Winning style

When empty-nesters look for a home to downsize to, they tend to look for a few key characteristics.

First — if possible — it needs to be in a quiet area where it’s possible to sit outside and enjoy a drink or the company of friends without traffic noise and sirens intruding on quiet contemplation or conversation.

Second, it must be a bungalow in order to maximize livability with knees and backs not being what they once were.

Third, it must offer ample space to spread out and enjoy life.

Bearing all this in mind, Randall Homes designed a series of bungalow condos (plus one two-storey model) in The Villas of Grande Pointe Meadows.

Situated in the RM of Ritchot about a five-minute drive from Sage Creek, the meticulously crafted bungalow condos were designed to help both downsizers and even first-time buyers find the right fit for their housing needs, says Glen Harvey of Sutton Group – Kilkenny Real Estate.

“Right now, we have three show homes with nine units in total left for sale, including one two-storey unit,” he says. “Prices range from $499,900 to $559,900.”

The price range reflects the different sizes of the smartly designed homes.

“Size of the condos ranges from 1,149 sq. ft. to 1,673 sq. ft. No matter which size you choose, it will have all the amenities of a single-family home, including the fact that it’s a stand-alone bungalow on its own lot.”

Each condo also offers other key features, such as a full basement and a double-attached garage.

“Not only that, but you will also have your own backyard, and a deck to barbecue on,” says Harvey.

“You will have all the amenities of a single-family home in a beautiful new development.”

Step inside one of the condos — in this case the 1,174 sq. ft. show home at 81-100 Grande Meadows Boulevard — and you immediately feel at home.

An open-concept floor plan promotes ease of movement, while large, well-placed windows allow plenty of natural light to flood inside.

The finishes are impressive.

Kitchens come with off-white quartz countertops, white or dark (woodgrain-style) thermofoil cabinets, white or black tile backsplashes and stainless steel appliances.

Mid-sized islands have eating nooks that sit two to three, while walk-in pantries add an extra touch of function to kitchens.

“For a limited time, about $40,000 worth of extras that other builders charge extra for — front and back landscaping, quartz countertops and stainless kitchen appliances and a washer and dryer — will be included,” he says. “Central air and a garage door remote will also be included, and the $137 condo fee will be paid until December 21, 2026.”

While those bonuses will certainly make the condos more affordable for prospective buyers, the question of overall livability is key.

And thanks to intelligent, well-thought-out floor plans, the flow and function in these homes is excellent.

The first home viewed — at 1,174 sq. ft. — felt sufficiently spacious, with the living room opening beautifully onto the kitchen and dining area.

Subtle design features such as an angled walk-in pantry added an extra bit of aisle space in the kitchen, while the dining area was offset slightly from the island to make the spaces distinct and create extra room to move.

The second home viewed — it was larger at 1,432 sq. ft. — offered a bit more width in the kitchen, and the bedrooms were a bit bigger.

“Each condo comes with three bedrooms and two baths,” says Harvey. “Both secondary bedrooms are generously sized, while primary bedrooms are quite spacious and come with beautiful four-piece ensuites and large walk-in closets.”

And because most of the homes are bungalows, the lower levels are huge, offering space for a rec room, bathroom and perhaps another bedroom or two.

Harvey says the well-conceived condos have much to offer.

“They’re turnkey — all you need to do is just move in.

“Not only that, but you can avoid bidding wars and then enjoy country living just five minutes from the city in a wonderful community.”

lewys@mymts.net