With experience of over twenty years, President Doug Musak still takes the time to sit down with his clients to review the blueprints of the house they have chosen. “It is a custom touch for each of our purchasers,” says Nazia Malik, Taralake Area Manager. “Something from a bygone era, perhaps. Construction is sound and we build a quality home that has excellent value and a good warranty program.”

Douglas Homes’ latest offering is located in Taralake, with “southern charm in the new northeast”. With front verandahs and other architectural guidelines, Taralake evokes the history and architecture of “the old South”. Its 8.5-acre pond is surrounded by lush landscaping, greenspaces, and linked pathways, with elevated lookouts to appreciate the parklands in the thriving community. “Taralake is a very popular area; it is fast growing!” states Nazia. It is convenient to public transportation and all the many amenities close by.

The Costa Rica is a 1,253 square-foot three-bedroom two-and-a-half bathroom two storey home. The undeveloped basement will contain future laundry facilities and offers extra square footage for limitless possibilities for its use, such as a fourth bedroom or rec room.

“This plan has a functional layout,” adds Nazia. “It really caters to people looking for a starter home. Families with one or two children could live very comfortably here, especially with two-and-a-half baths. The house is cozy.”

The main floor includes the great room and kitchen, plus half bath. The bay window and corner gas fireplace add ambiance to the great room’s living space. The well-thought out kitchen is spacious, with plenty of counter space and offers oak cabinetry and Douglas Homes’ standard black Frigidaire stove, dishwasher and hood fan package. “It has a huge pantry,” Nazia points out. The corner sink, featuring brushed nickel Moen fixtures, has two windows above it to offer natural lighting, with track lighting supplementing other lighting needs. The functional island with breakfast bar is standard feature in the Costa Rica model. Sliding glass doors off the nook area to the backyard, offering even more natural light, are also included.

Up the angled staircase, accented by niche shelving, three bedrooms and two full baths are found. The master also has a bay window, with space for a seating area. The door to the optional balcony is located next to the walk in closet, with additional natural lighting provided by the lovely window.

Its ensuite is compact, yet practical, with a mirrored recessed medicine cabinet. The additional two bedrooms have access to the second full bath. A linen closet completes this second level.

The exterior of the two-storey home is maintenance free, utilizing vinyl siding and aluminum soffits and fascia. A mid-efficiency furnace is also included in the purchase price. Dual pane windows and metal insulated front entry door provide additional energy savings.

The show home is priced at $349,900, including house, lot, GST, and upgrades, including the railing, fireplace, deeper paint colours, and crown moulding on the kitchen cabinetry. Front sod is included in the purchase price. There is room for a garage in the backyard, utilizing the backlane entry.

“I’ve only seventeen lots left,” explains Nazia. NL