“We have been building this model for a while, and about two years ago it won a SAM award for design,” says Jodi Kellogg, area manager for Morrison Homes in New Brighton. “It’s just such a popular plan for Morrison.”

Walking into the main floor, it’s not surprising the 1,930-square-foot open floor plan, awash in windows, appeals to such a broad range of tastes.

“There are 20 year olds buying it, but we also have a couple of 70-year-olds (building the home),” says Kellogg, adding much of the appeal stems from the glass included.

“The biggest selling feature for most people is the nook. It’s so large and all the windows make it so bright.”

An extra boost of interest is the elevated ceiling, to add to the air of grandeur in the already generous nook. Meanwhile, the fireplace wall in the adjacent great room continues the windowed effect that lends the main floor flow.

“Part of the ‘Wow factor’ certainly comes from all of the windows,” says Kellogg, adding the master bedroom’s ensuite may be a close second when it comes to favourite features of show home visitors and would-be buyers.

The main level is an entertainer’s dream, complete with a central eating bar that allows resident chefs to prep and chat with guests seated in the nook or great room at the same time.

A pair of Zen tones adorn the walls of the chic address – River Reed and Canary Grass –helping add to the space’s feel of a much grander home. Just a glimpse of the second level is visible form the spacious foyer, thanks to an open staircase flanking the foyer and leading to some welcome bonus living space above the garage.

A vaulted ceiling punctuates the expansive kid-friendly area that spans nearly the entire footprint of the garage, at 18 feet by 15-foot-six. The ideal spot for a media hub or kids’ playroom, few have changed even an inch of the lofty spot that’s conveniently separated from the sleeping quarters by a flight of stairs accented by a handsome spindled railing.

“I would say the only change is adding a fireplace, or moving the fireplace from the main floor,” says Kellogg.

Also a mainstay in the ever-popular plan is the ensuite bath off the opulent master suite, which Kellogg jokes female home shoppers commonly dub the “spa.” Up a few stairs and beneath an arch, the haven is awash in pamper-friendly appointments. Here a soaker tub, glass shower and overflowing abundance of space are sure to be a favourite escape from stresses of the day.

The master quarters’ walk-in closet is another head-turner in the New Brighton showcase.

“That master bedroom closet is huge. We have actually had some people put their washer and dryer in there and used it as upstairs laundry,” says Kellogg.

The suite deal is rounded out by room to relax in style, while the entire space is purposely tucked away from the bonus room and kids at play. Meanwhile, resident children or future tykes in the plans will reap the benefits of equally-sized bedrooms and a full bathroom all their own.

The Cypress, one of two show homes by Morrison Homes in New Brighton, can be currently built from the $415,000 mark before GST.

Now four years into development, the English Tudor-themed community by Carma Developers is slated to have about five to seven years remaining in its creation.

“It’s a very family-oriented area. We get a lot of people moving here, some downsizing from places like McKenzie Lake. It’s very cute with McKenzie Towne right there – it’s like a little Kensington.”

The New Brighton Club is already open for the use of the community, boasting patios, meeting rooms and a 4,400-square-foot gymnasium, while a full-time recreational planner is slated to be added to the mix. The three-acre site also includes a water play area, two tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts for summer use; meanwhile, a skating rink will offer hours of outdoor leisure when the weather turns chilly.

Also topping the wish list of would-be buyers is the shopping haven off 130 Avenue, says Kellogg. Big box stores from Home Depot to Safeway, and a plethora of restaurants and shops help sweeten the deal for potential residents.

To get to Morrison’s New Brighton showhomes take Deerfoot Trail south to McKenzie Towne Boulevard, turn right on New Brighton Drive and follow the signs to 135 Brightstone Bay.  NL