Luxury Living in Calgary and Area - Fall 2013

YOUR GUIDE TO LUXURIOUS LIFESTYLES

CALGARY EDITION FALL 2013

Available online at: luxurylivingcalgary.com

LIVING

THE PROPERTY BROTHERS

BRINGING the COMFORTS of HOME to those that need it most through World Vision

NEW LOOKS FOR FALL

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HOTEL INDULGENCE

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Make no compromises…

Quality, Transparency, Value

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www.ElbowValleyChateau.com

www.WexfordEstate.com

$3,890,000

$2,198,000

Premium Marketing Distinguished Service www.RossPAVL.com

403-837-8100

www.SpringbankHillChateau.com

www.MardaLoopAbode.com

$2,498,000

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www.BearspawWoodlandsEstate.com

www.BearspawCountryManor.com

$2,795,000

$2,399,900 LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013 [03]

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table of contents F A L L

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10 pg

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6 10

ON THE COVER

W NETWORK’S THE PROPERTY BROTHERS HELPING PEOPLE –ON AND OFF – OF TV

Editor’s Note

47

Travel Inspiration

54

Builder Q&A

Cover Story

You don’t have to have much to give a lot

by Elisa Krovblit

22

Designer Feature

34

Outdoors

New looks and trends for fall

by Heather Ryan

Hotel indulgence

by Yanic Simard Ten questions with Danny Ritchie

by Heather Ryan

Relaxing and outdoor escapes

by Bonny Dann

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LUXURY LIVING

VICE-PRESIDENT, WALL2WALL MEDIA

Jacqueline Hill

DIRECTOR OF SALES, WESTERN CANADA

Josh Heppner

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge

MANAGING EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sara Duck, Heather Ryan, Bonny Dann, Yanic Simard SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Natalie Wilkinson-Houghton Anita van Breevoort Melanie Gowans SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR

Kim Nguyen

SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

34

47

Bala Gnanapandithan

ART DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Lee Cobham

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Mohammad Haidarpour, Bianca DiPietro, Caroline Wassef Luxury Living

2891 Sunridge Way N.E. Calgary, Alberta T1Y 7K7 ADVERTISING: Call 1.855.519.6080 for advertising rates and information.

COPYRIGHT 2013 Copyright covers the contents of this publication and prevents reproduction in whole or in part; offenders will be prosecuted. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising, to make changes or edit advertising as necessary. Care will be taken to ensure copy accuracy but no warranty is implied or given by the publisher. The publication, the publisher and the printers shall not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any information or lack of information furnished by the advertisers.

EDITORIAL Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the above address, to the attention of the editor please.

PUBLISHED BY:

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Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

9/5/13 1:25:42 PM

EDITOR’SNOTE

The Spirit of Calgary INSPIRED AND INSPIRING ACTS OF KINDNESS During a day-long photo shoot we did in downtown Calgary a week before the flooding, several Calgarians, including our very own sales team, generously agreed to join us when I asked them to participate as models for our shoot.

Being from Toronto, I was surprised that almost everyone was willing to give us their precious time – several also shared what they loved about Calgary – in between teasing me about being from the “centre of the universe.”

A week after the shoot, I watched Calgarians pull together to make it through the flood’s devastating impacts from our office in Toronto. The people of this city, including our Calgary-based Wall2Wall team, were adamant to maintain their business-as-usual sensibilities. Our magazines went to press on time, and our distribution points were cleaned up as much as possible. Everyone did their part to minimize the damage and carry on.

Recalling the spirit of the city’s people on the day I visited, this didn’t come as much of a surprise. Calgarians are an irrepressible lot - full of pride and true advocates of their city. We’re thrilled to be a part of it and thank you for your support!

In this issue, we take you on a journey to India where the Property Brothers, Drew and twin brother Jonathan (towering over me, above), have become advocates in their own right in an effort to raise awareness about children living in poverty on the streets of Delhi. As part of World Vision’s “Rights on the Streets” project that provides educational, nutritional and vocational training for approximately 5,000 street children, it’s an inspirational story you don’t want to miss.

Also in this issue, multi-award winning renovator Danny Ritchie of Ultimate Renovations reveals his most bizarre and luxurious reno requests and why he loves Calgary, and Yanic Simard stirs up some design inspiration by taking us for a walk through one of Calgary’s newest landmark hotels, Le Germain. Don’t miss trendspotting interior designer Jacqueline Corea’s fall design trends and Bonny Dann’s feature on luxurious living outdoor spaces, also in this issue.

Let us know what you think. We love hearing from you!

SUSAN LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Wall2Wall Media | susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com |

Twitter.com/susanlegge

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Retail Store 403-269-8577 Rentals 403-262-5462 914 - 11th Street SE Calgary, AB

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McArthur Fine Furniture providing exceptional service for 75 years

by Heather Ryan

When McArthur Fine Furniture was started in 1938 the goal was simple – to provide qua l i t y fu rn i tu re and exceptional customer service and advice to help turn a house into a home.

Originally started by Gerry McArthur as a two-man shop in northwest Calgary, its success has seen the independent retailer grow substantially over the years to where it now has 30 employees at two 45,000sq.-ft. showrooms/warehouses in southwest Calgary and Airdrie.

“My grandfather was an employee of Gerry’s and absolutely loved the business, so when Gerry decided to retire in the 1960s my grandfather jumped at the chance to buy the business,” says Robert Pound, manager of the southwest location.

