GIVING UP CLIMBING STAIRS and a weekly commitment to yard work doesn’t have to come at the price of style, luxury and pride of ownership. That’s the principle behind Crossley Custom Homes’ EverCreek Villas community – an upscale semi-detached bungalow enclave now serving up the utmost of finishing with a backdrop of Fish Creek Park.

There’s almost two markets – these villas are either being purchased by retired or near-retired people ‘downsizing’ or ‘right-sizing’ while we’re also seeing a lot of younger professionals who just don’t want the maintenance,” says Myrna Higgs, sales associate for EverCreek Villas.

Once inside the Glenn show home at the southwest address, sound-barrier walls and a large footprint make it easy to forget the deluxe digs are attached to a neighbouring home, while visitors can’t help but see the value and craftsmanship.

“The villas themselves are open, with vaulted ceilings about 20 feet tall – they’re grand and are built with a sound wall that is deadening.  Each model gives you a real sense of “arrival” from the time you open the front door,” says Jim Crossley, president of Crossley Custom Homes.

Up-market standard appointments include granite countertops, Silgranite sinks, wide baseboards, hardwood floors and wide, open floorplans boasting high-end lighting and fixtures, and low-E, argon windows.

A main-floor master bedroom allows a one-floor lifestyle, while the ensuite bathroom includes lots of linen shelving, a makeup desk, deep soaker tub, separate shower and a spacious closet for keeping organized.

As the expectation was buyers would be relocating from households full of prized belongings including dining suites – such as the faux-suede-topped chairs and a grain-rich round table from Penthouse Fine Home Furnishings displayed in the upgraded Glenn model – Crossley says formal eating spaces were paramount in the design.

With footprints of 1353 to upwards of 1500 square feet, space is not something these elegant abodes run short on.  All four styles of home still available include an option for lofts of up to 500 square feet.

Crossley says the lofts were planned as hobby space, with past buyers adding the mezzanines to accommodate pastimes from quilting to painting, but the lofts can also accommodate a bedroom and bathroom, or well-tomed library.

But, like the diversity of its buyers, no two EverCreek Villas are the same. “Some people have made the dens larger and taken out dining rooms and others have added windows and skylights for even more natural light,” says Higgs.

As the 36-home enclave is a freehold community, meaning purchasers own both home and land.  What’s more, as property values swiftly climb in our current Calgary market, investments are protected and benefit individual buyers, says Crossley.

Meanwhile, owners net a “lock and leave” lifestyle, thanks to a residents’ association in place to ensure walks are shovelled and lawns cared for.

Basement development offers a chance to expand square footage with billiards rooms, wine tasting and storage facilities, extra sleeping quarters – and as in the show home – to-die-for media rooms valued in the $40,000 range and above.

“With the exception of a few buyers, a media room seems to be a must,” says Crossley, adding that price tag includes a state-of-the-art projector, big screen and sound components as well as full insulation to the space.
Access to amenities from grocery stores to shopping and eateries is also convenient from EverCreek Villas, as is proximity to the beauty and pathways of Fish Creek Park.

“It is like having your own forest in your backyard, right in the city,” says Crossley, adding front covered porches and rear decks boasting aluminum and glass railings to break the wind without obscuring views, add to the enjoyment of the villas’ surroundings.

While the upgraded Glenn show home is already sold, its available next-door namesake includes a loft, hardwood, vaulted ceilings, a double-attached garage and an extra 400 square feet to develop in the lower level – and is priced at $437,000 including GST. Other remaining villas for sale range from the $350,000s, into the $600,000s, taxes included.

To get to EverCreek Villas, head west on Anderson Road to the 37 St. connector, turn left on 146 Ave., left on EverCreek Bluffs Gate and follow the signs to the sales centre. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays and weekends noon to 5 p.m. Or find more information at http://www.evercreekvillas.com   NL