It is a rare attribute made even more uncommon now that urban sprawl is overtaking the landscape. But at Williamstown in Airdrie you can still find your little slice of nature.

The colonial feel and heritage town look of this exclusive enclave just off Veteran’s Boulevard in Airdrie’s northwest tip adds to its allure, giving the entire 162-acre development a feel of olden days and simpler times.

But what really sets the community apart is its feeling of freedom, an unencumbered prairie life with 60 acres of open space, including the 45-acre Nose Creek environmental reserve that Williamstown backs onto. “Over 40 per cent of the development is green space,” says Williamstown sales manager Brian Balson.

This spring, residents will get to enjoy this natural wonder even more when Vesta, Williamstown’s developer, completes the installation of an ornate bridge structure over the creek to connect the community to over 20 kilometres of regional pathways.

“Williamstown wants to promote a love of nature and the outdoors, where you can take leisurely walks through a picturesque landscape or bike to town through the extensive pathway system,” Balson adds. “It’s a small town within a small town, a safe and secure environment with friendly neighbours.”

Williamstown is Vesta’s most ambitious project to date and represents a lot of firsts for Airdrie. Not only is it the first community to be built on an environmental reserve in the city, it is also the first in Airdrie to have its own interactive showcase — the Discovery Centre — where buyers can get all the information they need about everything in the community.

“We’re really proud of this unique feature, it is a one-stop-shop for prospective buyers where they can learn all they need to know about the range of houses we offer here, the amenities of the community, by using all the high-tech convenience of 3D interactive information kiosks and backed by friendly staff,” he adds.

Vesta invited premiere home builders to participate in Williamstown, and Douglas Homes and Talisman Homes (and Vesta itself) have opened their show homes to the public (Vesta has two and Talisman and Douglas Homes have one each).

These are all single-family homes with front attached garages featuring Arts and Crafts and Craftsman style. Vesta’s wide choice of models, including bungalow plans, range in size from 1,313 square-feet to approximately 2,500 square-feet. Single family homes start in the $340,000s, Balson says.

 “They are extremely popular, and many of the homes back onto the Nose Creek environmental reserve giving buyers a lot of incredible value,” he adds.

Their Prestwick show home is a perfect example of the kind of well-designed homes available here with the looks and affordable luxury for today’s families. The 2,150-square-foot, three-bedroom home is turning into its bestseller, with features that wow homebuyers. It has a wide-open design that is perfect for entertaining with a fully functional flow that uses all available space that families need.

Vesta is also the exclusive builder of townhomes in the community. The Trails at Williamstown are generously sized townhomes in the Classic Colonial style, and start at 1,100 square-feet. They have flexible layouts available in a variety of configurations, with nine-foot ceilings, kitchens with corner pantries, raised eating bars and backyards with decks.

These townhomes come in the Urban and Classic design and several have walkout lots, and prices start at the $210,000 mark. “The Discovery Centre gives you a terrific idea of what these townhomes will look like, until we open our show suite in August.”
Williamstown has been a big hit since it opened in October last year and there are several homes already under construction. “People are realizing the kind of everyday life experiences that are available in living here. It is so close to nature, and really it’s an affordable lifestyle that remains close to the city and readily accessible being so close to major thoroughfares,” Balson says. NL

FAST FACTS:
BUILDER: Vesta Group of Companies
AREA: Wiliamstown, Airdrie
Style: Single-family homes and townhomes
Size: Single-family starts at 1,313 sq. ft.; townhomes starts at 1,100 sq. ft.
PRICE: Single-family start in low $340,000s; townhomes start in low $210,000s
Address: 930 Williamstown Blvd., Airdrie
DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy. 2 to Airdrie. Follow to Veterans Blvd. exit and follow west past Main St. Follow the signs to Williamstown at 8th St. and Veterans Blvd.
HOURS: Discovery Centre – Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.  Show homes – Monday to Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. Weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.williamstownairdrie.com