All the images and sensations that go along with those memories are what Carma is hoping their new southeast community of Auburn Bay will evoke in you.

“Basically, the cottage country theme goes very well with families,” says Bob Clark, vice president of Calgary Land North at Carma. “The imagery that comes with generations of families getting together, basically enjoying each other’s company, and the things that go together with that – the fact that you’re home and can still enjoy all this within your own community is part of what we’re driving at.”

Auburn Bay is Calgary’s newest lake community, located south of McKenzie Towne, and just north of Seton, the future home of a new Calgary hospital. Show homes in the community open April 16 – the first chance for buyers to see what Auburn Bay has to offer, although more than 50 lots are already sold.

Everything from the architectural style of the community to recreational opportunities in Auburn Bay are meant to embody the cosy lakeside feel. A landscaped stone entry and tree-lined boulevard will welcome residents and visitors into the community. The heart of the community is the 43-acre lake with its 13-acre private beach and recreation area, and Auburn House, a 7,000 square foot community clubhouse with plans for a future gymnasium.

Residents of Auburn Bay will be free to enjoy recreational pursuits year-round; in the summer, there is the beach, sand volleyball courts, tot lots, green space, a spray pool and tennis courts, and in the winter, the hockey rink, skating area, toboggan hill and pathways are all open for your pleasure – but if it’s simply too cold, you might want to get active inside the clubhouse instead! Auburn House will be home to meeting rooms and a skate change area, as well as multi-function rooms; and later, the building will be expanded to include a gymnasium and additional rooms. Construction on the lake and park will begin later this year, and Auburn House could be constructed as early as next summer.

These shared spaces will enhance both the cottage country atmosphere and a sense of community. Auburn Bay residents can also connect with their neighbours through AuburnBay-Connect, the online community portal that will act as a bulletin board. This is part of being a “wired” community, which means that each home in the community features structured wiring for optimal enjoyment of audio and video entertainment.

A tour of the community will show a variety of architectural details reminiscent of summer holidays at the cottage: dormers, cupolas, front porches, window boxes, shutters and open gable ends all add to the rustic appeal. Clark also points out that the colours in Auburn Bay will be a bit more vibrant than the neutrals seen in other communities, while still being complementary to the natural surroundings.

While the community is perfect for families, the natural refuge and recreational opportunities appeal to a wide range of buyers, and Auburn Bay is offering a home and a price range for everyone. Baywest Homes, Cardel Custom Homes, Cedarglen Homes and Jayman MasterBuilt are offering homes from the $230,000s, with homes starting in the $330,000s available from Albi Homes and Morrison Homes. The estate homes are available on either standard, lake access or lakeshore lots. Move-up and estate showhomes will open to the public on April 16. Starter homes will begin in the $180,000s; Heartland Homes will be offering these later in 2005. And though none are up for sale yet, there are also multi-family areas within the first stage of the community.

All the amenities you could need are already located in McKenzie Towne or will be built in Seton or Auburn Bay. In Auburn Bay, you are only minutes from McKenzie Towne’s High Street, and a major shopping area will be developed in Seton in the future.

Learn more at http://www.auburnbay-community.com