Building a luxurious new home is exciting, save for one thing: you have to wait as much as a year for it to be built. Not only that, there's a good chance once you do move in, other homes will be in the process of being built around you. Consequently, that means home sweet home won't be all that sweet because of all the construction noise breaking the silence.
If that process isn't for you there's an alternative to buying new -- finding a relatively new, well-maintained home in a central, established area. A good candidate would be the 2,830 square foot two-storey home found at 44 Ocean Ridge Dr. in luxurious Linden Ridge, said David De Leeuw of RE/MAX Professionals. "With this home -- which was built in 2003 -- you're basically getting a like-new home in a desirable, central location with a bigger than normal lot," said De Leeuw. "Everything in this home is near perfect from the lighting, to the windows, to the flooring and a host of other wonderful features."
He added the home is like new because it's undergone extensive upgrades in the last year or so. "Literally every area of the home has been upgraded. All the bathrooms have been updated, as has the lighting, doors, countertops, flooring and window coverings. The mudroom off the kitchen is new, as is the furnace, which is a new high-efficient model with new HRV. This home is like new and ready to go."
The hardwood floors gleam and the open-concept layout that unfolds in front of you is identical to those found in brand-new homes.
De Leeuw said the synergy between the floor plan and finishes is nothing short of incredible. "This is a very livable home," he said. "It has a contemporary feel, but it's not so wide open that you feel as if you're living in a museum. It's a gorgeous, well-planned and beautifully decorated home that's immaculate and warm. It would be a pleasure to live in this home on a day-to-day basis. It's absolutely perfect for a big, active family."
Thanks to the home's generous square footage, the great room is absolutely huge. Consequently, each space is well-proportioned, and well-defined: a gourmet kitchen with angled island with seating for three, taupe quartz countertops and a wealth of honey maple cabinets; an oversized dining room next to a patio door that leads to a back yard deck; and a spacious, beautifully-finished family room.
"Flow throughout the great room is exceptional, making it ideal for entertaining," said De Leeuw. "Just look at the size of the dining room -- it's huge. The outgoing owners recently hosted a gathering of 23 guests without a problem. The tray ceiling above defines it beautifully and adds style, while the deck extends entertaining space outdoors in the spring, summer and fall."
Next is the family room, which is equally spacious. "There's an absolute ton of room for furniture, and the entertainment centre with its cultured stone gas fireplace, recessed lighting and hardwoods floors is just gorgeous. Those new, eight-inch oak hardwoods run through the great room and into the foyer. There's also a new mudroom/laundry room off the kitchen that adds even more utility to the great room."
Head upstairs and you encounter a massive landing area around which are situated four bedrooms and a four-piece bath. "I just love the layout. Large families can get ready for school and work without running into each other, and all the bedrooms are huge with tons of storage," said De Leeuw. "No one, from the kids to parents, will lack space."
The master suite -- set apart from the other bedrooms in it's own quadrant of the home's upper level -- is private, spacious and opulent. "It's a true oasis," said De Leeuw. "It's off by itself, yet you can see all three kids' bedrooms from its slightly elevated vantage point. The bedroom itself is massive, with its focal point being a double-sided fireplace it shares with the ensuite."
The ensuite -- which features a cut-out that opens it partially on to the bedroom -- is a truly luxurious spot with corner jetted tub, six-foot glass and tile shower, tile flooring and maple vanity with double sinks.
Turns out, more luxury awaits downstairs in the form of a fully-finished basement that takes the home's total square footage to more than 3,500. There's a fifth bedroom or exercise room, three-piece bath with steam shower, rec room/bedroom and home theatre. "The home theatre is amazing with its theatre-style seating, huge screen projection screen and 7.1 surround sound -- it's a great place to watch movies or sports, and really finishes off the home in style."
De Leeuw said the immaculate, updated home is an extremely viable alternative to buying new. "All you have to do is move in and enjoy all the space, high-quality upgrades and the central location -- it's a wonderful home in every respect."
lewys@mts.net
