New Homes
New Homes
Lot orientation a matter of preference
111There is one lot that really appeals to us but it has an east-facing backyard. We don't want to regret our decision to build on a lot, so we are open to your thoughts.
ANSWER -- There is no question that when it comes to home orientation, the south-facing backyard has become the most sought-after option. This is true for the previously owned real-estate market as well as new home acquisitions. A lot's orientation may even influence its price.
The best orientation, however, can also be very subjective. What's important to one homeowner may not be important to another. In order to feel confident in your decision, you should consider all the factors.
The whole issue revolves around available sunlight. Your choice will depend on where you want those rays to shine. Some individuals want a sunny backyard; others want a sunny home entrance, while others have specific rooms in the home that simply beg for brightness.
Some home buyers never give home orientation a second thought -- until they experience the effect. The differences in orientation can be observed most dramatically in the spring when a south-facing slope tends to show signs of spring sooner than its counterpart, the north-facing slope.
Worth remembering, however, is the fact our planet rotates and changes its own orientation throughout the seasons; therefore, the amount and intensity of daylight constantly fluctuates.
Through design, any home regardless of lot orientation can take advantage of the amount of light offered.
A home with many windows facing a southern exposure will offer an abundance of light. This intensity may need to be tempered with special glass, strategic window treatments or architectural additions such as awnings or porches, in order to control the UV rays and heat.
A north-facing backyard may be perfect for a home that has bedrooms situated in the back quadrant of the home, as it will offer less intense light and heat. A dark, cool bedroom would be a perfect oasis during a summer heat wave.
A west backyard will offer a fabulous sunset, while the east backyard will welcome the sun. It is the last orientation that I personally prefer.
My grandmother's home offered an east backyard as did my parents' home and consequently so have mine. I realized it is because I truly enjoy sun pouring into my kitchen in the morning. For me it's the best way to start the day.
I have taken advantage of this morning sun by building a covered porch and gazebo off my kitchen so I can enjoy morning breakfasts outside. An added bonus: during the summer heat, the sun is brightest on the other side of the house, leaving the kitchen and porch comfortable and cool.
Whatever your sunlight needs may be, you can design your home with your new builder to take advantage of any orientation you choose.
One thing that is often forgotten when building in a new neighbourhood, is that you will soon have neighbours. These buildings and eventually mature landscaping will also affect the amount of sunlight available, regardless of the orientation.
Decide on the orientation that is best for you and maximize its effect with your home's design.
Dear Leanne: Do you have any recommendations on how to sanitize a butcher-block counter?
ANSWER -- For general cleaning of your butcher-block counter use hot soapy water regularly. You do not want the water to stand, as wood can be damaged if exposed to excessive amounts of water for extended periods of time. Dry the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel.
For more intense cleaning requirements I recommend a mixture of five millilitres (one teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach added to a solution of one part water, five parts white vinegar, in a one-litre container. Keep this in a spray bottle and apply as needed.
-- Canwest News Service
New Homes
Flexible layout creates functional home
These days, families looking for new homes are looking for designs that have the three Fs: form, function and fashion.While delivering a home that possesses equal parts of those three critical ingredients is a rather daunting task, The Tofino -- a Broadview Homes creation found at 116 Reg Wyatt Way in Harbourview South -- has managed to balance those key components in seamless, logical fashion.
Exhibit 1 is the hub of the two-storey, 2,000-square-foot home, an open-concept kitchen/great room area with a neat twist.
"Everyone who's viewed the home has really liked the layout of the area -- it's open yet distinct at the same time," says Dale Penner, single-family sales manager for Broadview's parent company, Qualico. "Several features really stand out -- a long island with eating nook for four that divides the kitchen from the great room, and an over-the-range microwave/hood fan combination that makes for more cupboard space."
Unlike many open-concept kitchen/great room areas, the dinette area -- which is more like a dining room -- is set off by itself in its own distinct wing.
"It's not only highly functional but flexible as well," he says. "Depending on your needs, it can serve as a formal dining area for entertaining, or a casual area for the family to sit down to an informal dinner at. The key is that there's enough room to use it in the manner that best suits you."
The Tofino's high level of functionality is derived from several other features. First, the foyer and hallway leading into the kitchen are extra-wide, paving the way for ease of access. Second, there's a handy flex room to the right of the foyer that can serve a variety of purposes. Finally, a hallway to the left takes you to a laundry/mudroom that connects to a walk-through pantry.
