Refined rustic

When a builder is given licence to build a luxury home on a huge, countrified lot, it can be difficult for them to contain their excitement.

Little wonder.

With all that space to work with — in this case, a 77-by-165-foot lot — it’s all too easy to design a home that’s visually exciting but lacking in functionality.

Artista Homes’ design team didn’t make that mistake with their new bungalow show home at 19 Ash Cove in Headingley, says the home’s sales representative, Phil Amero of Royal LePage Prime Real Estate.

“I think the best way to describe this home is that it combines an elegant, timeless design with modern innovation,” he says. “It fits in perfectly with its surroundings.”

Indeed, the 1,916-sq.-ft. bungalow looks like it’s been there for a decade or two.

It also possesses understated curb appeal.

“Premium exterior finishes, such as acrylic stucco and rich stone accents, have a natural look that allows the home to fit in beautifully with the countrified surroundings,” notes Amero. “The turned triple garage and covered, peaked front entrance work with the finishes to give the home a quiet elegance.”

That refined look and feel continues when you step inside.

Amero says the home’s creative, yet functional design starts in a welcoming foyer that has a different look to it.

“To change things up, we put in a closet that matches the cabinets in the kitchen,” he says, adding that a display nook with shelving below was installed in the centre of the closet to add style and utility. “There’s room for a bench next to it, while its good width and a 10-foot ceiling create a nice sense of space.”

The fetching foyer then transitions smoothly into the main living area, which opens in front of you in a magnificent, free-flowing fashion.

“The high 10-foot ceiling works with the open floor plan to create a nice sense of space, while expansive windows behind the great room and kitchen flood the entire main living area with natural light. The entire space has a warm, welcoming feel that draws you inside.”

As it turns out, that warmth comes from earthy finishes that include natural engineered-oak wide-plank flooring, woodgrain-style cabinetry and stone.

Even the matte-black porcelain countertops in the quietly stunning island kitchen fit in with the modern-rustic finishes.

“In the great room, a 100-inch linear electric fireplace set in a simple white drywall feature wall adds a modern touch that’s offset perfectly by stone trim on either side,” says Amero. “A tray ceiling adds style and another foot of ceiling height, while a circular LED light fixture adds another modern touch.”

Then, there’s the adjacent kitchen/dining area.

“It was designed for entertaining, and revolves around the island, which has an eating nook for three,” says Amero. “The porcelain countertops look amazing and are complemented perfectly by a matching tile backsplash. The fridge was clad to match the cabinetry, while grey Euro-style cabinets were placed over the range to add contrast. A huge pantry on the wall next to it adds tons of storage space.”

As stylish as the home is, it’s also extremely user-friendly, he adds.

“Families will love its split floor plan, which placed the bedroom wing in one corner next to the foyer and the primary bedroom in the opposite corner behind the great room. It creates natural, unforced separation between the bedrooms, which everyone will appreciate.”

Few bedroom wings combine functionality and style as well as the one at 19 Ash Cove. It holds a huge mud/laundry room, gorgeous main bath and two oversized bedrooms.

“One bedroom could be used as an office,” Amero says. “The mudroom is out of the way yet still accessible, offering access to the triple garage. And the bathroom is as nice as many ensuites.”

Speaking of ensuites, the one in the primary bedroom — which is in its own private spot in the far right-hand corner of the sprawling home — is a sight to behold.

“It’s a spa-inspired space that offers a soaker tub, curb-less tiled shower, double vanity and huge custom walk-in closet. The bedroom is a welcoming, sun-filled retreat.”

Amero says the flawlessly designed abode is the essence of refined, yet functional country living.

“No stone was left unturned in its design. It represents Artista quality at its finest in every area.”

— lewys@mymts.net