As you enter the community all you need to do is look to your left and there is the ravine, a preserved wild area where families can enjoy a relaxing walk or commune with nature. The ravine spans the entire east side of the community with paths leading right down to the river.  Consequently, there is lots of room to roam. Tuscany is approximately 43% green space and has a delightful network of pathways throughout the community.  Furthermore, once you reach Tuscany’s Hillside Estates you are treated to a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains and yet another natural ravine area. Tuscany definitely brings nature to city living.

Yet for those who like to stay connected Tuscany is also an e-community, a service provided by Carma Community Developers.  “In Tuscany specifically there are three components to Carma-Connect,” says Sharon Walker, Carma’s Director of Marketing.

“Every home in Tuscany is wired for both Telus and Shaw High Speed Internet.”  She also explains that there are structured wiring standards for the builders and certain minimum requirements have to be met.  Almost every room is set up with telephone and cable lines and these homes come with an expansion system that has almost limitless possibilities.  From sound systems and intercoms, to home theatres and individual heating controls, almost anything is possible in these new homes.  The second component is the community’s Intranet, where residents can log on to a private Internet site using passwords and user I.D.  This service provides residents with their very own private home page and access to community news and events.  It also allows them to link with other friends in the community, join chat lines and forum groups and even access the Tuscany Club calendar or place a classified ad.  The final component is the Carma-Concierge.  The Concierge allows members to purchase discount tickets to movies, the theatre, hockey games and a multitude of other types of entertainment.  These tickets are then delivered once a week to the Tuscany Club where residents can pick them up. 

All these benefits are hidden within the stunning homes of Hillside Estates.  The steep-gabled design and stucco exterior, together with transoms on single door entrances are characteristic of French Country architecture.  Attractive grills in tall windows, concrete verandas and decorative louvers and battens add to the charm of these distinctive homes. 

Hillside Estate’s showhome parade may not be extensive, but the four designs offered are more than enough to choose from.  With Albi Homes offering the beautiful Monticello and their amazing Avalon, and Landmark Homes contributing the stylish Oakwood II and handsome Santa Angela, buyers will have a tough enough time deciding which one is their favorite.

Albi’s floor plans range from 1608 to 2467 sq-ft with the options of either a two storey home or a bungalow.  The Monticello has an amazing two-storey floor plan.  From the beautiful gas fireplace that incorporates the home entertainment system, to the full-length windows that brilliantly light up the spacious eating area and open concept kitchen, the Monticello exudes warmth and comfort.  

The second floor of this home is nothing short of amazing.  The sunken bonus room is the main focus at the top of the stairs, and is as generous in size as it is cheerful. Large windows brighten up this room that is sure to be the one most used by families.  Another desirable feature on this level is the spacious master bedroom and on suit bathroom with luxurious soaker tub and double-wide glass shower with seating.  This gorgeous tiled bathroom then leads into the his and her walk-in closet divided by an elegant bench seat with ceiling-high mirror.  This attention to comfort is again reflected in the large second floor laundry room, which is traditionally found on the main floor, or in the basement.  With three bedrooms and a home office along with developable basement, the Monticello is the perfect home for a busy family.

Albi’s bungalow option, the Avalon, is no less amazing.  This particular showhome features a decorative mosaic floor-tile directly in front of the main entrance.  As well, to the right, beautiful glass doors open into a formal dining area.

This gives an added touch of elegance to the front foyer.   The pantry with access from either the laundry room or the kitchen is versatile and functional as is the island-seating that this spacious kitchen provides.  Here too Albi utilizes the open-concept as the eating nook and roomy living area are both open to the kitchen.  This style of home again offers a wonderful master bedroom with huge windows and a gorgeous on-suit bathroom.  This time, although there is still a spacious walk-in closet and beautiful glassed in shower, the heavenly corner- soaker tub is the main focus of this room.  The option to develop the lower floor of this bungalow allows for two more bedrooms, a full bathroom and recreation and games rooms.  With an optional wet bar this floor will certainly be the focus of entertaining. 

Landmark Homes again offers both a two-storey home and a bungalow ranging in size from 1534 to 2418 sq-ft.  The Oakwood II features a wonderfully unique circular design with the staircase being central in this home.  The main focus in this entrance way is the stunning circular wood inlay displaying a flowered design in the warm hardwood floors.  This beautiful workmanship is created by New Wave Floor Fashions and is available as an option through either of Landmark’s homes. The Oakwood also offers the duel-access pantry and the beautiful yet functional open-concept kitchen.  The huge windows of the eating nook light up the entire area during the day, and as you enter the Great Room there are even more window to lend a sunny atmosphere to this home.  Before you venture to the second level there is another glass-doored room which could easily serve as an office or den and includes a gas fireplace.  The upper floor boasts a huge media room with three generous bedrooms (including the master and on-suit) and a view of the foyer from above. This home offers privacy combined with the feeling of open space and light.

Landmark’s Santa Angela again proves that wonders can be accomplished in a bungalow.  As buyers enter this show home the first eye-catcher is the pillared archway leading into the formal dining area.  The full-length windows allow in lots of light and the architecture gives the room the look and feel of grandeur.  This sensation is carried into the kitchen with its granite countertops and warm wood cabinets. The light from the Great room and the secondary entrance give the entire area a warm glow.  In this design option a full bar can be found at the bottom of the stairway to the lower level.  With tonnes of room to spare, the huge entertainment centre and games room still leave the room feeling open and roomy.  Also with this option there is room for a bathroom and two more bedrooms in addition to the master on the main floor.