“Our show homes are more a point for people to launch off from,” says Gabriel Hagg, Baywest’s area manager for Silverado. And the newest Baywest show home, The Montcalm, is no exception.

Of course, even with the ‘power of the red pen’ in hand, there are some things you simply wouldn’t want to change, like the show home location in The Ranches of Silverado, an exclusive Baywest ‘community within a community’ in United Communities’ popular deep south neighbourhood.  Phase I of the development includes construction of 33 estate-style homes on two adjacent cul-de-sacs of oversized lots, many with views of Spruce Meadows and the Rocky Mountains and some backing onto the wetlands which separate the community from the world’s finest equestrian facility. Currently, 20 lots are available, starting from about $800,000 including home, lot and GST. The Montcalm can be built for about $839,000.

“The first thing that draws people here is lot size,” says Hagg. “The lots are by far the largest in any new community in the city. This allows people to build a custom home and not be constrained by the size of the lot.” Lots are 68 to 90 feet wide, compared to around  45 feet in many other new estate communities. The largest pie-shaped walk-out lots in The Ranches are close to 200 feet deep, while level lots are as large as 80 by 165 feet.

In all, 13 floor plans, including the Montcalm, are available in styles ranging from English Tudor and Arts and Crafts; to French Country, Stick Victorian and Georgian Manor. Two-storey, split-level and bungalow options all feature three car garages.

And, because they’re part of a United community, residents of The Ranches are part of the PEER water conservation program which provides home owners with rain barrels and promotes the use of fixtures that maximize water use efficiency.

The Montcalm show home, at 18 Silverado Ranch Way southwest, has plenty of curb appeal in its 62-foot frontage. Even with a three car garage and driveway, there’s still plenty of front yard.

Stepping in through the vaulted entry onto the Betula Antique hardwood that runs throughout the main floor, you’re automatically drawn to the light. And that light is coming from the family room which features huge windows on both the east and west so as to provide ample natural lighting pretty much any time of day. The family room gains added character with a vaulted ceiling with exposed roof trusses as well as a stately floor to ceiling stone fireplace with solid maple mantle.

The dining nook, says Hagg, “is something between formal and informal” that flows nicely off both the family room and the kitchen. Off the dining nook to the right is the way out the dining room door to a huge (over 560 square-feet) wrap-around tiered deck with a built-in outdoor fireplace. To the left is the kitchen, a place of many, many cabinets, granite countertops, five-burner built-in range, stainless steel appliances and a rather unique island feature. The kitchen island is split into one-third granite and two-thirds butcher block for a pretty cool look that’s actually functional.

Stepping through the pantry leads to a large den, half bath and washer/dryer room with lots of counter and cabinet space. There’s also a large mudroom space, with separate cubbies for hanging coats, just inside the garage door.

Upstairs, there’s not a lot of hallway or other wasted space. Instead, the space is devoted to the bedrooms. “The upper floor is designed to be the family’s domain,” says Hagg.  Indeed the master bedroom feels like a domain in itself, with room enough for a king-sized bed, dresser and easy chair. The ensuite features dual sinks, a soaker tub with waterfall filler, tiled shower and separate water closet. Through the bathroom area is the walk-in closet — spacious and practical with plenty of built-in shelving.

The children’s bedrooms are similar in size and connect onto a Jack and Jill bathroom that conveniently has two separate rooms for sink or shower/toilet areas. And, as anyone who’s had children knows, the less arguing over bathroom use, the better!

The show home’s only been open a few weeks, and response has been strong, says Hagg. “We’ve been pretty busy. It’s always nice to have such a fine product to show.”

Which begs the question: just because you have a red pen, doesn’t mean you have to use it, does it? In the case of the Montcalm, a lot of pens might just be staying in the pocket. 

FAST FACTS
Model: The Montcalm
BUILDER: Baywest Homes 
AREA: The Ranches of Silverado
STYLE: Two-storey estate home
Size: 2,347 sq. ft.
PRICE: Starts at around $800,000
ADDRESS: 18 Silverado Ranch Way
DIRECTIONS: Take 22X  west to Sheriff King Road, turn south to Silverado Blvd then west to Silverado Ranch Way.
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday & holidays 12-5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.baywesthomes.com