"Those are features our designers purposely built into the floor plan to enhance the home's functionality," Penner explains. "Having that extra room in the foyer and hallway means less congestion whether you're entertaining or your kids are running around the house. The flex room can be an office, music room or workout room, and having the laundry/mudroom connected to the pantry not only gives you storage space and a convenient place to do laundry: If you have an armful of groceries, you can take them directly through to the pantry to put them away."
Meanwhile, materials such as the beige dura ceramic tile that runs from the foyer through the kitchen, medium-stained maple cabinetry and door trim and smart beige arborite counter tops in the kitchen add just the right amount of pizazz into the fashion mix.
"In particular, the dura ceramic floor is a great feature. It looks great and is warmer than conventional ceramic tile, and all you need is a dust mop to clean it. This is a low-maintenance home."
The upper level is also laid out in efficient, economical fashion. The three bedrooms and bathroom fan out around the compact landing in U-shaped form; again, this design feature was intentional.
"Reducing the size of the landing made for larger bedrooms," says Penner. "Not only are the two secondary bedrooms huge, but they also have walk-in closets. Then, the four-piece bathroom was placed in between for quick access. The master bedroom was then placed to the side and out of the way for privacy."
Not only is the master bedroom private and functional, but it also scores high in form and fashion. Space abounds, with more than enough room for a plug-in fireplace/mantel, two chairs, two end tables, a plant or two -- and a king-sized bed. Light cascades into the room thanks to a long, rectangular piano window flanked by vertical windows at either end.
"All that room gives you the space you need, while the ensuite gives couples the functionality and luxury they desire. The walk-in closet is part of the ensuite; all you have to do is close the pocket door and you can shower and get dressed without disturbing your partner. There's also a large soaker tub set in beige ceramic tile (and oversized shower), as well as a long tiled counter top (over a maple vanity) and brown ceramic floor. It's a functional, luxurious spot where you can get away from it all."
An added bonus: The Tofino is also a Manitoba Hydro PowerSmart silver home. That means you can add an E -- Energy Efficient -- to go along with an already high level of form, function and fashion.
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
A nice place to visit... ...and live
Drive through Bridgeland Forest these days, and you might notice a steady stream of people flowing in and out of 90 Bridgeland Ave.The reason? It may well be the first visitable show home ever entered in a Parade of Homes competition.
"We're very proud of it," says Garth Steek, sales manager for Greentree Homes, builder of the 1,460-square-foot bungalow. "It's a home that has been built to recognize a change in customer demographics. Not only are there young families looking for an affordable three-bedroom bungalow, but there are also seniors from the boomer generation looking for a user-friendly place to live."
Sandra Finch, Greentree's marketing representative for 90 Bridgeland, says the response to the home has been strong.
"I would estimate we had over 250 people go through the home this past weekend," she says. "In particular, the response was very positive from people whose lifestyles are changing -- boomers getting on in age, or people who have relatives with physical challenges who might want to come to visit. This home has been laid out so it's very easy to negotiate throughout."
Now, to say a home is visitable doesn't mean it's 100 per cent wheelchair accessible for handicapped people. Saying a home is visitable means that it has been outfitted with a number of features that make it much easier to gain access to and move around in than your standard home.
Features included in The Tudor include an enlarged 23-foot by 24-foot garage (which can accommodate vehicles with lifts for wheelchairs), an extra-wide hallway leading to the garage, a wider aisleway in the kitchen (between the island and counter on the other side), extra-wide doorways and a five-foot turning radius in the main bathroom. There's also a low step-over shower in the master bedroom's ensuite.
"The idea behind visitable homes is that they can provide independent access for everyone including people with limited mobility or those with disabilities," Steek says. "This type of design can also be beneficial to families with small children; for example, strollers can roll right up and through doorways without any problems. The bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens are wheelchair-accessible, and the design enables ease of movement because there aren't narrow doors and steps to contend with."
According to Finch, this version of The Tudor is a good choice for those looking to downsize to a home that offers a more user-friendly lifestyle -- and that can be adapted to changing needs.
