JOSH SKAPIN, CALGARY HERALD - JULY 20, 2018

With master ensuites, drawing inspiration from the look and feel of a spa makes sense. It taps into part of what the space is meant to be, which is a soothing escape.

But to truly channel that spa experience, the scale and materials of a luxury estate home are key. A show home in Watermark at Bearspaw displays how those assets and the right vision can hit the mark with an authentic retreat.

This home has a triple car garage, and reaches 3,559 square feet above grade, with 1,569 square feet in the lower level. It has five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms — headlined by its main floor master bedroom and accessory spaces.

From the 14 foot six inch by 14 foot six inch master bedroom, its grand wardrobe area is accessed through the ensuite.

This luxurious backdrop for both preparing to start one’s day, and unwinding after a busy week is highlighted by a chic stand-alone tub in front of a shower surrounded in striking Marvel Pro Statuario Ribbon tiles vertically-stacked to the ceiling, with 10 millimetre clear glass. It features dual hand-held shower heads with an overhead rain-style head. Dual floating vanities positioned on facing ends of the ensuite give each person in a couple elbow room while maintaining a connection.

While serving the purpose of a walk-in closet, in this case, such a term falls short. The expansive space with an assortment of built-in shelves and drawers not only has the capacity to be a dressing room for one person, but easily fits many more.

At this scale, it’s easy to imagine the space used by a bride preparing for her wedding day with friends and family at her side.

And when it’s time to put something in the wash, there’s no need to step out into the hallway. The wardrobe area provides direct access to a laundry room with a front load washer and dryer. There’s a laundry room on the second level of the home, as well.

The second level — accessed by airy open-riser stairs — has two bedrooms, each with their own ensuite and walk-in closet. Measuring 14 feet by 11 feet six inches, the larger of the two second floor sleep spaces is comparable to the master bedroom in many other homes.

Both bedrooms step out to a bonus room with a fireplace, which is adjacent to an open to below feature that looks over the open-concept L-shaped kitchen, great room, and dining area.

With the additional wall space, the builder opted for more well-sized windows, elevating the input and dispersion of natural light in its most important gathering spaces.

The kitchen is not only a showpiece, but poised to perform. Warm-toned woods on the lower cabinets and base of the island play off of dark upper cabinets and an eye-catching pattern on the full-height backsplash.

Sinks are in strong supply, with one under a broad window that looks into the backyard, another is the island, and a third that’s part of a work station in the pantry.

The large island is designed for meal preparation and to entertain, with an extended eating bar that comfortably seats four people.

Entertaining also takes place in the fresh air with a covered outdoor living area. The 16 foot two inch by 17 foot six inch space, accessed through the great room and kitchen is an ideal place to barbecue and socialize.

When it comes to impressing guests, this home doesn’t waste time. Its makes an entrance, continuing the open to above theme in its foyer.

The foyer is flanked by a home office and over-sized mud room that accesses the garage.

The developed lower level is multi-purpose — with two spacious bedrooms that sit side-by-side, a bathroom with elements typically seen in a master ensuite, large central gathering area with an attractive walk-up bar, flex room, and gym.