Indeed, sitting on a huge corner lot, and with a 26-foot-wide double garage — that’s just three feet less than a standard three-car space — the front elevation of The Kingston 2 model is undeniably physically impressive. Further adding to the curb appeal of the exterior are the literally dozens of large windows that wrap around the home, cultured stone accents and, in back, a huge deck overlooking a large south-facing back yard.

It’s on the inside, however, that this two-storey, 2,534-square-foot three-bedroom home really shines. And it starts as soon as you walk through the door. Stepping into the main entry, one is immediately struck by the openness, not to mention the natural light streaming through the many windows. “It’s a very generous foyer,” says Mason. Generous and functional also describes the garage entry/mud room, where built-in bench seating and coat hangers make it very family friendly. Directly between the two entries, in its own little hallway (and not off the kitchen or living area!) is the main floor half bath — perfectly located for those quick ‘why didn’t you go before you left the house’ washroom stops.

Another eye-catching feature that hits you walking in the front door is the Tigerwood hardwood flooring throughout the main floor. It’s not light, not dark, but somewhere in between and, says Mason, will actually change in shade a little bit as it ages. Moving into the home, on the left, a multi-tiered stairway with dark-stained wood rails leads up to an open bonus room, while on the right is an open-concept den/office which is set apart by an interesting change in the angling of the hardwood.

Past the stairs and the office, the walls of the great room are nearly all windows. In fact, the only solid piece of wall in the great room is the fireplace — with metallic mosaic facing and espresso-stained maple mantle that matches the kitchen cabinets. The adjoining kitchen area is highlighted by a huge island, with lots of room for both food preparation and comfortable seating for three to four people. All the countertops are finished in antique brown granite, with a undermounted Silgranit® sink that, says Mason, “is pretty much indestructible.” The dark maple cabinets and granite are complemented by a high-gloss patterned ceramic tile backsplash and Energy Star rated Whirlpool appliances. Off to one side is an eating nook large enough to accommodate a good sized table ­— and access to the back deck — while on the other side of the kitchen is a large walk-through pantry with more storage and counter space.

Upstairs, open to the main foyer below, is a bonus room large enough for a big screen TV and a couple of full-sized sofas. A vaulted ceiling and abundant windows make it feel even larger than it is. Separating the bonus room from the rest of the upstairs, a ‘mini hallway’ leads to the main upstairs bath and two children’s bedrooms, each plenty large enough to house a queen size bed, dresser and end table. All the upstairs floors are carpeted, with the exception of 24 by 12 inch tiles in the bathroom and ensuite.

Back out to the main landing area, moving towards the front of the home takes you first to a convenient upstairs laundry room (complete with front loading washer and dryer) and then the master bedroom. The master layout is a little bit different not just in the fact it’s at the front of the home  (offering fantastic views of the town!) but in the floor plan of the area itself. Most noticeably, the spacious walk-in closet and luxurious five-piece ensuite — with his and hers sinks, six-foot shower enclosure, triangular jetted tub and separate water closet — are located just inside the bedroom door on either side of another ‘mini hallway’ which leads into the actual sleeping area. At nearly 300 square-feet, and with a raised coffered ceiling, it’s the single largest room in the home.

Of course, in addition to Sterling Homes’ usual meticulous attention to detail, this show home model has been finished off with a few ‘bells and whistles’ such as:  heated garage floor, knock-down Spantex ceilings, roughed-in Vacu Flo, speaker system in great room, bonus room and master bedroom, and extra high ceilings (nine feet on the main floor and nearly eight-and-a-half feet in the basement).

So, if it looks big from the outside, there’s a good reason  — it is. And, on the inside, efficient use of space and lots and lots of windows make it look even bigger. In fact, the only thing about this home that doesn’t look big is the price. The show home, with all its upgrades, checks in at a very affordable $550,000 for lot, home and GST, while the standard model, says Mason, “starts around $450,000.” NL


FAST FACTS:
Builder: Sterling Homes

Area: The Hill in Westridge, Okotoks

Developer:  Qualico

Style: Three-bedroom, two-storey single family home

Size: 2,534 sq. ft.

Price: $450,000–$550,000

Address: 57 Westridge Drive

Directions: Turn west off Northridge  Drive onto Westridge Drive and follow the signs.

Hours: Monday to Friday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m.

Web:   www.sterlinghomesgroup.com