In 2005, Robert, his brother Darin, who manages the Airdrie location, and their mother, Theresa, took over maintaining McArthur Fine Furniture as a family-run business.

Robert says over the years product comes and goes, “but what’s most important is the relationships and customers service; people want to have quality, but they also want to be treated fairly and have a product that will perform.

“We’re very proud to have generations of customers; people who keep coming back because of our customer service,” he says. “We’re really blessed to be around for 75 years – being able to bring the highest quality products to the marketplace and assist people in designing a home that brings them comfort and makes them feels safe and secure; that’s the benchmark to our success.

“We can appreciate that people often save up to make a purchase, so if we can help them create a space that reflects their personality that they’re going to feel comfortable with for the next 10 years or more, that’s what is important.”

The expert staff at McArthur takes the time to listen to their customers “so we can understand what their needs are, their likes and dislikes, their lifestyle and then we show them what we have that will help

them create something special. We have a design team that really engages our customers to help with the overall design, styles, colours and textures that will suit the customer.

“Listening to our customers is so important; when people come through the door we don’t throw the latest promotion at them, we take the time to connect with them before we show them any product,” Robert says. “And, the great thing about being an independent is that we can bring in product that our customers tell us they want.”

Quality and luxury have always been part of what makes McArthur a success and the company is proud to have developed many long-term relationships with highly respected suppliers in order to provide customers with the highest quality and designs.

As for the future, being third generation owners Robert and his brother, “are proud of the legacy our family has built; we’re proud of the level of customer service and customer satisfaction and quality that we provide and we’ll continue to do so.”

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141 Gateway Dr. NE. Airdrie Dr. NE 403.960.1030 67 Glenbrook Place. SW 403.246.6266 mcarthurfurniture.com [09]

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coverSToRy

YoU don’t HaVe to

HAVE MUCH to give a lot

by Elisa Krovblit

[10] luxury living FALL 2013

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T

V audiences love to tune in and watch Drew and Jonathan Scott, stars of W Network’s Property Brothers, working their magic. They buy and renovate properties, creating dream homes for their clients by combining Drew’s savvy as a Realtor and Jonathan’s talents as a renovator. They find fixer-uppers with great elements in need of some TLC, and invest luxe style and gorgeous design features.

But, for Drew and Jonathan, their pursuits are more farreaching – literally taking them, and older brother J.D, half way around the world, to India. The stark reality is that many things Canadians consider to be basic necessities, like food, education and safe living conditions are actually luxuries that many children in the areas of India the brothers visited go without. Quite an eye-opening philanthropic adventure, The Property Brothers have gone beyond the dream home to help bring the comforts of home to those that need it most through World Vision.

WHAT INSPIRED BOTH OF YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH WORLD VISION? Our family has been supporting World Vision since we were kids so they have always in some way been a part of our lives. We are very passionate about youth initiatives,

promoting healthy lifestyles and stressing the importance of education. So when we were conducting our research for a charity that we could get involved with at a much greater level, World Vision was the perfect fit. We admire the work they set out to do and the awareness they help raise for such important issues.

WHAT DO YOU BOTH HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH

BY WORKING WITH WORLD VISION? Above all, we hope to inspire action! The footage you see from our trip is eye opening. However, we want people to do more than watch and feel affected. We want people to take action. It is not enough to feel sympathy and not follow up. Whether we inspire them to sponsor a child or even just extend an act of kindness towards a stranger, we want people to realize that any amount of positive action contributes to the bigger picture in making the world better for all.

Photos courtesy of World Vision

The W Network airs new episodes of The Property Brothers Wednesdays at 10

wnetwork.com For more information on World Vision visit WorldVision.ca

luxury living FALL 2013 [11]

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CoverStory

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WENT TO INDIA TO SEE FIRST-HAND THE CHILDREN THAT ARE AFFECTED? We went through a roller-coaster of emotions that we still question to this day. At first, we felt shock. Then, frustration over the way of thinking of the parents of these children. You expect that the adults, their own parents, would do everything in their power to protect their own children from the dangers of begging on the streets and child labour; however, in many cases, it is the parents who impose these conditions. Then, a feeling of defeat and speechlessness because we learn that the parents are simply living the only way they have been taught to. We realize at that point that this has been their way of life for generations. Finally, hope – when we experienced the programs that World Vision has put in place in slums, it was clear that it is education that will be the catalyst for changing these lives.

TO QUOTE OPRAH, DID YOU HAVE ANY “A-HA” (LIFE CHANGING) MOMENTS FROM THE TRIP TO INDIA? There was definitely an A-Ha moment, on the first day we arrived in Delhi, we were blown away by how warmly we were received by all the families. They made us gifts, taught us how they made their food, invited us to join their dance... They opened up to us and welcomed us when they had absolutely nothing. It was a reminder of the power of kindness and that you don’t have to have much to give a lot.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SPREAD THE WORD AMONG OTHER CELEBRITIES AND YOUR FANS? Since our trip, we are so happy that we have many of our friends asking how they, too, can get involved. World Vision has a great structure in place for anyone wanting to contribute, at various levels of involvement. We are very proactive on all of our social media platforms. Our fans interact with us daily through these channels and it is here that we are able to share our experience with everyone and provide them with the information and inspiration they look for to then make their mark in this journey.

