Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1287371
GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN OAK BLUFF WEST By Jennifer McFee Imagine living in a new home nestled amid naturalized wetlands and a network of limestone trails with wide-open prairie views. This dream becomes a reality in Oak Bluff West, where six new show homes are open for viewing — including an unforgettable 1,660-square-foot abode by Warkentin Custom Homes at 10 Erb Farm Road. This three-bedroom, two- bathroom home features a large open kitchen, dining and living area. Other amenities include an oversized garage, back deck and fully landscaped yard. The 10-foot ceiling, expansive windows and modern glass railing system achieve an airy feel, with energy-efficiency as a key focus throughout. "We are paying attention to how people live, entertain, work and de- stress, and have that be a reflection in the homes and in the spaces that we create for them," says Warkentin president Melanie Snow. "How we use our homes is ever- evolving. More recently we are adding spaces for computer zones and home offices." Oak Bluff West provides a true sense of community within the development, she adds. "On any given day, you will see a pick-up game of hockey on the street or a couple taking a stroll on one of the many connective pathways along the wetlands and prairie landscape," Snow says. "Our homes have become so important to us. Living in Oak Bluff West allows you to unwind when you come home and to have a quiet place to rejuvenate and truly enjoy life." A near neighbour, René Giroux of Foxridge Homes, is excited to open a 1,684-square-foot show home at 9 Erb Farm Road. "We chose to go with a bungalow as a show home. Bungalows are a great use of space, especially once you factor in your basement," Giroux says. "Most importantly, the lots in Oak Bluff are very wide — much wider than what you get in the city." With that in mind, Foxridge Homes designed its plan specifically to make full use of the large lot. Currently, 70- and 80-foot-wide lots are available in the area. "It's a great size for a young family or for people who are looking to downsize. It's not over the top in size but it functions very well as a three- bedroom plan," Giroux says. "It has a very open concept and we accentuated that with large windows throughout the main floor, bringing in all that natural light." Homeowners in the Qualico community of Oak Bluff West can enjoy the calming effects of nature, right in their own backyard. "Coming into this new norm, people want to use their backyards a lot more efficiently. You have the opportunity to do that in Oak Bluff West, without losing the convenience of being close to the city," Giroux says. "At the same time, you've got that great big prairie sky in Oak Bluff West that you get to experience every day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you step outside the Perimeter very briefly, you'll see all there is to offer out in the country." QUALICO COMMUNITIES — OAK BLUFF WEST POH YOU'VE GOT THAT GREAT BIG PRAIRIE SKY IN OAK BLUFF WEST THAT YOU GET TO EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY. 146 Parade of Homes Fall 2020