With an abundance of shops in the Tuscany Market, parks and pathways throughout the community and the draw of the private Tuscany Club sports and recreational facility and several planned schools, it’s no wonder many families have chosen to call this neighbourhood their home, and in fact it was Calgary’s top selling community for several years. Now nearly complete, there are only a few phases left in Tuscany, one of which is the upscale Tuscany Hillside Estates.

“About 75 per cent of people buying [in Tuscany Hillside Estates] are moving up from other Tuscany residences,” says Debra Hurd, Albi’s community manager for Tuscany Hillside Estates. She says this speaks to how much people love the community and all it has to offer.
Albi Homes currently has two show homes on display in Tuscany Hillside Estates, one which showcases all the standard features the builder offers, and the other demonstrating what all the extras can get you.

The Bristol 5 is Albi Homes’ higher-end showhome. A bungalow, this home has two bedrooms and is 1,967 square-feet on the main floor, with another 1,313 square-feet of basement space that is available for developing.

“This home is intended to evoke emotion,” says Hurd. “The Bristol has a timeless elegance and a rustic warmth to it.”

Indeed, the kitchen, with its honey-coloured hardwood floors and milk chocolate cabinets, has a classic sophistication to it, while offering all the modern conveniences. This room is clearly designed to be the hub of the home, with room to gather around the island or at the table, and a computer workstation immediately opposite. A soaring stone fireplace is the focal point of the adjoining great room.

Perhaps the most luxurious aspect of the home is the spa-invoking master ensuite. Your body immediately relaxes as your feet sense the heated tile floor, while a skylight above provides natural light without compromising privacy. The raised soaker tub is just waiting to ease away the day’s stresses.

The main floor also features a second bedroom with full ensuite, and a mudroom with a laundry area. Downstairs, the finished basement is all about fun. With a large wet bar complete with built-in cabinetry, microwave and fridge, there’s never a need to head back upstairs for drinks or snacks. There is also a large wine storage area for oenophiles.The family room has a separate games area and corner fireplace, and beside it is an exercise room with enough space for several machines. A third bedroom is ideal for guests or an older child who wants a bit of privacy. The Bristol 5 starts at $594,000 plus lot and GST, and the showhome retails at $1.1 million total.

Next door, the Wellington 4 is a two-storey, three-bedroom home at 2,890 square-feet. In this home, what comes standard is what many other homes consider upgrades, like hardwood flooring on the main floor, a stainless steel appliance package, a walk-through pantry and an eye-catching open-riser staircase that immediately becomes the focal point of the room.

“The open-riser staircase is a spectacular design feature,” says Hurd. “Your eyes are immediately drawn to it.”

Once you’ve finished looking at the staircase, there’s plenty more to see on the main floor. The spacious kitchen has granite countertops in a striking pattern which complements the subway tile backsplash. A large island has plenty of space for both working and eating at the breakfast bar. There is both a breakfast nook and a formal dining area which offers many possibilities for entertaining.

Other notable features include a vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom, which also boasts an enormous walk-in closet. The second and third bedrooms are joined by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom and each have walk-in closets of their own, something older children will surely appreciate. Prices for the Wellington 4 start at $642,000 plus lot and GST, and the showhome is priced at $937,000 total.

With less than 25 lots left in Tuscany Hillside Estates, the opportunity to move up to this exclusive portion of one of Calgary’s most successful communities is running out. Albi Homes’ show homes are open Monday to Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.