The Details HOW LONG DID YOU BOTH LIVE IN CALGARY? We both lived in Calgary for different length of time. Jonathan lived there for 12 years and Drew for about six years.

WHAT IMPACT DID CALGARY HAVE ON YOUR LIVES? Calgary had a thriving real estate industry that enabled us to invest in our first property and earn a steady income at 18.

That’s where it all began. We also found it to be a city of business at a different pace where if you have good ideas and drive, it provides the opportunities.

WHAT MAKES CALGARY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF CANADA? As in any market, there are still good investments and bad ones. However, We find Calgary’s economy is so diverse that it lends to healthier growth and a more stable real estate outlook.

WHAT DO YOU BOTH THINK “LUXURY LIVING” MEANS IN CALGARY? Taking the opportunity to “hit while the iron is hot” in business but also enjoy all the natural beauty that Calgary and its surrounding area has to offer as a fairly young and very modern city but with great roots. You get all the luxuries but none of the attitude.

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Alberta’s New Choice!

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PROUDLY CANADIAN! [13]

9/13/13 11:06:26 AM

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Liquor Depot presents

2013 GRAND TASTING HALL CALGARY October 18 - 19 Stampede Park BMO Centre

NEW THIS YEAR

Friday Evening Session: 5 - 10 pm Saturday Afternoon Session: 12 - 4 pm Saturday Evening Session: 6 - 10 pm

Check out the new Festival features this year including different session times, a brand new Saturday Afternoon Tasting Session, and a downloadable Mobile App! Please drink responsibly.

For tickets & festival details visit rockymountainwine.com

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Bedtime was over an hour ago.

Lose yourself in perfect family evenings

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Custom or quick possession homes beginning at $1.2 Million.

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New West Homes and New West Renovations: Customizing the Personal Touch

by CHERYL VANDERGRAAF

T

hinking about building or renovating a home can be overwhelming for many Calgarians. However, New West Homes and New West Renovations’ philosophy of quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service continues to establish themselves as a trustworthy company for new home builds and renovations that Calgarians can rely on.

facilitating the build / renovation themselves. After possession date, New West Homes and New West Renovations makes themselves available for any necessary follow-up questions the client may have, ensuring that customers are more than satisfied with their new home.

New West Homes and New West Renovations is dedicated to building not only homes, but relationships with their clientele. “We make sure we listen more than we speak,” says Ron Butler. “We appreciate our clients’ trust in us; we are committed to designing and building what the customer wants and needs,” says Butler. Open and honest communication begins with the first phone call and continues throughout the building / renovating process.

Beginning with a realistic timeline and keeping their clients updated about the construction of their home on a weekly basis makes the customer feel at New West Homes and New West Renovations was founded by Ron Butler ease. New West Homes and New West Renovations focusses on every last and Mike Steiner, combining over 50 years of experience and a mutual detail, creating personalized homes as unique as the homeowners themselves. dedication to build and renovate with integrity, as seen with their memberships “Our designers and architects understand our philosophy in building a home with BBB, RenoMark, CRHBA, and Alberta New Home Warranty. As well, so the clients get what they’re looking for,” says Butler. New West Homes they partner with expert quality tradesmen, suppliers, architects and designers and New West Renovations collaborates not only for, but with the client to to ensure the best is provided. “Our whole team works together with the transform their vision into something luxuriously tangible. client for a product everyone can be proud of,” says Butler, President, New West Homes and New West Renovations. With New West Homes and New West Renovations the process of building / renovating a home feels seamless, For more information, visit their website at, which allows the client to enjoy the finished product without the hassle of www.newwestcalgary.com

[16] LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013

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BUILDING IN CALGARY’S FINEST COMMUNITIES

Please visit our show homes in Watermark at Bearspaw, St. Andrews Heights and coming soon Patterson Point THE NEW WEST GROUP OF COMPANIES 2440 Kensington Road N.W. Calgary, AB T2N 3S1 CONTACT US 403.984.9430

contact@newwestcalgary.com

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For more details visit

www.newwestcalgary.com

9/4/13 5:03:55 PM

Prominent Homes

makes a grand statement in

West Grove Estates

by Heather Ryan

Prominent Homes makes a grand statement, welcoming buyers with a stunning open tread double spiral staircase, in its latest luxury showhome in West Grove Estates.

The front entry to the Monroe, a 3,074-sq.-ft. estate showhome, presents an impressive towering two-storey vaulted ceiling and a gorgeous view of that dramatic open riser crossing staircase and the second floor.

“The overlapping spiral stairs are magnificent; it just doesn’t get much better than that,” says area sales manager Angelo Gentili. “The open risers allow you to see through to the rear of the home, and if you’re in the dining room you have a stunning view of them.”

Off the entry, sliding glass doors open to a private office. Between the office and the great room is the large formal dining room, featuring a fabulous tray ceiling. The great room is highlighted by a wall-centred fireplace surrounded in mosaic tile and flanked by custom built-in niches.

“People love the chef’s kitchen because of the substantial counter space and storage,” Gentili says.

“The 10-foot island is one level so it provides a fabulous work area, and the dark limestone adds a bit of a kick and different colour contrast to the light granite counters.