"It's just a great home for empty-nesters who may now be, say, in their mid-50s, with some minor physical challenges. We can work with customers to look at their present lifestyle needs, and where those needs might be going in the next five to 10 years. Things like grab bars can be added in hallways in the future, because the home has been laid out to accommodate them," she says.
As far as the home's exterior is concerned, the key visitable feature there is a wheelchair ramp found at the rear, adjacent to the garage. Should someone be in a wheelchair, access to the home is made easy by negotiating the ramp up to a side-deck door that provides a perfectly flat entry point.
"For the time being, that's where wheelchair access (in Bridgeland Forest) has to come from due to builders' guidelines," adds Finch. "It's a perfect design if you want your parents to move in to take care of them -- they can still get inside and get around easily, and yet there's still enough room for an active family to do what they need to do."
Steek says that other special features are also readily available, as well.
"We can also put in an elevator (for basement access) if need be; the design is only limited by your imagination. As a builder, we're adaptable to meeting the special needs of our customers. Best of all, this is a design that's as affordable as it is accessible. It's also a PowerSmart gold home that offers a huge basement for future development," he says. "We're very pleased to be able to offer this option to the public."
As someone who has long specialized in selling visitable and accessible homes, Finch is excited that the general public can now see what a visitable home actually has to offer.
"Hopefully, more builders will recognize these needs in the future," she says. "This home not only is very visitable, but has lots of wow and pizzazz -- maple cabinets and hardwoods, ceramic tile and big, low windows to let in lots of light. It proves that a home can not only be visitable, but it can look great, too."
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Beyond its means
A grand front porch and wide-open living areas welcome visitors to this home, Plan E-1217, by Home Plans LLC, while creative angles in the floor plan add interest and make efficient use of every bit of space.Just off the entry, the bright living room merges with the dining room for an easy entertaining or gathering spot. The side wall is lined with glass, including a glass door that opens to the yard, while the angled kitchen features a smart serving counter that faces the dining room.
The master suite offers a private bath, a walk-in closet and a dressing area with a vanity.
Two additional bedrooms and another full bath are located down the hall.
A downloadable study plan of this house is available at www.houseoftheweek.com. To order by phone, call 866-772-1013. Quote the plan number.
-- The Associated Press
New Homes
A <em>pleasant</em> surprise
Despite the best efforts of home builders, it's all too easy for new-home designs to take on a generic look.You know: the maple cabinets, brown earth tones, maple floors, white baseboards; and so the list often goes. The result from a buyer's point of view? In a great many cases, a serious case of vapour lock. After all, you can only take seeing the same old, same old so many times before you feel like screaming.
That's never a danger with Warkentin Homes, says their marketing representative, Mark Penner.
"They're always trying something new," he says. "The result is nice clean, contemporary designs that have a few neat twists to them that give them a different look -- both in terms of materials and layout."
One of Warkentin's newest show homes, 115 McBeth Grove, is a prime example of that commitment to thinking outside the box. Take, for example, the walk-through pantry that can be accessed through an angled doorway at the front of the kitchen.
"We've found that people with kids just love the concept. If you close the door, you don't even know it's there. Open it, and you find a multi-functional room that has a table for folding laundry or sorting mail, a pantry with six individual compartments for storage, and a laundry room with huge coat/storage room. You can bring groceries right through to the kitchen, and store sports equipment without a problem."
The island kitchen itself is a study in not only contrast, but different finishes. First, there is the cabinetry, which offers a different, textured take on oak. Next is the grey countertop, which matches the carpeting in the great room. Third is the flooring, which is medium-stained maple, but with a different treatment to the wood.
"The cabinetry is called weathered rift on oak," explains Penner. "It features a dark, textured finish, which is different and looks phenomenal. To offer a contrast with the dark flooring and cabinetry, Warkentin's designers went with a grey quartz countertop for the island and surrounding countertops. They then put a beige carpet in the great room define the area, and provide contrast with the maple flooring, which has a distressed, weathered look for added character."
Meanwhile, the angled island area -- which has an eating nook for two to complement the adjacent dinette area (for six) -- actually serves two purposes.
"Its positioning makes for wider aisles that make for better flow through the kitchen; it also subtly divides the kitchen from the great room," he says. "You can have eight to 10 people eating in the kitchen without a problem, as the dinette area is oversized. Windows along most of the rear wall make the kitchen/great room area a bright, relaxing place to be no matter what you're doing."
