One of a dynamic duo of new Cardel show homes open just a month in the Carma community of Auburn Bay, the Bayview II is designed and appointed with relaxing with the family, and not just for the odd weekend, in mind.

“We built this house as a show home in Tuscany and it was very popular so we decided to do it again … now people have a choice to view this home in Tuscany or Auburn Bay, each with its own unique interior presentation,” says Mike Selinger, vice-president of sales and marketing for Cardel Homes.

In the top three digs of Cardel’s home portfolio, it’s easy to understand its popularity upon stepping into the rear of the family-friendly design spanning 2,214-square-feet. Here, it’s the two-storey great room that is perhaps the main floor’s piece de resistance, with its floor-to-ceiling window wall and California-inspired, towering fireplace design.

“The main reason people love this house is the two-storey great room ceiling. And they love the natural light the great room window wall provides, especially during the winter,” says Selinger, adding the entire feature wall surrounding the fireplace was lacquered for effect.

The main level’s open design dishes up a slightly larger kitchen option than the plan’s generous base helping, beefing up the well-laid-out space by 80 square-feet and leaving nothing to be desired. The builder traded in the rich ebony stain on the cabinets seen in the Tuscany version for a fresh créme hue, and lightened up the look further with glass inserts in the doors for an airy layout, delivering a beach house feeling so authentic one almost expects the sensation of sand between his or her toes.

“Our design team added a lot of texture to the home, including mosaic wall tile in the kitchen and ensuite bathroom. It’s really labour intensive to install, but we have gotten so much positive feedback from it,” says Selinger.

Also making the grade with show home visitors in its early life is the Bayview II’s designated office space on the main level. Not only does the smart room placement lend a view to clients arriving via the front door, but built-in drawers and shelves were also factored into the plan.

“Sometimes it’s a struggle how to achieve adequate storage in a home office space, so it’s there, it’s neat and it wasn’t that expensive to do,” explains Selinger.

Other clever storage devices on the main floor include a practical walk-through pantry from the garage and mud room, the latter of which was also added upon to include a walk-in closet as well as a broom cubby.

And what beach house would be complete without a lofty staircase design? That’s why designers opted for open risers to the second level to sift even more light into the main level of the home.

Upstairs, would-be residents are sure to be wowed by a bonus room with a little something for everyone in the household. Whether used for a media haven or a spot for curling up with a magazine or some homework, the space is awash in lofty and welcome living area.

“People love that the Bayview II delivers both practicality, with a bonus room and three bedrooms, as well as a spacious great room with vaulted ceiling which is perfect for entertaining,” says Selinger.
So far the plan has been a big seller with buyers aged 35 to 45 who are looking for a family abode “with pizzazz” he says.

In addition to some equally-sized kids’ quarters (a good remedy for in-fighting), and a bath for their inhabitants to share, Mom and Dad are treated to a grand suite, complete with a unique ensuite to retreat to at day’s end.

“We took the tub out and invested in an oversized shower with body sprays in this ensuite … we are really seeing a movement toward higher-end shower areas,” says Selinger of the four-foot by three-foot sumptuous space, which includes a seat.

Oozing in luxury, the space also includes a skylight poised for stargazing; his-and-hers sinks with a tower of drawers beneath; and a second tower above vanity level for stowing linens and makeup. A walk-in closet and separate loo complete the enviable ensuite.

The Bayview II can be built in Auburn Bay from $478,373, while the show home version is priced at $596,500 including upgrades. NL