“The stainless steel chimney style hood fan with the detailed full-height tile backsplash behind it adds a nice decorative touch, we always go to the ceiling with our cabinets, and adding glass panel fronts to the upper cabinets makes it easy to display items,” he says. The kitchen also features stainless steel appliances, including a built-in wall oven and microwave and a five-burner

gas cook top below the chimney hood. The adjacent dining nook and a built-in table in the island provide a great space when entertaining.

A door in the kitchen opens to a walk-in butler’s pantry featuring built-in storage, sink and granite counter. It’s connected to the formal dining room, making it easy to serve guests. Between the butler’s pantry and the garage door is the mud room with built-in storage and open lockers.

Heading upstairs, there is a huge open bonus room with an incredible view to the natural green space behind the home.

Double doors off the bonus room open to a massive master suite with vaulted ceiling and expansive walk-in closet with plenty of built-ins. The luxurious ensuite has a free-standing tub, skylight, walk-in shower, heated floor and dual vanities separated by a floor-to-ceiling cabinet tower.

“One of great features in this home is every bedroom has its own ensuite and walk-in closet, so they are all self-contained,” Gentili says. “And a lot of people really like the upper floor laundry”.

“This is an amazing home that impresses as soon as you walk in,” he says. “It has a fabulous kitchen that is exceptional for entertaining. As well, it’s very kid friendly, providing privacy with the master separated from the other two bedrooms.”

To learn more about the Monroe s h owh o m e a n d ot h e r m o d e l s Prominent Homes builds, visit the showhome, open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m., call 403-457-4056, or visit www.prominenthomes.ca.

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Your backyard.

(This could be it.)

Hawk's Landing at Priddis Greens is an exclusive estate community nestled in the forested foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Located just 15 minutes from Calgary, Hawk's Landing offers all the amenities of country living just a short drive from big-city conveniences. All lots are fully-serviced, so you can start building the custom home of your dreams as soon as you select your perfect homesite.

Immediate Possessions Availble!

Viewings by appointment only

call: Corey Cameron | 403.919.9193 email: corey@prominenthomes.ca

For more information visit

www.ProminentHomes.ca LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013 [19]

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TRUE NORTH LOG HOMES A Natural Fit for Albertans’ Lifestyle

by SIRKKA VANDERGRAAF

Finding balance in life can be achieved in multiple ways, and being reminded of balance on a daily basis is ideal for healthy living and a renewed perspective. Finding such a balance in your own home is easily achieved when living in a modern log home, manufactured by True North Log Homes, the most advanced custom log home manufacturer in the world.

For three generations, True North has been perfecting log home construction. From their expert design centre to final completed project, True North enjoys being able to provide custom log homes so technologically advanced that it will be appreciated by multiple generations to come. World renown, True North has satisfied thousands of customers who trust True North’s years of experience and knowledge.

Clients also appreciate the environmentally sustainable considerations that come with purchasing a True North log home. True North receives all of their lumber from FSC certified forestry, confirming their commitment to a sustainable future. Due to True North’s computer controlled accurate precision machinery up to 5,000th inch per cut, combined with their technology, True North can offer the only 25 year “Zero” Air Infiltration Warranty in the industry – no caulking or chinking ever, and an energy efficient home.

True North takes the time to listen to their customers’ needs and desires, and will custom build to exact specifications for any location here in our picturesque Southern Alberta and Rocky Mountain setting. Construction supervisors are in constant communication with owners, resulting in a smooth collaborative project; True North’s professional design team will walk you through each aspect of design, making your dream home a reality.

Clients of True North Log Homes continually comment on how much they love leaving the stress of the city behind to arrive in their peaceful log home; unwinding from the day’s pressures and hectic pace toward relaxing and taking in the tranquil surroundings of their home, both inside and out.

Whether you desire a primary home or second recreational home, True North is reputed for their excellent craftsmanship, environmental conscientiousness, and total customer satisfaction.

For more information on True North Log Homes visit their website at truenorthloghomes.com.

®

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... and realize your dream!

Every True North log home starts with a dream that defines a lifestyle and reflects your personality.

It’s the inspiration of our clients and the pursuit of their dreams that led True North to develop the most comprehensive planbook in the industry. A start to finish informative guide that is sure to become a valuable resource tool for potential log home buyers.

The cornerstone of a True North log home is technology. True North log homes are the most technologically advanced custom log homes in the world. Find out how these innovations separate a True North log home from all the rest. Before you start building your future dream home or vacation property contact True North Log Homes and get the facts...

You’ll be

gladyou did!

www.truenor thloghomes.com info@truenor thloghomes.com Follow us on social media

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ÂŽ

Phone: 1-800-661-1628

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Designerfeature

New looks and trends for

by Heather Ryan

W

ith the days getting cooler the trend in home decor switches from bright summer colours to warm, richer colours for the fall.

fall “For fall, lots of people are thinking warm and cosy, so we see darker colours with more neutrals, charcoals and taupes,” says Calgary Interior Designer Jacqueline Corea. One of the principal designers of Corea Sotropa Interior Design, Corea incorporates luxurious texture, a splash of colour and a bit of modern glamour as her trademark style.

“We see more bundling up, more layering to create depth and warmth. So in the living room, for instance instead of a blank wall, we’ll see wallpaper, with a picture and lamp beside it and pillows and throws on the sofa. It’s all about adding different shapes and textures so that when you look at the space you’ll see lots of elements.