Other unique design touches also add character to the home's hub: a black gas fireplace sans mantle, surrounded by beige ceramic tile, and dark-stained maple window trim and baseboards (which run throughout the entire home) that mesh perfectly with the light and dark brown colour palette.
Upstairs, more surprises of the pleasant variety await. The first is a compact computer nook found at the end of the catwalk that overlooks the foyer; next are the three large, horizontal windows that climb the wall over the stairwell to allow light to cascade into the upper level; finally, all three bedrooms are spacious, a bit of a surprise considering the home checks in at 1,825 sq. ft.
"It's all about the design," Penner says. "There is little in the way of wasted space in Warkentin-designed homes. Not only do you get an amazing master bedroom and ensuite, but the two secondary bedrooms are large, have big windows and huge closets with bifold maple doors."
While the master bedroom is plenty big (with deceptively big walk-in closet), it's the ensuite that steals the show in two senses: its unique, striking finishing materials, and a clever layout that maximizes space.
"This is one of the best I've seen. Although it isn't huge, the layout -- having the tub in one corner and the shower in the opposite corner -- ensures there's more than enough room to move. The designers also went with a grey porcelain surround around the tub, white thermafoil vanity with brushed nickel handles and beige Adura ceramic tile floor (a warmer material)," he says. "It's a different looks that really works."
With room for two more bedrooms and a large rec room downstairs, 115 McBeth Grove will appeal to families looking for a sense of space, utility and unique styling.
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
A nice little Niche to call home
For the longest time, a compact parcel of land sat empty at the corner of Grant Avenue and Niagara Street.To the naked eye, nothing was going on. As it turns out, that was perception, not reality. Come early winter of 2009, Niche Condominiums, a collaboration between Karma Development Corporation and architect Ernie Walter and Walter Corporation, will feature a cutting-edge, eight unit condominium complex on that prime piece of River Heights real estate.
"We actually bought this property over two years ago," said Marc Kipnes, who along with partner Myles Kraut runs Winnipeg-based Karma Development Corp. "It's taken this long to get the zoning and other technical elements of the project done. We also got the neighbourhood involved to ensure that the project fit into the area. Now that we've got their approval and Ernie Walter to do the building design -- he's the only architect who could do this -- we're ready to move forward. Construction will start in spring 2009."
Yaron Walter, president of Walter Corp., says it was a challenge to come up with a design to fit the compact lot.
"It definitely was a challenge," he said. "This is going to be one of the first buildings of its type in Winnipeg. It took some doing, but we managed to maximize the square footage and living space so that residents wouldn't feel boxed in. It will be a very innovative design -- there will be three one-level units, and the other five will be two-storey units. Size will range from 1,253 sq. ft. to 1,724 sq. ft." Units will start at $350,000.
Just as the building has been designed to maximize space, it has also been designed to be very, very green from top to bottom, Walter added.
"To start off, it will feature ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction, which is not only durable and offers great insulation values (R32 walls and R60 roof), but it will also eliminate a lot of product waste. That will make for a more ecologically friendly building," he said. "It's going to be a very comfortable and soundproof design that will also be energy-efficient and safe and healthy to live in."
Other green features will include low-flow Kohler fixtures, dual-flush toilets, polished concrete floors, low V.O.C. paint, Kitchen Aid stainless Energy Star appliances, and a selection of green flooring products to choose from should buyers want to go with something other than concrete flooring.
Suite interiors will be open-concept in nature, with amenities such as nine-foot ceilings, four-season sunrooms with skylights (some will have balconies) and large windows (full ceiling height) to let in lots of natural light. Each unit will have two private entrances -- one from the front and an entrance leading from heated indoor parking directly into the suite.
"All the finishes and appliances will be top-end (including CaesarStone countertops, glass backsplashes and flat laminate cabinetry with environment-friendly cores)," said Kipnes, adding that each suite will have its own heating and cooling controls, with electric furnace and HRV unit.
"Our goal is to make units where people can pick the design they like and just move in. Hopefully, there won't be any need to upgrade. People can also expect units that have more of a townhouse, rather than condominium feel."
Walter said it's been a pleasure working with Karma Development Corporation to make such a cutting-edge design a reality.
"Marc and Myles have been willing to go a little bit extra in every area to make for a top-quality project. The result will be a leading-edge design that is integrated with the neighbourhood in a way that people have never seen before. Most importantly, it will have the style, space and green features that people are looking for."
