“I don’t like doors to open onto doors,” she continues. For this reason, the front closet space is located just around the corner from the front door. A spacious deacon’s bench lends a little sitting space to the entry hall, as well as extra storage.  The entrance peeks through an open alcove into a cosy area, which McKee-Howell intended as an office or den area.

The 1,088-square-foot main floor also has an elegant powder room. Further down the hall is a mudroom, leading in from the double garage. Ample space has been allocated in both hanging and shelving capacities. This room connects to the kitchen through a walk-through pantry, which features yet more useful storage. The open-plan kitchen is punctuated by granite topped counter space and includes a central island, running smoothly into the dining and living areas.

Smart, modern Viking appliances give the area a contemporary element, while the cherry wood cabinetry and hardwood flooring keep the atmosphere cosy. Mosaic tiling adds a splash of interest behind the stove. The spaciousness of the culinary centre is enhanced by plenty of natural light through oversize dining room windows, with a rear deck easily accessed from this area. Additional windows illuminate the living room, which is roomy at 16-foot-six by 15 feet, and features a stone-framed gas fireplace.

The upper floor covers 1,329 square-feet in total, and consists of a vaulted lifestyle room with connected toy-room/tech area/homework area, a laundry room, bathroom, two single bedrooms and the master suite. The massive 14-foot-six by 17-foot lifestyle room further contributes to family dynamic of the home. “It’s a very family friendly plan with something for everyone” says real estate associate, Nancy Harris who’s selling in the area for McKee.

The multi-purpose toy-room area is an attribute McKee-Howell, a mother of two, appreciates. The room can be used to tuck toys away so that they don’t clutter up the living area, she says, and also suggests the space as a separate study area or room for computers or other gadgets. Alternatively, the space could be converted into a lavish walk-in closet for the bedroom it’s poised behind.

Meanwhile, the kids’ or guest bedrooms and a full bathroom are set off from the main area by a small passageway. McKee-Howell cites one customer, whose daughters were thrilled to be getting their own private “apartment.”  The rooms are generously-sized and both also boast sizeable built-in closets. The bathroom, like the rest of the home, makes great use of space, including a linen-storage alcove.

But the master suite is the major selling point for momma and poppa. If it isn’t good enough the home contains space aplenty to fit the family into, they will be thrilled with the secluded area for themselves. The bedroom is 14-foot-two by 15 feet and leads, open plan, onto the bathroom. The bathroom features a soaker tub and separate fibreglass shower, as well as his-and-hers double sink and vanities and a separate lavatory area. “There’s lots of storage,” says McKee-Howell, referring to cherry bathroom cabinetry and large walk-in closet.

The basement is undeveloped, but has tons of potential. McKee-Howell imagines the area with space for two additional bedrooms, a bathroom and further family space. The Loughneagh is available as a three- or four-bedroom model, with a selection of four elevations. Upgrades included, the show home model is around $608,000. Paring things down, one can purchase the home as a signature package from $532,000.

McKee Homes, a long-standing Airdrie builder, is also a custom home builder and can personalize plans “down to the last doorstop,” says McKee-Howell, who also co-owns with her sister Elaine the company which their father founded.