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Corea says a unique element she’s adding is fur pillows. “Clients have been saying to me that they didn’t know what to do with their grandmothers’ fur coats.“

“Home decor typically follows fashion, and last year cranberry, oxblood and peacock were the ‘in’ colours in fashion, and they’re in for home decor this fall,” Corea says.

“People are also loving charcoal and dove grey – actually grey in all shades is really popular and has been the new neutral for sometime. We’ll also see a little more chartreuse, yellows of a warm shade and a saddle brown colour this fall.

“Animal prints, such as leopard, tiger and zebra and furs that really speak to luxury are popular, as well as accessory items made of bone, horn or tortoise shell.

“High gloss finishes are really becoming a popular trend for use in smaller areas,” she says, such as a ceiling in a powder room or on interior doors. And grass cloth wallpaper, “which is highly textured and comes in different colours has warmth and depth for fall.”

Corea says a unique element she’s adding is fur pillows. “Clients have been saying to me that they didn’t know what to do with their grandmothers’ fur coats. They don’t want to wear them, but they’re so gorgeous they don’t want to just leave them stored away in the back of the closet. So we have our furrier make them into pillows for the living room or bedroom.

“It’s a great use for them because the coats have sentimental value, and this way our clients can keep their connection to their grandmothers and share them with other luxury living FALL 2013 [23]

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Designerfeature

Because the backsplash doesn’t typically cover a huge space, it’s an easy place to spend a little more money and get a big bang for your buck. family members,” she says. “The texture and feel is gorgeous and they’re perfect for fall.”

Brass is all the rage, Corea says. “It’s really replaced chrome, and I love the feeling that something in brass gives to a room. We’ll use it for nail head details, on the legs of a coffee table or on lamps.”

She notes you don’t have to match the whole house in brass. “We’re putting it on cabinets and light fixtures and you can mix and match, such as having chrome taps, a mirror with gold detailing and gold and silver on the vanity.”

Some other trends Corea sees for various rooms in the house include Kitchen “One of the most recent trends that is really exciting is the backsplash. We’re seeing a lot more personality going into backsplashes; natural stone and glass are still popular, but we’re seeing geometric shapes, different colours and textures,” Corea says.

“Because the backsplash doesn’t typically cover a huge space, it’s an easy place to spend a little more money and get a big bang for your buck. It’s one place where you can really let your personality shine and it can really up the wow factor in the kitchen.”

Bathroom “Like I said earlier, people are embracing brass fixtures, but another trend is toward the free-standing tub… we’re seeing more of these in luxury homes and people want deep soakers rather than jetted tubs,” Corea says.

“There is a trend toward a simpler look. In high end homes they want the spa feel, but are looking for better quality and simplification with beautiful tile, exquisite marble floors, and they prefer a single shower head with multiple settings and steam showers rather than the multiple jets.”

Bedroom “People who have the space are spending a lot of money on the closet. They want separate his and her closets and each with a different look – his is more masculine, while hers is more feminine – it’s a must for the luxury home. The closets feature solid wood, highend handles, wallpaper, islands with chandeliers over them, custom built-ins, glass top jewelry cases and rotating watch stands.

“We just recently did a whole room that was dedicated to shoes and purses with loads of velvet; it was very girly,” Corea says.

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Basement “We’re still seeing people with luxury homes who have the space want the wet bar with a wine fridge or a wine cellar and, of course, the home theatre. But what’s really great recently, is that people are investing more money in creating well-designed exercise rooms that are functional yet stylish places to work out,” Corea says.

“And people are putting in more nanny or mother-in-law suites that are not just bedrooms, but include sitting areas, small kitchens and ensuites.”

Jacqueline Corea, BSc, DID, formed Jacqueline Corea Interior Design in 2000 and, with fellow designer Reena Sotropa, formed Corea Sotropa Interior Design in 2005. The firm’s projects have been featured in the prestigious Alberta Ballet Home and Garden Tour, the Kid’s Help Phone Designer Showcase and several home decor magazines.

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business profile

Ultimate’s workmanship leads to increase in repeat customers

by Heather Ryan

high quality craftsmanship and innovative thinking in creating luxurious kitchens, baths, basements, additions and more that people are proud to show off to friends and family.

Ultimate’s craftsmanship has constantly been recognized – the company has been a SAM Award finalist 56 times, an award-winner 30 times and a Renovator of the Year winner eight times.

Customers also benefit from Ultimate’s experienced team that includes in-house architectural and design services, highly skilled staff and trades, many who are long-time employees, as well as dedicated vendors and sub-trades, who all work collaboratively to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget and to a high standard of quality.

Ultimate offers professional project management from design through to completion and provides a project manager on site to ensure the renovation runs smoothly.

W

ith more than three decades of experience behind it and winner of the Calgary Grand SAM Award for Renovator of the Year an astounding eight times it’s not surprising that many people turn to Ultimate Renovations for their renovation projects.

As well, a full custom in-house custom cabinetry and millwork shop gives Ulitmate 100 per cent control over the quality of the product, cost and delivery schedules.

Customer service is a priority for Ultimate and its staff of highly-trained professionals works closely with clients to make their dreams a reality. The company also ensure

In fact, Ultimate is seeing an incredible increase in repeat customers and referrals as homeowners look to a renovator they can trust to meet and exceed their expectations.

“We’re seeing an amazing amount of repeat customers and I don’t think there is a better testimonial than seeing customers coming back over and over,” says Ultimate’s general manager John McCoy. “We have customers saying, ‘You did such a great job with our kitchen that we now want you to do our bathroom’. That says a lot about our company and the trust our customers have in us.”