Barry Greenberg of Newman, Greenberg and Associates, who is marketing Niche Condominiums with partner Monica Newman, says the project is a perfect fit for the area.
"Two things stand out about this project: the location, which is just superb. You're close to everything, and the area has one of the highest resale values in Winnipeg. I also like the fact that this is a smaller project. That makes it so much more personal and customer-friendly. Personal touches like private entrances and courtyards and an innovative, green design are going to make this a great place to call home."
For more information on Niche Condominiums -- its display centre will open Saturday, Sept. 6 -- call Newman, Greenberg and Associates at 784-3555 or see www.nichecondominiums.com.
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Correction
In our preview Aug. 24 of Sapphire Homes' show home at 16 Medinah Dr. in La Salle, it was incorrectly reported that the home had been sold.
The home remains on the market, listed with Realtor Jeff Stern of Re/Max. For information, contact Stern at 795-9600 or go to jeffstern.com
The Free Press regrets the error.
New Homes
A nice little Niche to call home
For the longest time, a compact parcel of land sat empty at the corner of Grant Avenue and Niagara Street.To the naked eye, nothing was going on. As it turns out, that was perception, not reality. Come early winter of 2009, Niche Condominiums, a collaboration between Karma Development Corporation and architect Ernie Walter and Walter Corporation, will feature a cutting-edge, eight unit condominium complex on that prime piece of River Heights real estate.
"We actually bought this property over two years ago," said Marc Kipnes, who along with partner Myles Kraut runs Winnipeg-based Karma Development Corp. "It's taken this long to get the zoning and other technical elements of the project done. We also got the neighbourhood involved to ensure that the project fit into the area. Now that we've got their approval and Ernie Walter to do the building design -- he's the only architect who could do this -- we're ready to move forward. Construction will start in spring 2009."
Yaron Walter, president of Walter Corp., says it was a challenge to come up with a design to fit the compact lot.
"It definitely was a challenge," he said. "This is going to be one of the first buildings of its type in Winnipeg. It took some doing, but we managed to maximize the square footage and living space so that residents wouldn't feel boxed in. It will be a very innovative design -- there will be three one-level units, and the other five will be two-storey units. Size will range from 1,253 sq. ft. to 1,724 sq. ft." Units will start at $350,000.
Just as the building has been designed to maximize space, it has also been designed to be very, very green from top to bottom, Walter added.
"To start off, it will feature ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction, which is not only durable and offers great insulation values (R32 walls and R60 roof), but it will also eliminate a lot of product waste. That will make for a more ecologically friendly building," he said. "It's going to be a very comfortable and soundproof design that will also be energy-efficient and safe and healthy to live in."
Other green features will include low-flow Kohler fixtures, dual-flush toilets, polished concrete floors, low V.O.C. paint, Kitchen Aid stainless Energy Star appliances, and a selection of green flooring products to choose from should buyers want to go with something other than concrete flooring.
Suite interiors will be open-concept in nature, with amenities such as nine-foot ceilings, four-season sunrooms with skylights (some will have balconies) and large windows (full ceiling height) to let in lots of natural light. Each unit will have two private entrances -- one from the front and an entrance leading from heated indoor parking directly into the suite.
"All the finishes and appliances will be top-end (including CaesarStone countertops, glass backsplashes and flat laminate cabinetry with environment-friendly cores)," said Kipnes, adding that each suite will have its own heating and cooling controls, with electric furnace and HRV unit.
"Our goal is to make units where people can pick the design they like and just move in. Hopefully, there won't be any need to upgrade. People can also expect units that have more of a townhouse, rather than condominium feel."
Walter said it's been a pleasure working with Karma Development Corporation to make such a cutting-edge design a reality.
"Marc and Myles have been willing to go a little bit extra in every area to make for a top-quality project. The result will be a leading-edge design that is integrated with the neighbourhood in a way that people have never seen before. Most importantly, it will have the style, space and green features that people are looking for."
Barry Greenberg of Newman, Greenberg and Associates, who is marketing Niche Condominiums with partner Monica Newman, says the project is a perfect fit for the area.
