Evidence that the two opposites can co-exist, it turns out, is on display at 86 Vintage Hills Court in northeast Winnipeg's Algonquin Estates, where Randall Homes has built a 1,971-sq.-ft, two-storey show home with a walk-out basement that comes in under the magical $500,000 mark.
Randall's sales representative, Blake Vasko, says prospective home buyers will have to look long and hard to find better dollar value in a new home.
"This design allows you to get a luxury home in an upscale area of North Kildonan for under $500,000, something that's virtually unheard of," he says. "Mind you, the lower level isn't finished, but you can do it up nicely for around $30,000. That still leaves you under the $470,000 mark. That's incredible bang for the buck by any standard."
Somewhat surprisingly, Randall didn't sacrifice any key amenities or design features to arrive at such an affordable price tag ($434,900). Natural maple flooring that runs from the foyer into the kitchen, dark maple cabinets (set off by a smashing beige backsplash) and black granite countertops offer immediate -- and ample -- proof that no corners have been cut.
Not only that, but the open-concept design is at once eye-catching and practical.
"There is little in the way of wasted space in this design (The Eldridge)," says Vasko. "From the moment you walk in, space abounds. The foyer is wide and long, and the kitchen is roomy with an island (with eating nook for two) that opens on to a great room with 5-metre ceiling and cultured stone fireplace with maple entertainment unit and beige ceramic detail that goes up to the ceiling."
Then, there's the back wall of the kitchen/great room area, he adds.
"It's a literal wall of windows with two windows and a deck door surrounding the dinette and two windows that go about three-quarters of the way up the wall in the great room. There's also a south-facing (obscured glass) window over the stairwell that light streams in through all day," he says. "It's always bright upstairs or down, even on cloudy days. Not only that, but the views are great, with the lake out back."
Access to the upper level is attained via an angular staircase framed by smart medium maple trim and a maple bannister with black metal spindles. Once up top, you find yourself at a large, semi-circular landing that was conceived to accomplish two purposes: a secluded master bedroom to the right (with a panoramic view of the great room) and a loft area to the left.
"The idea was to give you defined spaces, yet have lots of room to move," explains Vasko. "The loft area (which features yet another large window) can be used for anything -- a computer room, den, play area, you name it. At the other end of the landing is the master bedroom, which literally has its own balcony. Then, the two secondary bedrooms and main bathroom are set off in their own separate wing."
Off by its lonesome, the master bedroom is everything it should be -- plenty big to accommodate a king-size bed, a large, low-slung dresser, two end tables and a window seat. The ensuite then rates as a pleasant surprise in the sense that it has a deep jetted tub -- and a separate, one-piece tempered glass shower stall. No skimping here, thank you very much.
"People have been blown away by two features -- the luxurious ensuite (which comes with a dark maple vanity topped by black granite and a high-quality textured beige vinyl floor) and the great view -- there's a huge window that lets in all kinds of light and gives you an elevated view of the water," he says. "There's also a large walk-in closet, too. You can't ask for much more in a master bedroom."
Perhaps the biggest surprise awaits downstairs in the form of a walk-out basement, which adds a whole other dimension to the home (not to mention another 700-plus sq. feet of livable space).
"The two massive windows on the back wall basically make this an extension of the rest of the house -- it's so bright, it seems like a regular space rather than a basement," Vasko says. "So now, you've got a home that basically has 2,700 sq. ft. of livable space -- with a lower level that can have a fourth bedroom, storage and a big, bright rec room/games area. The value this home offers, in my mind, is exceptional. The level of finish is incredible, there's no wasted space, and you have three very bright levels of living space that everyone in the family can enjoy."
lewys@mts.net
86 Vintage Hills Court, Algonquin Estates
Size: 1,971 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot: 44' x 190'
Bedrooms: 3 plus upper level loft area
Bathrooms: 2.5
Contact: Blake Vasko @ 294-6608
Price: $434,900 (including land, window coverings & net GST)
Web site: www.randallhomes.net
