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Even though mortgage rates have come down substantially in the last couple of years, it’s still challenging for young families to find a new home that fits their lifestyle and budget.

For many families, the style of new home that comes the closest to meeting their budget is an attached two-storey home.

That said, those homes still aren’t cheap.

True, they tend to cost $100,000 to $150,000 less than a single detached two-storey home, but the reality is — at least withing city limits – they come with a price sticker that checks in at the $505,000 to $515,000 range.

Say what you will, that’s still a big hit to the wallet.

Add in high grocery prices, the need to clothe the kids, perhaps a monthly car loan and a mortgage on a new home as “cheap” as $505,000 (and that’s without a finished lower level), and you have the makings of a family with a high debt load.

Recognizing these challenges, A & S Homes has come up with a series of attached two-storey homes in St. Adolphe’s Tourond Creek that are affordable and oh so livable.

“Right now, we have one unit of this model left,” A & S sales representative Chris Dudeck says of 31 Harvest Lane, which checks in a at a surprising 1,500 sq. ft. “We currently have two smaller, 1,350 sq. ft. homes in the foundation stage that won’t be ready for a while. They are the same concept as this home, only with a smaller footprint.”

Dudeck says the price point for each model is impressive.

“This home is priced at $424,900, while the smaller homes should be priced at about $409,900. They are quite well-priced.”

And while some two-storey-attached homes have a bowling alley-like feel to their main living area, that isn’t the case with this 1,500 sq. ft. show home.

Lots in communities outside city limits tend to be wider, and. A & S’s design team smartly chose one of the widest double lots to build on. That decision yielded an exceptionally livable house, notes Dudeck.

“First of all, the main living area has a nine-foot ceiling, which immediately makes it feel more spacious. A huge window on the family room’s rear wall and patio door behind the dining area let in lots of natural light, and the layout is good.”

In fact, it’s better than good for several reasons, starting in the kitchen.

Instead of a large island, the A & S design team installed a mid-sized island. That was a stroke of genius, as it added function (prep space and an eating nook for two), while allowing plenty of room for more one than one chef to move around and create delicious meals.

“A walk-in pantry adds even more function, while the finishes — two-tone taupe and grey cabinets, quartz countertops and beautiful pendant lights over the island — add style,” he says. “The kitchen offers a nice balance of elegance and efficiency.”

Because the kitchen is just the right size, there’s a large dining area and a big great room.

“There’s lots of space to put in a good-sized dining table and to have a sofa, a couple of chairs, end tables and a coffee table in the great room without feeling like everything is jammed in,” says Dudeck. “And the great room also comes with a linear electric fireplace set in a marble-style porcelain tile surround that adds style and serves as its focal point.”

The home’s efficient design continues upstairs, where you find not four but five spaces.

“I think families will love the fact that there’s a full-size laundry room — it’s a nice touch. The layout is also really good, with the laundry room and main bath placed in the middle to separate the bedrooms. The kids’ bedrooms are off to the right at the end of the hallway while the primary bedroom is at the other end to the left of the laundry room.”

That primary bedroom is a tranquil space that weary parents will welcome.

“It’s a really good size with a huge window that lets in lots of natural light, has a big walk-in closet and a spacious ensuite with a five-foot walk-in shower, marble style vinyl tile floor and huge vanity with quartz countertop. The primary bedroom is a true retreat.”

Dudeck says the thoughtfully designed home — which also features an attached single-car garage — ticks all the boxes.

“No matter whether you go with this home or the smaller version, you’re going to get an affordable home that’s livable, stylish and won’t need any significant maintenance for up to 15 years. It’s also in a safe, family-friendly community only 10 minutes from the city. It’s value is off the charts,” he says.

lewys@mymts.net