When a family chooses to live in a so-called bedroom community, the choice is usually driven by a trio of considerations.
First, one or both parents work in the part of town nearest to the community. Second, they want a safe, quiet place to raise their children. Third, there's the home itself -- its design and build quality.
An 1,852-square-foot, custom-built bungalow on a huge lot in Cartier, Man., accessed via Roblin Boulevard or Highway 1 West a short way past Headingley, meets all those considerations, said John Wiebe of Realty Executives First Choice.
"These days, a lot of people are choosing to live in communities such as La Salle or Oakbank for their country feel and safe, quiet atmospheres," he said. "If you work in the west end of the city and want to live in an area that's safe, quiet and offers a country atmosphere, Beaudry Park is a great choice. It's actually a quicker commute than either La Salle or Oakbank, and the home you're getting here is second to none in terms of its quality both in and out."
Built in 2007, 24 Vrel Drive is in like-new condition and offers more than 3,400 square feet of livable space in total, including its main and fully developed lower level. Its exterior is clad in durable, low-maintenance Hardiboard, and both the front porch and huge backyard deck, surrounded by a stylish stamped-concrete patio, are made of slip-resistant, low-maintenance composite material.
Inside, you find an interior that is in show-home condition and built to last.
"The home was built on a piled foundation and has a structural-wood floor rather than a cement floor," said Cheryl Thurston, Wiebe's partner at Realty Executives. "This is an extremely well-built home from top to bottom."
It's well-designed, too, starting with the developed lower level, which offers 1,624 square feet of usable space comprised of two big bedrooms, a hobby room, three-piece bath, laundry/storage room, mechanical/storage area, under-stair storage and a wide-open rec room with built-in wet bar.
"A web truss system was used for the main floor, a feature that eliminates the need for teleposts in the basement, so there are absolutely no obstructions in the rec room -- all the space is usable," Thurston said. "There's a media area, games area and computer area, and two huge windows, plus a window from one of the bedrooms make for a nice, bright space. If a family had teenagers, it could be their own private space with the bedrooms, bathroom and rec room."
The reason the lower level could be designated a teenage retreat is because the main level is huge. The benefit of having 1,852 square feet to inhabit is a massive great-room area that's broken up into three well-proportioned and distinct spaces: a 29-foot by 12-foot island kitchen, big dining area and massive 24-foot by 17-foot family room.
"Because it's basically surrounded by windows, it has a beautiful feel with all the light, the dark cabinets and (honey-tinted) oak hardwoods," Thurston said. "The curved island features a raised eating bar that seats four, and there's all kinds of room to move in the kitchen due to the island's U-shape."
Next is the dining room and family room, Wiebe said.
"The kitchen flows beautifully into the dining room, which easily holds a table for 10 and is next to a patio door that leads to the deck out back. It's then only steps to the family room, which is set next to two of six huge windows on the back wall.
"It's a space ideal for visiting after entertaining or for kids to play in. Because of the open design, you can cook and watch the kids at the same time. There's also a safety feature at the lower-level stairwell's entrance -- a built-in gate that can close them off so young kids won't tumble down the stairs."
The bedroom layout at 24 Vrel is as logical and functional as the great room and lower level. The two secondary bedrooms, which contain oversize windows and big closets, are a spacious 13.5 feet by 10 feet and are set at the end of a private hallway next to a four-piece bath with soaker tub, tile floor and espresso vanity.
The master suite checks in at a spacious 14 feet by 14 feet, but feels bigger, said Wiebe.
"There's a cantilevered area on the back wall, with windows either side and a transom window above, where you can place the bed," he said. "It's a great design feature, as it saves space and opens the bedroom up for placement of other furniture and accessories."
Thurston added that the ensuite is a perfect complement to the elegant master.
"Not only is the master suite a nice, big space with lots of windows plus a good-sized walk-in closet, but the ensuite, with its tile floor, corner shower and expresso vanity, offers a welcome touch of luxury. Like the rest of the home, it's beautifully finished, bright and spacious."
If you want the best of both worlds -- the quiet and safety of a country community, yet close proximity to the end of the city you work, shop and do life in -- 24 Vrel is worth considering, Thurston said.
"It's a home that has a lot of offer -- it's a retreat, a place to entertain and a great place to raise a family. It's an extremely well-built home that someone is going to really enjoy calling home."
lewys@mts.net
