Loaded with style and value in a great community

In the midst of challenging economic times home buyers are increasingly thinking outside the box to find the greatest possible value.

As parents of many king-sized families have found, opening their mind to the possibility of living outside Winnipeg can pay big dividends.

You get a bigger house on a larger lot that costs a good deal less than a similar home would in the city.

Jeff Brown of Sutton Group — Kilkenny Real Estate says he recently listed a nine-year-old custom built bungalow in St. Adolphe that offers large families amazing value, and livability.

"This home comes with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, over 2,400 sq. ft. of total living space and much more," he says of 365 Gerard St., a 1,399 sq. ft. bungalow that was built in 2011. "It offers incredible value at $474,900. A similar home in the city would likely cost $200,000 more."

As for the objection of having to drive more due to living outside city limits, Brown says that just isn’t the case.

"The reality is you’re just minutes from the Perimeter, and you can take either St. Mary’s Road or Pembina Highway into the city. Sure, you’re going to do a bit more driving, but you get so much more than you would in the city."

Those perks include lower taxes, a bigger lot and a peaceful atmosphere bereft of sirens, traffic noise and planes flying overhead.

Oh, and you also get a home that’s in spotless condition and is complete in every aspect, says Brown.

"This home has everything a big family could possibly need from a modern, open-concept floor plan to a huge backyard and fully-finished lower level. Most importantly, it has the space that a large family needs."

Equally important is the fact that the space is well-utilized.

A generous, sunken foyer leads into wide-open, well-proportioned great room with big, bright living room, dining area that seats eight to 12 — and a roomy island kitchen with mid-sized island, corner pantry, loads of cappuccino maple cabinets and stainless appliances.

Thanks to the cabinets, earthy colour palette and cappuccino laminate plank flooring, the area exudes a warm, welcoming feel, all the while offering plenty of space to move about freely — a critical consideration for big families.

Brown says a space tucked away behind the dining area further amplifies the great room’s high level of livability.

"Sliding garden doors lead you into a gorgeous, three-season screened in sunroom with hot tub. It’s perfect for family hang-outs and entertaining, and comes with a screen door that takes you out to a two-tiered deck and huge, fenced backyard."

Back inside, a well-placed bedroom wing houses a spacious four-piece bath and three oversized bedrooms, including the master suite.

"I just love how the bedrooms were placed well away from the great room to maximize privacy," says Brown. "The kids’ bedrooms are huge with big windows, tan berber carpeting and double closets, while the master suite is a wonderful retreat that comes with a big walk-in closet and four-piece ensuite with cappuccino vanity and a vinyl soaker tub/shower combination."

There are no disappointments downstairs, he adds.

"The lower level is huge and completely finished and features sound proof insulation in the walls and ceiling, a media room with projector and screen, wet bar, a massive laundry/storage room — and a wing that holds three more bedrooms and a three-piece bath. Again, the use of space is exceptional - there’s so much function down here."

Large families looking for an affordable, livable home will find that and more just a short drive from the city, says Brown.

"This home has it all, and for far less than what you’d pay in the city — everything is done, and things like the hot tub and projector are included in the price of the home. It’s an amazing family home that offers amazing value from start to finish."

lewys@mymts.net