"WE REALLY WANTED the lake to be a focal point,” says Sharon Walker, senior manager, sales and marketing for Carma Developers, of the view of the lake upon entering the area.

Anticipating the need for a fresh lake community, Carma first began netting attention for Auburn Bay back in 2004, a year before the cottage-themed site was launched. The developer, who also counts McKenzie Lake among its successes, is no stranger to crafting water-themed developments, and recognized it was time to make a new splash in the southeast.

“The timing was right and Calgarians really value the opportunity to buy a home in a new lake community,” says Walker, noting McKenzie Lake finished up back in 1997.

If the turnout for open houses and pre-releases of lots were any indicator, Calgarians were ready to bite, even before there was anything to see. “It really had a strong reputation. On opening weekend we counted over 1000 groups. The market response was overwhelming,” says Walker.

That was the first show home parade, which launched in 2005. The next wave of model homes has recently opened, with 12 new offerings from the area’s move-up and estate builders, and 18 model homes in total now open for would-be residents to test the area waters in.

“There’s a great group of builders in Auburn Bay. We have Morrison and Albi who are known for their estate homes, and a group of great move-up builders with Cardel, Cedarglen, Jayman and Baywest, and Heartland has a quality parade of entry-level show homes,” says Walker.

Homes in the area are priced from the $300,000s, while larger, move-up abodes in the 1,700 to 2,200 square-foot range are priced in the $400,000s and stately executive offerings ring in from the mid-$500,000s for 2,800-plus square-feet of living space.

Buyers are lured to the area not only for its cottage charm, but also for proximity to future services and shopping.  Seton is expected to remedy a need for a hospital in the area in 2010, while a mixed-use hub on the 360-acre site will include commercial opportunities, a business park, some residential, as well as recreational space in a 14- to 15-acre park.

In Auburn Bay, the 43-acre freshwater lake has already done swimmingly with buyers. In warm weather residents will be able to cast hands at fishing in the stocked lake, as well as the usual hot weather lake pursuits of swimming, paddling, a water play-park and catching some sun on the beach.

Cottage life is not complete without a grand community cottage, so Auburn House, a residents-only 7,000 square-foot cottage-themed facility is already up and running.

And with the chill still in the air, winter activities available to Auburn Bay residents include tobogganing, ice-skating, and hockey. Facilities within provide rooms for changing skates, meeting spaces for residents, along with clubs and classes such as yoga, as well as a great room for hosting private functions.

The lake is respectively sectioned off in colder weather for two hockey rinks, a skating path around the perimeter of the lake and a pleasure skating area boasts a cosy fire pit. “It’s not just about using the beach for summer; Auburn Bay truly is a four-season lake community,” says Walker. “These days it’s very busy during the week with moms and kids and on the weekend there is a lot of games of shinny (hockey) played.”

Homes in the area continue the overall “cottage” theme, with architectural details including Hardy Plank siding in reds, greens, blues and natural hues, wood shakes, balconies, turrets and garages punctuated by carriage-style doors.

And Auburn Bay Connect provides homeowners an automatic line to a private Intranet which allows residents to network, post classified ads, chat with neighbours, and even gives access to an online concierge. Like the service in a hotel, the concierge can acquire tickets for skiing, sports events, spas, movies and museums, often at a discounted rate.

Of the 6,000 projected homes for Auburn Bay, approximately 350 are already occupied.  Development continues with final build out expected to be completed in the next seven years — four years ahead of schedule. NL

To get there, take Deerfoot Trail south to 196 Avenue (Seton Boulevard), exit east and follow signs to show homes. For more information on Auburn Bay, visit http://www.auburnbay-community.com