVista just celebrated its tenth year in Calgary. The builder’s name has become synonymous with quality and service, having won the coveted Calgary SAM Customer Choice Award seven years in a row. NuVista also offers a ten-year structural warranty in place as part of a new home purchase.

For more information about the Sheffield  show home visit http://www.nuvistahomes.com