Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/161409
Sterling Homes, Oak Bluff West Convenient Yet Country OAK BLUFF WEST'S LOCATION IS JUST RIGHT By Lynne Mustard for Qualico Communities Home buyers in Oak Bluff West have the city right where they want it; just down the road. "City shopping, entertainment and services are just a 10-minute drive down McGillivray or a dash around the Perimeter," says Dale Penner of Sterling Homes. Located just past the Perimeter, where McGillivray meets Highway 2, Oak Bluff West is a new residential neighbourhood springing up along the western edge of Oak Bluff. While Winnipeg is very close and convenient, Oak Bluff is country and that's one of its big attractions for Sterling Homes' clients. "They love the rural aspect of Oak Bluff West," states Penner. "You just don't find 10-foot side yards within the city limits." The home sites in Oak Bluff West are 70 to 80 feet wide and reasonably priced. The lot prices, along with Oak Bluff's lower tax rate, are a very attractive combination. Sterling Homes has a selection of over a dozen different floor plans that buyers can customize to take advantage of the size and location of their home site. "Sterling's success has been driven from the standard plans we have incorporated into our show homes," he states. "However, we also have the ability to alter plans to meet a buyer's specific needs." Randall Homes, Oak Bluff West 100 Parade of Homes Fall 2013 Country Condos For those who don't want to care for an oversize yard or shovel snow in winter, Randall Homes is building bungalow condominiums in Oak Bluff West. Jason Jaquet of Randall notes that there is pent-up demand in the area for the condo lifestyle. "People have been waiting for years to get something like this. They're very excited to move into condos in Oak Bluff," he states. "We've been getting a very good response and have sold several of our Oakwood Estates bungalows already." There are only 14 units in total; these appealing condos are clustered in 3-plex and 4-plex groupings, where each bungalow has one or two common walls with another. There are three floor plans, in sizes ranging from 1,455 to 1,598 square feet, with full basements and double garages. Both builders agree that there's a real mix of ages moving into Oak Bluff West, which will contribute to a vibrant, active and interesting community. "We're seeing growing families, empty-nesters and young professional couples settling here," Penner states. A Qualico community, Oak Bluff West has architectural standards that all the builders working there must meet. In addition to Randall and Sterling Homes, there are five other builders: Ventura, Somerville, Artista, Parkhill and Paradigm. Their stylish home designs are both beautiful and functional. Penner explains that Sterling Homes has the advantage of Qualico's 4,000-square-foot Design Centre where buyers can actually see all the possibilities with regard to flooring choices, cabinetry, colour palettes and much more. Randall Homes conducted a focus group for their bungalow condominiums in Oak Bluff West to ensure their design met the wants and needs of potential buyers. Prices start at $375,900; each comes with the condo perks covered by a small Oakwood Estates by Randall Homes, monthly fee. Oak Bluff West Randall is also building impressive, single-family homes in Oak Bluff West. The community of Oak Bluff has much to offer. It currently has about 600 residents and many businesses, including service stations, a coffee shop, restaurants, a Credit Union and a post office. It also has a kindergarten to Grade 8 school, a nursery school and easy access to high schools on the western edge of the city. The recreation centre has an indoor hockey rink, seniors' club, baseball diamonds and a soccer pitch. There are several show homes now open in this convenient, country community where the location, taxes and home choices are just right. •