But recently the laned homes have been relegated to the realm of first time homeowners, since these types of homes are ordinarily smaller and are thought to better fit the needs of young families who are just starting out.

Sabal Homes, however, has never been known to be ordinary and their new laned products in the southeast community of Copperfield will make everyone from singles to move-up families fall in love all over again with this enduring home design.

Their Ovation show home, included in the new parade of laned homes that Sabal introduced this May, is the perfect example of the easy style and functional elegance these models have in abundance.

The Ovation in many ways embodies Sabal’s “uncommonly stylish” ideals and the model actually took the top prize in the 2008 SAM Awards for Best New Home ($250,000-$289,999 category).

The two-storey home is 1,704 square-feet, a lot bigger than the usual detached garage homes in the market nowadays and the show home in Copperfield shows every advantage the model has in the innovative use of all available space.

From outside, the Ovation exudes a family-friendly appeal and curbside charm that attached garage homes find hard to match. There are endless possibilities for landscaping and decorating for Christmas, Halloween and other holidays, and the front porch is the perfect setting for spur-of-the-moment neighbourhood get-togethers.

The interior has an open design with clean, modern lines, enhanced by the stately hardwood and tile flooring to give the 839-square-foot main floor that sleek urban feel.

“The central staircase allows separation between rooms on the main floor, so even though it is an open design, you don’t see the kitchen from the front door,” says Sabal’s Marketing Manager, Kendra Milne.

As in every Sabal home, the centrepiece is the kitchen. And what a kitchen it is. Located at the back of the home, it is graced with a large window over the counter sink, which combined with the expansive U-shaped counter, centre island and European style cabinetry, give it the feeling of a friendly, inviting, practical workspace.

“It’s not only perfect for entertainment but provides plenty of elbow room worthy of any show on the Food Network,” she points out.

Realizing that owners would usually come in through the backdoor from the detached garage, the Ovation has an oversized mudroom, a very practical space with enough room for hockey equipment and golf bags. The front entrance is equally roomy, and provides a welcoming space for guests.

The tech room next to the large living room in front is another innovation that acknowledges today’s family’s need for a handy computer space that is still unobtrusive and hardly in the way for parties and large gatherings.

The 865-square-foot second floor has the laundry room (located upstairs for added convenience), a full bath adjacent to two bigger-than-standard secondary bedrooms and generous master retreat take up residence here, and with its walk-in closet and well-appointed ensuite, the master bedroom is reminiscent of one found in a home twice the Ovation’s size.

“Visitors to the show home are absolutely amazed at the amount of space we’ve been able to put in the Ovation and its intelligent and practical use,” Milne adds.

The trend of functional chic is mirrored in the four other show homes in the parade (including the popular Axiom 2 which serves as their sales office).

The Emocion is the epitome of cool, stylish suburban living. Aimed at singles or young couples tired of cramped apartments or condos, the 1,252-square-foot Emocion has the urban vibe of downtown condos plus the space. The dramatic open to above leisure area gives the home a sense of flair and drama and the galley kitchen was made to entertain.

The 1,357-square-foot Skagen has just as much style and the show home’s unique leather flooring in the 687-square-foot main floor gives it an extra glamourous look. The huge open space for the dining room and kitchen makes it a veritable party place, and the L-shaped kitchen counter with corner pantry is its practical side.

Sabal Homes has the exclusive right to build laned homes in Copperfield, and the multiple-award-winning builder’s trademark of uncompromising style and quality has made the new show home parade quite the hit.

“Our affordability – with homes available from the high $200,000s to the low $300,000s – has made us even more attractive,” Milne adds. NL

 The new Sabal Homes show home parade for laned houses is located at 144 Copperpond Road S.E. For more information, visit http://www.sabalhomes.com.