Sales were so good that Co-owner/General Manager Justin Bobier was looking at acquiring more lots to meet the demand for their custom built homes. “2008 was our best year in the amount of possessions and overall company credibility” he says and adds that they’re already committed to building in Aspen Woods Estates as those 32 lots become available.

“We’re a totally flexible builder”, Bobier says and the 3,154-square-foot Manchester II is a show home meant to ‘suggest’ possible layouts. “We have an architectural designer on staff so although we have plans that we’ve built several times, they’re never the same.” The client-driven approach is totally hands-on with Bobier himself working to determine short and long term lifestyle needs of buyers. “I like to visit our customers in their current home” he says, so he can find out what they like and don’t, or even to tweak a design to accommodate specialty furniture. He attributes this unique company concept to their start as cabinet makers when he and his brother-in-law were doing renovation projects for family and friends five years ago. The projects got bigger as their reputation grew.

This model features all the upgrades, but the Crystal Creek group can and do work to provide for a range of budgets. “It’s a house for a family, for sure. This house could appeal to a $700,000 buyer ($631,000 base price); it could also appeal to a $1.4 million buyer. I’ve tried to reach a greater market with this particular home” says Bobier, adding that the higher price tag on the show home includes top of the line finishes, the lot, finished basement, GST and furniture. “We have a young couple interested in this home, but smaller to match their price point. We can lose some of the built-ins, some of the finishes.”

The Manchester II thoughtfully balances the traditional warmth wanted in a family home - organic materials such as the solid maple front door and the same wood in the flooring and cabinets, stained cappuccino throughout- with contemporary high-end finishes, lighting, and appliance packages. The great room is highlighted, literally, with the natural light from the over-sized, Low-E windows featured in most of the house, the recessed lighting in the standard nine-foot ceilings, and pot lights in the built-in retro shelving surrounding the extra-long Town & Country fireplace. The stone and metal look of the hearth is matched in the open concept gourmet kitchen and dining nook which easily fits eight. The expansive granite counter top in the main island has been built out to accommodate a six-stool eating bar, encouraging guests to socialize in this sumptuous space. The custom stainless steel hood fan is partnered with a deluxe lighting package, horizontal mosaic backsplash, double sink, and, of course top quality cabinetry.

The upper level includes all the swank of the main floor, but is clearly built with family in mind. The bonus room at 16-feet by 20-feet has been outfitted for home theatre, games - to hang out as a group or for individual activities. The ‘children’s’ rooms are roomy and both have an inglenook - a bay window with a storage bench. The main bath across the hall has dual sinks to handle the morning rush and is across the hall from the laundry room so soggy towels have no excuse to lay on the floor beside the shower.

The master bedroom and en-suite provide calm, elegant refuge, nestled in the back corner of the house. Reminiscent of a spa, the en-suite has separate sink and counter ‘stations’ with a makeup table directly across.

Between the stations is an ample walk in closet, outfitted with shelving, drawers and clothing racks. Further along is the bathing area featuring a chromotherapy jetted tub looking out a picture window, a steam shower, and a private water closet with slider window.

The upgrade exterior package includes real stonework and the option for a three-car garage rather than the extra long two car structure in the show home. Details on construction, such as spray foam insulated envelope openings and windows, are available from the sales centre which is open daily and Friday by appointment. NL

Crystal Creek Homes The Manchester II show suite is located at 86 Aspen Cliff Close S.W. For more information visit http://www.crystalcreekhomes.ca