Birchwood Properties has come up with the perfect solution with its CityLife line of inner city homes that blend traditional appointments with contemporary décor. It is such a refreshing change in design in the new home market that demand has taken off since CityLife was introduced in 2008. In fact, its row of show homes on the corner of 20 Avenue and 19 Street N.W. has been quite busy even during the holidays.

“December is usually a quiet month, but not for us at the CityLife show homes, in fact we’ve sold more homes in the past few months than we had the whole of last year,” says sales associate Amy Koehn.

Birchwood marketing manager Adele Kerr, says CityLife presents a viable and affordable alternative for young families or couples who are looking for a new home in the inner city but just cannot afford the traditional teardown and rebuild concept that can easily cost at least $1 million. With prices starting at $559,900 (plus GST), CityLife homes are quite the deal.

Koehn says they are also seeing their fair share of downsizers and families whose children go to SAIT or Mount Royal. “They can send their children off to college and not have to pay dorm fees,” she says.

The sexy, suave and sophisticated Confederation show home reveals just how utterly liberating an inner city home can be. This 1,672 square-foot, three-bedroom, two storey beauty has all the amenities one can expect from a typical suburban home, but in an inner city setting with a very contemporary design twist.

It has an elegant and distinguished exterior with a very street-friendly appeal. The interior’s open floor plan with nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows work to perfection with the tasteful décor. The designer tile flooring that greets guests enhances the layout and an ultra chic two-sided fireplace sets the metropolitan tone of the home.

A well-appointed kitchen with concrete countertops and glass mosaic backsplash go well with the dark wood cabinetry with a distinctively European feel. There is also a sunny nook at the far end of the house. “This home was built to entertain, it was designed so well and is very functional, utilizing all available space wisely,” Koehn adds.

The three-bedroom, two-bath upstairs are as well designed, with vaulted ceilings adding to the feeling of spaciousness. The master bedroom is at the back of the home and has east-facing oversized windows that allow a tremendous amount of natural light to brighten the room. An attached ensuite has the luxurious feel of a five-star hotel spa with his-and-hers vanities on each side of the corner soaker tub and a thoroughly upscale shower stall with decorative tile accents.

A cantilevered laundry upstairs adds convenience with lots of storage space including built-in wire shelving and a double door closet. The two other bedrooms are more than adequately sized for even grown children, with plenty of space for bed and furniture and their stuff.

A developed basement in the show home is a terrific additional living space for families, and the show home displays all its potential with a big TV area and a cozy nook that would be great for movie nights with friends and family. The Confederation show home even has a detached garage to complete the package.

CityLife homes are currently available in Capitol Hill, Mount Pleasant and Banff Trail. “In the inner city, houses have a lot more individual character than you can find in the suburbs, and you get everything homes in these newer communities have,” Koehn adds. 

FAST FACTS:
BUILDER: CityLife Homes
AREA: Capitol Hill, Mount Pleasant and Banff Trail
DEVELOPER: Birchwood Properties
STYLE: Two storey, single-family homes
Size: Confederation starts at 1,672 sq. ft.
PRICE: CityLife homes start at $559,900 + GST (Confederation starts at $589,900 + GST)
ADDRESS: 2005 20 Ave. N.W.
DIRECTIONS: Head west on 16 Avenue and north on 19 Street
PHONE: 403-202-2489
HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.