“We have a customer with an extremely beautiful estate home on the ridge in Douglasdale that we’re going back to this summer for a fourth renovation,” McCoy says. “The first renovation

customers are well taken care of by having four homes available for use as temporary residences during renovations, allowing clients to avoid potential mess and stress. Ultimate also stands behind its work with a two-year workmanship/five-year structure warranty.

For more information, visit Ultimate Renovation’s 15,000-sq.-ft. showroom at 5056 11 St. S.E., the Ultimate

was a full addition on top of a triple car garage, the second was to the kitchen, the third a

Renovation Showcase home at

complete basement and now we’re doing the master bedroom suite.”

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The reasons why people are choosing Ultimate Renovations for their next project are simple.

First and foremost Ultimate has been in business for 34 years and built a reputation for its

Thursday through Saturday, or visit www.ultimaterenovations.com. luxury living FALL 2013 [27]

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business profile

Hearth and Home Fireplace delivers quality service, products for almost 30 years

by Heather Ryan

F

or close to 30 years Hearth and Home Fireplace has been warming the homes of Calgarians delivering quality products and exceptional customer service.

Started in 1985 by Preston and Lanny Meyer, Hearth and Home Fireplace offers a full service from supply and install to design and servicing of gas, wood and electric fireplaces.

“We have two stores in Calgary and we distribute products to independent dealers in Southern Alberta,” says Preston Meyer, vice-president of marketing for Hearth & Home Fireplace. “Our No. 1 supplier is Regency, a manufacturer in Delta, B.C., which builds

quality units and has the best warranty in the business, but we also import products from Israel, Norway and Belgium, which are very contemporary, well designed and well built.

“We have a full line of contemporary and traditional fireplace designs, so we offer a great selection of styles and people can visit our showrooms to see the variety of products on display and feel the heat they produce,” Meyer says. “We also do custom fireplaces and we work with designers and architects.”

Most people choose to add a fireplace because “they provide a secondary heat source and are energy-efficient,” Meyer says. “Gas and wood burning fireplaces can heat a room up to 2,000 square feet so they are capable of heating a whole home.”

Hearth & Home Fireplace offers exceptional customer service and is particularly proud of its 98.7 per cent satisfaction referral rate, “which means our customers are

so satisfied with our products, installation and service that they will recommend us to family and friends,” he says.

“We’re also proud to add three years to any warranty in the industry giving our customers peace of mind that even after the manufacturer’s warranty expires they still have ours.”

The company has a service division that can repair any type of fireplace and offers a maintenance program that includes inspecting, cleaning and servicing of the fireplace annually.

Hearth & Home also recently formed a renovation division going beyond just installing fireplaces to doing partial and full home renovations.

“We were often asked by our customers when we were there installing their fireplace if we could do some other work and we we’re doing finishing work anyway, so it was a natural transition to add the renovation division,” says Tim Snow, manager of Hearth & Home Renovation Division. “More people today want to stay in their homes, but maybe they need more storage or they want a dream kitchen or spa bathroom and we can help them get that.

“We have our own in-house designer who can help customers with designs and drawings and we have our own crews to do the labour, so customers can get a full service from design and selections to ordering and installation.”

Whether it’s a fireplace installation or a full renovation, Hearth & Home experts will also visit with customers to look at the space, share suggestions and provide free estimates. If you want to add a fireplace or do a renovation, call Hearth & Home Fireplace today.

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www.hearthandhomefireplace.com [29]

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[30] luxury living fall 2013

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AVEN

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e city

It’s become fairly routine to see inner-city land value sales between $1.5M and $3M over the past year. Proximity to amenities and an area’s accessibility have become key determinants of residential property value. The city of Calgary has seen inner-city neighbourhood real estate prices skyrocket in recent years as people became fed up with long commute times from outer suburbs. Between 2000 and 2012, communities that saw the largest spikes in average home prices were in the city’s core and surrounding neighbourhoods. Of these 10 core neighbourhoods, the average price increased between 205% and 260% – a result that is directly linked with the proximity to more amenities and an increase in alternate transportation options.

Mature, inner city communities and those with plenty of walkable amenities are blushing with all the attention they’re getting. Buyers are not shy about knocking down modest homes on good lots or renovating homes that have the bones and adequate floor plans.

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uying an inner city new home that is ready for occupancy is the best of both worlds: You get a new home without a long commute from the burbs and without having to deal with bulldozers, approvals, protracted and time consuming decision making or unexpected expenses.

I’m one of the few native Calgarians. I grew up in the inner city and have been listing and selling in the inner Southwest for the past 20 years. I know the best areas to buy and build and I’m happy to offer you the benefit of my experience. Call me to see or discuss either of these New Inner City homes – both are ready for immediate possession.

While building a new home in an older neighbourhood can be an exciting undertaking it isn’t without its challenges: Building can take several months and there is stress and time involved in the design and build processes. Two years is not an unusual length of time to wait for an estate home to be built — not to mention the unforeseen extra expenses which may cause your final cost to escalate, taxing your patience as well as your budget. An alternative is to renovate an existing home. However, even if you renovate you may not get everything that you’d hoped for and it may take an emotional toll on your relationship. Most people are not aware that the costs of renovating can often exceed the cost to build new on a per square foot basis.

