Article
July 21, 2009
Sunny California
Stunning storey-and-a-half Kessling shines in Evergreen Estates
How many chances do you get in a lifetime to create your very own estate home? Not many. So when the time finally does arrive, you want to make sure you do it right, and the designers with California Homes have certainly fulfilled the checklist with the Kessling in Evergreen Estates.
The 1,840-square-foot one-and-a-half-storey bungalow with loft is dripping with elegance from the top floor to the basement, and loaded to the gates with all the desired features, such as dark plank alder
Upon entering the home, which is priced around the $900,000 mark, the nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows give you an overwhelming sense of space that leads you into the kitchen—an area that begs you not to leave, and if you sit down on one of the comfortable breakfast bar chairs long enough, you probably never will.
The kitchen boasts beautiful cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, gorgeous granite countertops, a breakfast bar and built-in television so you can watch your favourite show while creating a magnificent feast for the family.
When designing the kitchen, Bernie Janz, part owner and designer for California Homes, had a clear vision—he wanted to create a space for the whole family to gather and enjoy, other than the living room. It’s safe to say his vision is a smashing success.
“The kitchen is where life happens. We think dining rooms are beaming irrelevant so we made the kitchen more of a dining experience,” says Janz, who was appealing to experience clienteles when designing the home and has heard nothing but positive comments from clients. “People love the design. It works great for a more mature audience.”
Upstairs, one will find a sunny, spacious bonus room with enormous windows, along with a bathroom and bedroom that features its own charming Romeo-and-Juliet balcony, and a hidden Narnia closet behind a custom built in armoire.
When it comes to the giant master bedroom, particularly the ensuite, conveniently located on the main floor, it is apparent Janz had another vision there as well. The ensuite is engulfed in tile and features a large soaker tub and custom built tile shower, and his and her sinks to give it a real spa-like feel. The walkin closet is a sight that would meet the approval of any Hollywood celebrity.
Another unique feature of the home is the separate laundry and locker room located off the garage entrance. Now how many people can say they have their own locker room? Homeowners who build with California Homes can, and, according to Janz, are loving every minute of the special feature. “People love the locker rooms. Everybody has their own space for their shoes, jackets and coats. It keeps peace in the house and just works better,” says Janz, adding, “Our best selling feature is the fact we want happy homeowners. The real acid test for a successful design is how the home is performing three and five years later.”
California Homes is a small family-owned custom design builder that constructs between 20 and 25 homes per year in the Calgary communities of Lake Chaparral, Evergreen Estates and Cimarron Country Estates in Okotoks.
The company has been around for approximately 28 years and has plans to expand into other areas of Calgary and the surrounding area in the future.
The community of Evergreen Estates offers an abundance of amenities with residents being only a five-minute drive away restaurants and shopping centres on Macleod Trail. Daycares, schools and many recreational facilities are also easily accessible from the community. NL
The Kessling is located at 80 Evergreen Plaza S.W. and is open for viewing Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information http://www.california-homes.ca