Imagine the possibilities

When people think about building a spacious bungalow, they often believe that 1,400 sq. ft. is the magic number.

After all, chances are a bungalow of that size is 200 to 300 sq. ft. larger than the one the homeowner grew up in. At the same time, it’s small enough to bring down construction costs — or is it?

The truth is, it doesn’t cost that much more to build a larger bungalow, say something in the 1,700 square foot range.

All you need is a slightly larger lot to accommodate it, and in most cases that’s outside the city, as lots outside city limits tend to be wider.

Lilita Klavins, new homes sales representative for Kensington Homes, says she is excited about the new show home at 785 Addis Ave. in West St. Paul’s Meadowlands.

“This model, the Cambridge, is one that we’ve typically built in communities outside the Perimeter, such as Grand Pointe Meadows where it’s been very popular,” she explains. “The challenge was finding a lot wide enough to build it on. We finally found one here in the Meadowlands. It’s 62 feet wide and the perfect size for this home. I love this plan.”

It’s easy to see why. The instant you step inside, you’re enveloped by a feeling of space, light and elegance.

“Basically, the home reveals itself to you right then and there,” says Klavins. “It’s such a great plan — so livable and filled with quiet style.”

As soothing as all the light is — and as eye-catching as the finishes are — the first thing that stands out about the main living area is its free-flowing feel. This is where the extra square footage comes in, notes Klavins.

“There’s just so much room to move both within each space and between the kitchen, dining area and great room. That makes it a home that could work well for a young family or for a downsizing couple. There’s lots of space to accommodate daily family life or entertaining.”

Thanks to the wide footprint, each space is well defined, starting with the kitchen.

“It’s centred around a large island that seats four,” she says. “There’s loads of room to work in and around it, and a wide aisleway between it and the dining room makes it easy to access it and the great room. The finishes are simply gorgeous — the island’s maple base, quartz countertops with grey veining, white cabinets and a white tile backsplash.”

Then, there’s the dining room and great room, which share a key feature.

“Both the living room and dining room have tray ceilings that take ceiling height up to 10 feet,” says Brahamjot Chugh, Klavins’ sales partner for 785 Addis.

“Many homes don’t have them. This home shows what they can do — add ceiling height and style.”

He adds that the dining room contains another key design feature on its rear wall.

“There’s a sliding patio door that leads out to a large, covered deck. You can barbecue on it year-round and it’s great for entertaining.”

Finally, there’s the great room, which completes the main living area.

“What’s not to love about it?” says Klavins.

“A pair of large windows on its rear wall lets in an absolute ton of natural light, and a linear electric fireplace that’s set in a lovely grey tile feature wall adds a nice dash of style.

“It’s also huge, as it holds a large sectional while leaving plenty of space to spare.”

The Cambridge’s split floor plan also maximizes separation between the primary and secondary bedrooms.

“The two secondary bedrooms were placed in the right corner of the home with a four-piece bath,” she says. “Then, the primary bedroom was set in the far left-hand corner of the home. It’s big, bright and comes with a three-piece ensuite with integrated walk-in closet.”

Klavins says the intelligently designed home ticks all the boxes for families or empty-nesters.

“It’s just a beautiful home — so livable and so wonderfully stylish. Add in a massive lower level with five windows and a nine-foot ceiling — it could hold a rec room, two more bedrooms, a bathroom and storage space — and you have over 3,000 sq. ft. of total livable space. Who could ask for more?”

lewys@mymts.net