403 870 8811 www.SamCorea.com luxury living FALL 2013 [31]

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LIVE IN LUXURY IN BROOKFIELD’S tranquil Riverstone of Cranston

by HEATHER RYAN

HOMEBUYERS WHO DESIRE LUXURY LIVING IN A TRANQUIL SETTING JUST

BOW R IVER F ISH C R EEK PA R K A R E

STEPS AWAY FROM THE AND

DISCOVERING THE FABULOUS ESTATE COMMUNITY OF

R IVERSTONE

OF

CRANSTON. Riverstone is a master planned community being developed by Brookfield Residential nestled between the dramatic Cranston escarpment and the shores of the picturesque Bow River. Its distinctive location provides estate owners with a natural sense of calm, inspired by the unique beauty of their surroundings, says Marlène Guerin, marketing mana ger, C algar y L and Brook f ield Residential.

“The area features thoughtful, tasteful design elements inspired by nature, making Riverstone a community perfectly at home with its unique natural setting,” she says. “The land is surrounded by 360 acres of environmental reserve (the escarpment and the river’s edge) that is dedicated to Fish Creek Park, making it a one-of-a-kind living environment in Calgary.”

Homebuyers can choose from four incredible estate product series in Riverstone – Willow, Landing, Preserve and Portage. In The Willow Series, Brookfield Homes is developing the luxurious Mosaic Riverstone from the $450,000s, while The Landing Series features attractive estate homes by Cedarglen and Albi from the $600,000s.

Baywest, Landmark and Albi are building elegant estate homes in The Preserve Series from the $800,000s, while Albi is the exclusive builder of spectacular customized homes starting from $1.3 million in The Portage Series.

“We’re looking forward to seeing The Portage Series showhomes by Albi, opening on September 21st,” Guerin says.

Brookfield is also exited that Calbridge Homes is joining the Landing Series as the award-winning builder is poised to open the

Villas of Riverstone early this fall starting from the $700,000s.

Buyers have a wide range of lots to choose from in Riverstone sized from 38 to 75 feet wide and backing onto either the Fish Creek Park escarpment, Willow Creek or Fish Creek Park and the Bow River.

Riverstone offers a convenient and active lifestyle just outside your doorstep with the Bow River, Fish Creek Park and numerous parks and pathways. It’s also in the established community of Cranston so residents can enjoy amenities including Century Hall, which features a 22,000-sq.-ft. facility and seven-acre gated park site in the heart of the community.

The shops at Cranston Corner and Cranston Market offer an array of neighbourhood conveniences, including a local grocery store, gas station, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and more.

As well, there are two existing schools located in Cranston and two future school sites.

Riverstone residents will also soon have easy access to shops, services, restaurants and more at Brookfield’s Seton development, located on the southwest corner of Seton Boulevard and Seton Way, which will open Phase 1 this fall.

For more details, visit setonurbandistrict.com.

The location also provides Riverstone residents with easy access to Highway 22X and Deerfoot Trail, as well as the new south portion of Stoney Trail – anticipated to be completed later this year.

For more information about Riverstone of Cranston, visit the showhomes, open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m. or visit www.experienceriverstone.ca.

[32] LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013

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OUTDOORS

RELAXING and OUTDOOR ESCAPES

by BONNY DANN ESCAPES INC.

This outdoor escape has it all! A fully equipped cook area with plenty of bar or island seating, a comfortable dining table and chairs, and then just a few steps away, a lounging or entertainment area.

A

s our lives become faster paced and more complex, as traffic becomes more congested, as we have longer and longer work days and weeks, as the cities we live in become more noisy and crowded, the more we need the sanctuary we call “home”. With all the time you spend indoors at work and travelling in your car or by public transportation, you may find yourself craving outdoor living spaces or escapes in your own backyard.

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This very comfortable sitting area is perfect for either a glass of wine and a ďŹ re in the evening or a cup of coffee and reading the Sunday newspaper in the morning

I always recommend thorough planning before starting any landscaping project, so before you call in the professionals or begin a DIY outdoor escape, think about what best helps you to decompress. This will ensure that you plan appropriate outdoor relaxations rooms for your lifestyle and personality. Do you need some areas for solitude and contemplation?

Do you want to cook? Entertain family and friends? Would you enjoy a putting green?

Would you like a recreation structure for your children? Do you require a workshop or studio? We all relax in different ways and the options for outdoor escapes are endless, limited only by your imagination.

Outdoor escapes for relaxing can be as simple as a big comfy chair on your front veranda or a hammock or lounge chairs under a pergola. These spaces can also become much more complex if you would love to relax by floating casually in a pool or sitting back in a hot tub. Whatever you choose for your relaxation area, be sure to include space for drinks, snacks and your favourite books or magazines. Including electrical outlets in your outdoor space will allow you to add lighting, which will enable you to make use of your space after dark. Outlets for music or television

may also help you to achieve maximum enjoyment of your relaxation space.

Personally, I like to add the sound of moving water. I find that it helps me to relax, helps to drown out traffic and other distracting sounds and also attracts birds.

Adding a water feature can be as simple as purchasing a portable fountain at your local garden centre or big box store or as complex as calling in professionals to add water falls, ponds and streams to your outdoor escape.

