A perfect combo

When building a show home, builders need to walk a fine line.

On one hand, they want to impress prospective home buyers with their handiwork. On the other, they don’t want to work too hard to achieve that goal.

Consequently, it’s incumbent upon builders to make a statement with the home’s design without going over the top to make it.

Step inside Irwin Homes’ new show home at 3 Hunter’s Close in Taylor Farm and it’s immediately apparent that its design team got that balance just right.

“I think the home speaks for itself,” says Jeremy Hiebert, sales representative for the expansive 2,172 sq. ft., three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow. “It’s very well-designed and offers a perfect combination of luxury and convenience.

And a quiet ‘wow factor’, it turns out.

That subtle aura of surprise (an Irwin Homes hallmark) comes into play the instant you turn your gaze to the home’s main living area.

There in front of you is a magnificent wall of windows that occupies the wall of an exceptionally voluminous great room.

“It’s bathed in natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows,” Hiebert says. “And the black trim really pops on the white walls.”

Then there’s the ceiling.

“A vaulted ceiling creates a wonderful sense of space, while a fireplace set in a grey feature wall with TV niche above finishes the space off beautifully. It’s a stunning but practical space.”

The eye-catching yet sensible style continues in the adjacent kitchen/ dining area, which beautifully balances function and fashion.

“One of the most impressive aspects of the area is the excellent use of space,” notes Hiebert.

“The kitchen is very spacious, making it a nice entertaining space. Then there’s the dining area, which is in a perfect spot. It’s surrounded by windows, so it feels like a sunroom. A garden door on its side wall leads out to a massive deck that lends itself to barbecuing and unwinding with friends.”

Meanwhile, the finishes in the user-friendly area are as impressive as its layout.

Two-tone cabinetry — black up high, and medium-brown oak below — endows it with a rich, warm feel.

At the same time, textured engineered hardwoods with a lovely grey/taupe hue mesh neatly with the cabinets, countertops and backsplash.

“The countertops are a textured brown porcelain that has a thin profile that creates an upscale look,” Hiebert says.

“The backsplash behind the built-in cooktop matches the countertops. There’s lots of counter space — and a doorway to the rear of the kitchen that opens onto a private wing that holds two spaces — a wonderful mudroom/laundry area and the primary bedroom.”

Because the primary bedroom was placed at the end of the hallway with the mudroom/laundry room between it and the foyer, it possesses an exceptional air of seclusion.

It’s also plenty spacious at 15 feet by 14 feet in size — not including the walk-in closet (which is seven feet by nearly eight feet) and the luxurious ensuite.

“A huge, black-trimmed window on the rear wall allows tons of light to flood the bedroom, which is huge; there’s tons of room for a bed and furniture with plenty of space left over to move around,” he says. “And the mod light fixtures on either side of the bed look amazing.”

Next comes the ensuite, which features a unique yet highly functional design in more than one sense.

First, the floor is a grey micro- cement with in-floor heating. Second, the ensuite is comprised of two areas: one that holds the vanity and water closet, and another — an awesome wet room — that’s neatly separated from the ensuite by a one-third height dividing wall.

“You have a great space where you have the choice of showering under a rain-shower head on one side of it or pouring yourself a bath in a freestanding soaker tub on the other side — you can’t lose, either way.”

The two secondary bedrooms (they both come with walk-in closets) were then placed in the opposite corner of the home, along with a well-appointed four-piece bath to maximize privacy.

“This home showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout,” Hiebert says.

“Add in a huge lower level, and you have a stunning bungalow that offers over 4,000 sq. ft. of total living space in a beautiful bedroom community that’s proximate to all city amenities.”

lewys@mymts.net