

Todd Lewys / Free Press
The home’s main area offers great flow and segmentation, and is suffused with subtle stylishness.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
The beautifully designed kitchen and dining area is perfectly suited for those who like to entertain.

Todd Lewys / Free Press
There’s no shortage of space or natural light in the pristine and privately placed primary bedroom.
About five years ago, builders reintroduced back-lane homes to the house-buying public.
At that time, the reception was lukewarm due to the perception the lots were too small and the dwellings overpriced.
Naturally, that lack of enthusiasm prompted builders to re-think the concept at that time.
While it took a while to work out some important design details, back-lane homes are making a comeback.
Today, they’re selling much more briskly thanks to creative yet practical home designs that are stylish, livable and — importantly — come in at a more affordable price point.
“Our focus with the design of this home was a design that is not only affordable, but a little more spacious than other back-lane-home models,” says Hilton Homes owner Spencer Curtis, who is closely involved in the design process. “This home, the Bailey, is a bit bigger than some of our other models at 1,485 sq. ft.”
As small as that might seem, an increase of about 135 square feet to the model’s plan impacted the Bailey’s layout in a big way.
Essentially, that extra space allowed Hilton’s design team to come up with a floor plan that was more segmented than its other models, which feature open-concept layouts.
“What I really love about this home is that it has a very cosy feel, yet you never feel as if there’s a shortage of space,” he says. “We really paid attention to the allotment of space in this home, and I think that paid off.”
Indeed, it did. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a kitchen/dining area that’s as spacious and free-flowing as they come.
“Basically, the first thing the extra square footage allowed us to do was stretch the kitchen a bit. That allowed for an eight-foot island, yet it didn’t hamper traffic flow,” Curtis says. “The second thing the extra space allowed for was a spacious, well-defined dining area that is close to, yet separated nicely from, the kitchen. A big window behind it brings lots of natural light inside.”
A huge wall pantry was then placed at the back of the kitchen to add storage space — and naturally separate the kitchen from the great room.
“The pantry wall and a powder room next to it provide just the right amount of separation,” he says. “The result is a separate great room that has a nice cosy feel to it, while providing plenty of room for furniture, a coffee table and a TV. A large window on its rear wall lets in more natural light that doesn’t get cut off because the pantry wall is just the right length.”
Meanwhile, an unobtrusive back door was placed across from the great room.
“Not only does it lead out to the backyard, where a 20-by-20-foot cement parking pad will be waiting for a future detached garage, but it also features a double closet. We wanted to make sure there was a storage space next to it,” Curtis says.
Another subtle design detail — a four-foot-wide staircase — makes for easy, unencumbered access to the Bailey’s second floor.
Once again, keen attention to detail went into it, and the layout was conceived with families in mind, says Curtis.
“Both secondary bedrooms, which are a good size, were set down the hallway to the right. A spacious main bath was put in the middle of the hallway to create a natural buffer between them and the primary bedroom.”
The result is a beautifully secluded space privacy-seeking parents will doubtless appreciate at the end of a long, activity-filled day.
“Again, the extra square footage factored in with its design. It’s a really nice size at 13 feet by nearly 15 feet, which is bigger than you expect it to be,” he notes. “A huge window lets in lots of natural light, while a big walk-in closet and a deluxe ensuite with a roomy walk-in shower add nice touches of utility and luxury.”
Should a young family opt to finish the lower level, they would gain another 503 sq. ft. of livable space in the process.
“The floor plan would allow for a big rec room, bathroom and a large bedroom. The home would offer just under 2,000 sq. ft. of total living space with a finished basement.”
Curtis says the Bailey — which can be purchased for a bit under $500,000 with basic finishes — is also a very energy-efficient home.
“It’s rated by Efficiency Manitoba to be at least 25 per cent more efficient than a standard home,” he says. “It’s a charming design that offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and cosy comfort for families looking for a home with a bit more segmentation.”
lewys@mymts.net
THE DETAILS
Builder: Hilton Homes
Address: 15 Skylark Lane, Highland Pointe
Style: two-storey
Model: the Bailey
Size: 1,489 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: three
Bathrooms: two-and-a-half
Price: $539,522 (includes lot, upgrades & GST)
Contact: Jacquelyn Lacroix, new home sales representative, 204-292-9118