A lot goes into balancing and blending the various aspects of a 3,609-square-foot home. Following a year-long design process, the model boasting a French Country elevation, four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a triple-car garage is part of the show home parade at award-winning Watermark at Bearspaw. 

Taking centre stage is the aforementioned gourmet kitchen, featuring the uncommon element of two over-sized islands.

“The kitchen design allows for plenty of counter work space and a functional work triangle with an abundance of cabinets for storage,” says Astoria vice-president Lisa Stinson. “The space planning accounted for two cooks to work together without feeling congested and in close proximity to a walk-in pantry with dual counters to feed a large family.”

The island closest to the stove has a sink and sits under a row of elegant lighting fixtures. The other island comes with additional cabinet space and an extended eating bar with seating for three people. It’s bookended by wide stone-made pillars. 

Also featured in the kitchen is a full-height backsplash and stainless steel appliances that carry high-end labels, such as Wolf, Sub-Zero and La Cornue.

The kitchen faces the great room and sides on to a dining nook with a butler’s pantry and wine storage unit. Astoria continues it penchant for outdoor living spaces, linking the dining area to a 16 foot by 13 foot 10 inch deck. 

Any fan of grand soaring ceilings will appreciate the great room. Its ceiling is vaulted and stretches two storeys, including an open-to-below effect from the loft space on the top floor. It’s accented by mid-height beams that match the fireplace mantle. Capitalizing on the sky-high ceilings, stone from the fireplace, which is carried over from the kitchen island beams, also reaches the full height of the home. 

Do the children need a space to tuck away and polish off home work? That’s also part of the floor plan. “The office, just inside the foyer, with dual work areas, creates a home office for managing the details of your life,” says Stinson, adding stylish dual barn doors can close and bring privacy to the space. 

Off the kitchen, a curved open-riser stairwell leads to the second level and the developed basement. Four bedrooms are on the second floor but a fifth can be added to the basement. 

The master bedroom stretches 14 feet by 17 feet four inches, features a tray-style ceiling and is equipped with its own fireplace. It ensuite and generous walk-in closet are accessed on opposite ends of the same wall. The closet has an abundnance of built-in shelving, making it easy to keep the space organized. Inspired by a luxury hotel spa, the ensuite stars dual vanities separated by a long stretch of counter space under a full-width mirror. There are also dual tone cabinets, an expansive standalone shower, and separate tub under a large window. 

One of the secondary bedrooms also has an ensuite and the other two share a bathroom through a Jack-and-Jill concept, where each room has direct access. Then there’s a second floor laundry room a front-load washer and dryer, cabinets and counter space.

In the basement, the previously mentioned bedroom is joined by an entertainment and rec area, bathroom and large storage space. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

MODEL: The Montebello.

BUILDER: Astoria Custom Homes. 

AREA: Watermark at Bearspaw.

DEVELOPER: Macdonald Development Corp. 

HOURS: The show home is open noon - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon - 5:00 p.m. on Fridays and weekends. 

For further information click here.

Written by: Josh Skapin, Calgary Herald

Published on: February 5, 2016