Todd Lewys / Free Press I
t’s not difficult to imagine soaking away the day’s stress in such a relaxing, spa-like space.
Photos by Todd Lewys / Free Press
A gas fireplace with rustic brick surround serves as the focal point of the great room in Artista Homes’ Spring Parade of Homes entry located in Headingley’s Forest Grove Estates.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The visually striking island kitchen is a functional work of art in Artista Homes’ roomy Forest Grove Estates design.
The view down to the main living area from the elegant upper-level staircase is stunning.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Families will love the mudroom’s combination of practicality and style.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Modern yet warm, the spacious primary bedroom is sensationally secluded.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
There’s tons of space to clean clothes in the second-floor laundry room amid loads of natural light and luxurious finishes such as Dexton countertops and a rich tile floor.
A large, versatile and light-filled loft is the first thing you see when you arrive upstairs.
In any business, innovation is the key to long-term success.
And that axiom applies even more to new-home builders.
The reason is simple: maintaining a constant commitment to innovation keeps residential design fresh while adding style and functionality.
However, there’s a catch. When it comes to new dwellings, innovation needs to be strategic and practical. If it isn’t, chances are good a home will lack practicality due to an overly elaborate design.
Should that occur, would-be homebuyers will turn their attention to designs that delivery livability without sacrificing style.
Phil Amero, Artista Homes’ sales representative for their 2026 Spring Parade of Homes entry at 21 Woodland Lane in Headingley’s Forest Grove Estates, says the two-storey luxury home strikes just the right balance between fashion and functionality.
“I would say this home features a subtle elegance that combines perfectly with a practical, well-thought-out floor plan,” he says of the stately 2,861-sq.-ft. residence. “It was designed with effortless, modern living in mind.”
Perhaps the most defining feature of the magnificent, free-flowing main living area is its natural brightness.
Amero says an innovative design idea paved the way for the pleasingly bright space.
“Our design team had a great idea — why not put the elevated, covered deck off to the side? Because the lot was extra-wide, it was possible. So they made it happen.”
The result was spectacular.
“Usually, patio doors are put in the centre to lead out to the deck,” Amero says. “By putting the covered deck to the side, it allowed for huge windows to be placed right across the rear wall, including a huge window behind the dining area. That allowed for more light to come in. You lose quite a bit of it when you put the deck in the centre.”
Then there’s the kitchen, where more practical innovation can be found — this time with the island countertop, adjacent countertops and backsplash.
“For something new and different, we opted to go with a new countertop material called Dexton,” says Amero. “It’s thinner — about three-quarters-of-an-inch thick — so it has a more elegant, streamlined profile.
“And because it’s porcelain, it’s stronger, heat-resistant and has beautiful texture to it. A walk-through pantry adds even more functionality to the kitchen.”
Add in warm, earthy finishes — engineered-oak hardwoods, textured, taupe thermofoil cabinets (with leather-look cabinet doors over the slide-in range for good measure) — and you get a main living area that’s bright and airy, yet sufficiently cosy.
“All the finishes play beautifully off each other,” Amero says. “Take the gas fireplace in the great room. It has a brick surround that speaks to the home’s countrified surroundings.”
At the same time, all the big windows provide a gorgeous lake view, while a stunning open-riser staircase with timeless black railing next to the great room adds a subtly stunning focal point.
Rock-solid and visually appealing, it leads up to a family-friendly upper level that builds on the main floor’s smart, stylish design.
“It starts off with a huge, south-facing loft that the kids will love, and there’s also a massive laundry room with a row of large windows, sink and tons of cabinets for storage,” Amero says. “A wing next to the loft offers two big bedrooms with walk-in closets and a four-piece bath.”
The upper level is completed by an opulent primary bedroom.
“Again, you have that amazing south view that gives you sunlight all day, plus a wonderful view of the lake,” says Amero. “The walk-in closet is massive with all kinds of custom, built-in storage, and the ensuite — which is defined by a cool smoked-glass wall — is a spa-like getaway.”
Indeed, it is.
Its curb-less, tiled walk-in shower, stylish soaker tub, elegant 10-foot vanity with dual rectangular raised sinks and rich tile floor beckon you to stay a while and relax.
“We put our best foot forward with it,” Amero says. “It makes this a true dream home.”
Meanwhile, other practical features — a main-floor bedroom next to a four-piece bath and fabulous mudroom — add the functionality large families require.
“Lakeside living doesn’t get any better than this,” says Amero. “With its subtle elegance and functional layout, this home offers a perfect combination of luxury and livability.”
lewys@mymts.net
Builder: Artista Homes
Address: 21 Woodland Lane, Forest Grove Estates (Headingley)
Style: two-storey
Size: 2,861 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: four plus second-floor loft
Bathrooms: three
Price: $1,649,900 (includes lot, upgrades & GST)
Contact: Phil Amero, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, 204-295-9289