"Two things stand out about this project: the location, which is just superb. You're close to everything, and the area has one of the highest resale values in Winnipeg. I also like the fact that this is a smaller project. That makes it so much more personal and customer-friendly. Personal touches like private entrances and courtyards and an innovative, green design are going to make this a great place to call home."
For more information on Niche Condominiums -- its display centre will open Saturday, Sept. 6 -- call Newman, Greenberg and Associates at 784-3555 or see www.nichecondominiums.com.
lewys@mts.net
New Homes
Feast for the senses
So, you're looking for a new place to live, and you have an unlimited budget to work with.Unwilling to settle, you're searching for a two-storey home that has space to burn, is finished in only the finest materials, and has a water view -- just for starters. In short, you want a work of art that's not only a visual feast, but is flawless from an ergonomic standpoint.
A tall order, no doubt. Nevertheless, we think we've found a show home worthy of your consideration: 7 Prominence Point in Bridgwater Forest in Waverley West.
Just opened for the first weekend of the Fall Parade of Homes, the 2,864 sq. ft, two-storey show home (with walk-out basement) is already drawing rave reviews for its imaginative design, says Gino Homes' marketing representative, Sutton Realty's Jeff Brown.
"Everyone who viewed the home was absolutely blown away by what they saw," says Brown. "It's a beautifully laid-out home that's finished with top-quality materials such as solid oak doors, one-and-a-half-inch granite countertops, maple hardwoods and ceramic tile. Not one detail has been missed. That's why this is such an incredible home."
Exhibit A is the island kitchen, which is notable for a variety of reasons, says Brown.
"First of all, it's a deluxe, oversize gourmet kitchen. With its two-tone maple cabinetry, black granite counter, island with double stainless sink and eating nook for three -- and an amazing appliance package (natural gas stove, industrial-quality fridge/freezer combo) -- it's a great place to cook. Add in a custom brown/black floor with 18-inch ceramic tile and two-tone ceramic backsplash, and it's a kitchen that just begs to be used."
As ornate as the kitchen is, it's also practically designed, too. The door from the three-car garage opens right into the kitchen; across from the door is (no wire racks here) a dark-stained oak storage unit to house coats, sports equipment and other odds and ends. At the other end of the kitchen is a huge dinette area framed by no fewer than five large windows.
Then, there's the adjacent great room with its 20-foot ceiling, wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, medium-colour maple hardwoods (which also run through the kitchen) and gas fireplace.
"The expansive feel that the home's floor plan creates is exceptional," he says. "Flow from the kitchen to great room is, in a word, smooth. A five-foot-wide hallway then takes you through to the dining room at the front of the home; separation is provided by a three-sided gas fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the great room and dining room (which sports a smashing tray ceiling). It looks spectacular at night, whether you're entertaining or just relaxing with the family."
A quick trip up the angular staircase reveals an upper level that matches the main level's spacious, richly finished feel. Light is abundant, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room below; thanks to the balcony (great place to view the great room), a jog in the far wall -- and an extra-wide hallway -- there will be no rubbing shoulders in the morning before work or school.
With earth tone browns, gorgeous oak trim and textured brown berber carpet, the upper level is both easy on the eyes and easy to navigate. The two secondary bedrooms are bigger than usual, with one sporting a walk-in closet. As well-appointed as the two bedrooms are (there's also a large four-piece main bathroom, too), the master bedroom is the unquestioned show stealer.
"It's everything a master bedroom in a home of this calibre should be -- its size, shape and style is unbelievable," Brown says. "You get a double door entrance, water view and room to arrange the bedroom exactly to your personal tastes; the ensuite has a huge corner jetted tub wrapped in cultured stone and ceramic tile, and a five-foot tempered glass shower encased in beige ceramic tile. The walk-in closet even has custom cabinetry, and the chocolate brown/medium brown/midnight blue colour scheme strikes just the right balance."
Downstairs, the home's crowning touch awaits: a walk-out basement that adds more than 1,200 sq. ft. of livable space to bring total square footage to over 4,000.
"With six windows, a nine-foot ceiling and no teleposts, the lower level is bright, has a water view and room for a games area, sitting area (with another gas fireplace), and a fourth bedroom," he says. "There's also a hidden garage in back, which is a neat feature, too. This home has everything -- a great location, huge lot with water view -- and is immaculate in and out. It's craftsmanship -- and detail -- at its finest."
lewys@mts.net
