And let’s not forget family.

In fact, the second floor, loft-like landing has a pair of computer work stations on either side of a built in entertainment centre perfect for all of the accoutrements of today’s teenagers. Everything from video-game systems, a DVD player, stereo, and of course a television can be stylish fit in the space. Best of all, it’s just outside the three bedrooms for ease of access.

“The Shefield is a very popular family home of ours,” says Mike Selinger, general manager for Cardel’s south Calgary district. “There is a good balance of family design but pizzazz as well. It’s a balance of practicality and architecture.”

For the pizzazz in the $561,750 Craftsman-style home, one needs to look no further than the stunning cherry hardwood that runs throughout the main floor, which ebbs and flows from blonde to deep red. Square cut outs in the walls of the 2,150 square-foot home also add interest and display space for those inclined to collect knick-knacks. The simulated-divided light windows liberally dispersed throughout the Lake Chaparral home are flanked by dark-stained maple trim to emphasize their art-like appearance. The cherry shaker-style doors also enhance the home’s appeal, replete with black handles reminiscent of a bygone era.
“They are like little pieces of furniture throughout the space,” adds Selinger.

And if the upstairs caters to the youth, the main floor open concept leaves plenty of room for the adults to enjoy.

Upon opening the front-door one can’t help but notice, the dramatic two-storey great room and its massive fireplace with its travertine marble surround and cherry mantle. The living area seamlessly flows into the custom galley kitchen which is a chef’s dream with its pro-line Energy Star stainless steel appliances and restaurant-like hood fan. The cherry cabinets which stretch to the ceiling; also provide an abundance of storage space, ideal to house all of the small appliances one collects. The addition of the under-counter wine rack will also appeal to the inner-gourmand’s desire to create memories. The jet black Silestone or engineered quartz countertops in the area also help to ground the airy space, while adding a sense of grandeur. And the long rectangular island also provides a place for visitors to sit and chat while culinary delights are being whipped up. Those not comfortable sitting at the island, can sidle into the oversized nook adjacent to the kitchen to relax.

“Classic Kitchens did a great job making the space inviting and functional,” adds Selinger.

The main floor also boasts a powder-room and a laundry/mudroom area with closets and counter space above the front-load washer and dryer. To the right of the foyer, there is also a home-office or library space with plenty of built-in maple book shelves.

Once finished entertaining, adults can retreat to the master suite located at the top of the carpeted stairway. In the ensuite, replete with its own vaulted ceiling, there’s also a skylight above the jetted soaker tub, allowing it to bathe in a gentle glow of sun or starlight. A glassed-in shower enclosure also allows for the unobstructed enjoyment of the tumbled marble mosaic from the tub area. And the masters of the well-appointed home will also enjoy the addition of not one, but two vessel sinks.

This is the sixth time Cardel has been selected to build the STARS home in Calgary. “It is another part of our way to give back to the community,” says Heather Dougall-Hall, Cardel’s marketing manager.

For STARS (Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service Foundation) it’s money that helps keep the rescue operation afloat. Every day, STARS staffs two helicopters, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton to provide specialized emergency medical transport system for the critically ill and injured.

“The lottery covers more than half or our operating costs,” says spokesman Lance Stephenson of the anticipated $7.7 million raised through ticket sales. “We wouldn’t be able to fly with out it, it’s that simple.”
In addition to the Cardel home, the lottery also has grand prize homes in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge.

In all, there are 3,025 prizes, including 301 cash prizes, vacations and cars.   NL