This new generation of semi-detached homes in Airdrie’s King’s Heights community has been very well received for its innovative exterior design, functionally stylish interiors and the easy affordability it offers, says area manager Karen Kotchar.

“We’ve attracted a wide range of buyers from first time homebuyers, to single-moms, to right-sizers looking to scale down their homes,” she adds. “They all find what they’re looking for in Gardenwalk.”

She says Gardenwalk is the happy middle ground between a detached single-family home and a multi-family complex. “You just have one neighbour on the other side of the wall and not sandwiched between several units. Best of all, you don’t have to pay condo fees.”

Kotchar says condo fees are the biggest disadvantage to multi-family living, as owners have no control over this monthly cost. “You never know when your condo fees are going to go up, but with Gardenwalk you have full control over the maintenance of your property. Our snow birds who leave town in the winter just hire a lawn maintenance firm to take care of their lawn or shovel their walk when they are away, that way they retain full control of costs.”

 The four Gardenwalk show homes opened last April displaying the kind of creativity and charm that Creations by Shane Homes is known for. The distinctive exterior design makes it seem like it’s an upscale estate home. 

“The exteriors of Gardenwalk are gorgeous and are designed to look like one large estate home. Also, the front doorways are positioned so they don’t both face the street, which creates terrific curbside appeal,” she says. Steep pitched roofs with lots of detailing and stone on the exterior add to the executive estate feeling.

“The front verandas stretch across the width of the two homes providing a further sense of continuity and an idyllic façade that matches the family-friendly environs of the neighbourhood,” Kotchar adds.

There are five designs available in Gardenwalk starting from 1,372 to 1,594 square-feet. “They all feel bigger than they actually are,” Kotchar says, noting the 1,508 square-foot award-winning Galea has really made an impression with its fluid design and functionality.

The Galea features an open concept main floor with the living room open to the kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen features a convenient central island and pantry that gives homeowners not only plenty of storage room but room to work as well. It also has a second floor laundry closet, but Kotchar says to have an ensuite attached to the owner’s bedroom available in this price point, is what home owners seem to appreciate the most.

Gardenwalk homes are all two-storey homes (with the option to develop the basement or add a detached garage as well as personalize your interior finishing selections), and all have three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths — features that the majority first time homebuyers are looking for. 

“With prices starting at $284,900, Gardenwalk is extremely affordable. We’re actually about $30,000 less than a similar home in northwest Calgary,” she adds.  “Plus you get high end finishings such as tile flooring on the main floor and granite countertops in the main bath and ensuite.” The homes also come with six appliances and energy efficient specifications.

The location is also ideal for professionals working in the big city to the south, as King’s Heights is virtually the closest Airdrie community to Calgary. “We’re on the southeastern tip of Airdrie, we’re right off the Queen Elizabeth II highway and you don’t have the inconvenience of train tracks crossing your access. You’re in Calgary in ten minutes, the airport in less than 15 minutes, and the opening of Stoney Trail makes access to anywhere else in the city that much more easier.”

But best of all is that there are already tons of amenities that surround the community. There are plenty of new businesses being built close by, and everything you need for an easy-living lifestyle is near at hand including banks, medical office, grocery stores, drug stores, schools and shopping — Airdrie has nearly all the big box stores found in Calgary.

“Gardenwalk is located conveniently for shopping with CrossIron Mills, a new Costco and a Walmart Supercentre less than ten minutes away. For people enjoying an active lifestyle, King’s Heights pond is close by and accesses miles and miles of walking paths which open a lot of recreational opportunities for residents.  Plus Genesis Place recreation centre is mere minutes away.”

FAST FACTS:

Builder: Creations by Shane Homes

Area: King’s Heights

Developer: Melcor Developments

Style: Two-storey duplex style homes

Size: From 1,372 sq. ft. to 1,594 sq. ft.

Price: Price: Starts in the upper $200,000s

Address: 1100 King’s Heights Rd. S.E., Airdrie

Directions: North on QE II, east on Yankee Valley Blvd. and follow the signs.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays,

noon to 5 p.m.

Web:  www.creationsbyshane.com