With four elevations, A&S Homes' New Castle II can sport a variety of looks.
According to Ken Smith, A&S's sales representative for 222 Tychonick Bay, the fourth or D elevation version of the 1,778-square-foot two-storey home may be the best of the bunch.
"The biggest difference between this version and the other three is that you get three extra windows going across the rear wall of the ensuite," he explained. "It might seem like a small difference, but it adds light. That not only makes the space brighter, but also makes it feel bigger."
That's good news for pooped parents, who after a long day at work (or, alternately, carting the kids around to various activities) require a respite.
"The layout upstairs is just excellent," said Smith. "The master suite is set off by itself off the stairs, well away from the kids' bedrooms (two of them, plus a four-piece bathroom with soaker tub) -- mom and dad are on one side, kids on the other. Its ensuite has a six-foot jetted tub, four-foot shower (next to the tub), a dark oak (java) vanity with makeup bar and beautiful faux tile (vinyl) floor. The bedroom itself is huge, and there's also a large walk-in closet."
Turns out 222 Tychonick's upper level is a prelude to the main level in that it's spacious, well-laid-out and bright, three features that are a requisite for harmonious family living. Though this version of the New Castle II is "only" 1,778 sq. ft. -- plus another 800 sq. ft. of space to develop downstairs -- it's a home that feels perceptibly larger than its listed square footage.
That feeling of volume is owed to two factors, Smith said.
"I think the first thing to note is that the ceilings are nine feet high. That feature alone makes every space feel larger than it actually is, especially when you combine big windows with the high ceilings," he said. "The second factor is the home's layout, which is very logical. A lot of thought was put into it, something that's evident from the foyer on through the rest of the home."
In essence, the New Castle II's floor plan deftly balances segmentation and space. An example is the foyer, which is neatly divided from the formal dining room to its right by a curved one-third wall with dark oak capping. At the same time, the dining room opens up the area, ensuring visitors don't enter the home via a potentially claustrophobic front entrance.
Of particular note is an oak-trimmed, tempered-glass cutout that ties the dining room to the family room behind it, letting in natural light while keeping the two spaces separate.
"I like the fact that when you come in, the home opens up but only a bit. I call it a peekaboo shot -- you can see a bit of the home's rear portion from the foyer, yet there's enough division that you don't walk into a big open area."
Although the great room sector isn't massive in size, the aforementioned high ceiling and a series of large windows along the rear wall, culminating in a huge picture window in the family room, makes it feel substantially larger. Another factor that makes it feel larger is each space -- the island kitchen, dinette area and family room -- is in proportion to the other and isn't cluttered.
"Take the kitchen," Smith said. "Even though the (brown/black) granite island is eight feet long, it's not terribly wide; the result is aisles that are extra wide, which promotes good flow. At the same time, the dinette area, which was placed next to a deck door and large window, has room for a table for four. The family room is then defined by beige carpeting to segment it from the kitchen and dinette, which are defined by dark oak hardwoods."
Meanwhile, the rest of the finishing materials in the great room are impressive. Brown/black granite countertops are complemented perfectly by a tan tile backsplash, while dark oak (java) cabinetry looks sharp paired with the lighter tones of the countertop and backsplash. Cabinet and countertop space is ample, while all the light that pours in from the windows on the rear wall ensures the area is as bright as it is warm. Then there's the well-appointed family room.
"It's beautifully finished with a built-in oak entertainment unit," he said. "It's an upgrade, but it's well worth it -- the oak shelving (with hunter green background) and gas fireplace (with copper-tinted) tile surround look incredible."
Other logical -- not to mention stylish -- main-floor features include a huge main-floor laundry/mudroom with faux tile floor and handy powder room in a private wing by the stairs, an enchanting staircase with chrome spindle railings, and a three-piece bay window placed over the stairs with a two-tiered display area.
The lower level finishes the home off in well-laid-out style, Smith said.
"The mechanical area is off to the side, and there aren't teleposts everywhere. You can easily put in a fourth bedroom, bathroom and wide-open rec room. Like the rest of the home, the layout maximizes space. That's what families are looking for."
Builder: A&S Homes
Model: New Castle II
Style: Two-storey
Size: 1,778 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Address: 222 Tychonick Bay, Kildonan Green
Lot Size: 42' x 118'
Price: $408,993 (including lot & GST)
Contact: Ken Smith, Century 21 carrie.com, at 477-4700
