The Eldorado is the larger of the two show homes, offering 1,772-square-feet of space in a two-storey home listed at $484,990.

Guests will feel a great sense of space upon entering the home as the vaulted ceilings in the foyer reveal a grand maple staircase leading up to a bonus room, while dark hardwood floors lead the eye into the roomy kitchen and inviting computer nook.

A walk-through pantry from the attached garage makes bringing groceries into the home a simple chore. An array of beautiful wood cabinet space and an island in the kitchen also provides loads of room for entertaining guests or preparing a scrumptious dinner.

And while waiting for the feast to cook, one can have the pleasure of relaxing by the fireplace in the cosy living room or elegant dining area off the kitchen.

“The public is telling us that they like the openness of the floor plans, so that’s what we are trying to achieve,” says Al Jablonka, area manager for Excel Homes in Silverado. “We appeal to the move up market. They live in a condo for a few years and realize now it’s time to get a house. People want the yard and the bigger space.”

Upstairs in the Eldorado, there is an abundance more of area to enjoy. A huge open bonus room with large windows let in loads of sunshine and acts as a separate and peaceful retreat from downstairs while the master bedroom offers more of a cabin-feel getaway.

A separate shower and giant soaker tub in the master bathroom are the perfect way to come home and relax after a long day at work and there won’t be any fighting at the taps, thanks to the his-and-her sinks.

While Excel Homes offers a number of sought-after standard features, such as a gas fireplace, maple or oak cabinets and a full ceramic tile kitchen backsplash, it’s the energy efficiency that really makes these homes, and the community, rise above the rest.

All homes are equipped with a programmable thermostat, 92 per cent high-efficiency furnace, Energy Star appliances, water-efficient low-flush toilets and showerheads which fall in line with the water-smart community guidelines of Silverado, located next door to the world-renowned equestrian facility of Spruce Meadows south of Highway 22X.

Construction of Silverado began last summer and is scheduled to contain more than 5,000 homes when complete. Influenced by the area’s rich ranching history and sweeping mountain views, the United community is centred on water conservation measures, with each home having a rain barrel for watering plants, along with a number of green areas throughout the area, including a large storm-water pond.

Public transit, schools, a YMCA and shopping are also just a stone’s throw away, making this community one of the most desirable in Calgary.

“It’s probably one of the first communities that is built for conservation measures to reduce costs for you and to cut the water usage,” says Jablonka, adding, “I think you are going to see a lot more of these communities in the future.” NL