If you relax by cooking and entertaining family and friends in an alfresco setting, you will be delighted with the options available these days. Where we once had the simple portable grill, we now have outdoor grilling or cooking stations, some of which are complete outdoor kitchens. A grilling or cooking station can be created in a fairly small space by having an entertainment island or bar built around your existing gas or propane barbecue, with counter space for food preparation and a raised area with bar stools, for dining. If you have the space and resources, your outdoor kitchen could contain many of the conveniences of your indoor kitchen! Once you have planned your outdoor cooking area, which

should be located as close as possible to your indoor kitchen, be sure to plan for comfortable dining and entertaining areas. Again, before starting the project or purchasing furniture, think about how you will use the space. Do you want a large dining table and chairs where guests will be comfortable spending the whole afternoon or evening? Would you prefer seating more like a living room or family room? Do you have room for both? Designers and manufacturers are creating wider and wider ranges of outdoor furniture, carpets and accessories every year, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the perfect items for your space.

When including play structures for children, I try to place them where they could be easily replaced with a pergola or other garden structure when they are no longer needed. Keep in mind that any garden structure, such as potting sheds, workshops, studios or the aforementioned play structures, should compliment the architectural style and detail of your home.

If you would find it relaxing to practice your putting skills and you have the space available, by all means incorporate some synthetic turf into your outdoor escapes!

LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013 [35]

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[36] luxury living fall 2013

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Dressage offers EXCLUSIVE LUXURY ESTATE LIVING in a picturesque setting

by HEATHER RYAN

W

ith a picturesque landscape and some of the largest lots in the city discerning buyers can enjoy luxury living at its finest in Dressage, an exclusive enclave of custom estate homes on the edge of southwest Calgary’s Silverado community.

[38]

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Dressage is being developed by Qualico Communities on the last lots available in Silverado, “and we saved the best for last,” says Tyler Baptist, sales and marketing co-ordinator with Qualico Communities. “This is a limited opportunity because Dressage is selling fast and we only have seven of the 26 lots still available.”

The large lots range from one-third to one-half acres providing new homebuyers with the ability to build the lifestyle and property they’ve always wanted with room for all their toys. “It really offers them an opportunity to build their dream home on a large lot in a great location,” Baptist says.

“These lots are tucked away in the southwest corner of the community on quiet cul-de-sacs so they are away from the traffic and many of the lots back onto Radio Tower Creek, adjoining wetlands and green space providing a very tranquil natural setting,” Baptist says. “Dressage is also close to Spruce Meadows so you have views of this world-class equestrian facility, rolling foothills and the mountains.

It’s really a beautiful location.”

The community features a unique mix of architecture that reflects mid-century Modern, French Country and Prairie styles.

“We offer very different architecture styles, but we very closely manage how they all come together to create an estheticallypleasing streetscape,” Baptist says. “All the homes have triple-car garages with big yards and many are walkouts, which people really love.”

Custom estate residences are being crafted by Augusta Fine Homes, known for its exquisitely high-end, custom-built homes, and Baywest Homes, which offers a range of styles for estate living. Both have stunning showhomes that are now open.

Augusta’s bungalow showhome showcases more than 2,200 sq. ft. of main-floor living space and a beautifully finished walkout basement that adds another 1,850 sq. ft. of highly usable space. Inside, every feature of the open-concept design speaks to livability combined with esthetic appeal. Some of the exceptional details include wide-plank hardwood flooring, luxurious stone tiles, a pergola-like feature in the dining space and a dramatic cultured stone fireplace in the great room.

Baywest’s showhome features a breathtaking spiral staircase as the focal point of the distinctive two-storey design. The upper floor features three large and well-separated bedrooms, including the master suite, offering ample personal space and privacy for all. At almost 3,200 sq. ft., plus 1,100 sq. ft. of developed walkout basement, there’s room inside for entertaining, playing, relaxing and luxury living.

Being located in the established community of Silverado, Dressage residents can enjoy all its amenities including the new shopping centre that recently opened and includes a Sobeys, Starbucks and an array of other shops, services and restaurants.

Residents will appreciate the location that is a short distance to the foothills and Rockies, yet close to an abundance of other amenities, including numerous shops, services, coffee shops, eateries, the LRT and Shawnessy shopping area. Residents also have the convenience of being just off Highway 22X (Marquis de Lorne Trail), with quick access to McLeod Trail and Deerfoot Trail.

If you’re ready to live amid beautiful natural surroundings with easy access to amenities, distinctive and varied streetscapes and a choice of stunning custom estate homes and huge lots, Dressage is ready for you.

Buyers can learn more about Dressage by visiting the showhomes, located on Silverado Crest Landing, which are open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon-5 p.m. For more information visit: silveradobyqualico.com.

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Enjoy the freedom of upscale, maintenance-free living at The Landings

by Heather Ryan

When one reaches the age nearing retirement, the thought is about freedom to enjoy life and travel and forget the worry of your single-family home.

Crafted by the Statesman Group of Companies, THE LANDINGS showcases 45 VISTAS and 21 luxurious VILLAS in one-level and two-level townhome designs.

“The VILLAS over look the ridge and offer spectacular views below of the Bow River Valley plus the city,” says Robert Vlach of Statesman. “Our location has spectacular views, but it’s also quiet upon the completion of our privacy wall.”

These homes are ideal for the mature buyer and empty nesters who want the luxury finishes and spaciousness they had in their single-family homes, but with a maintenance-free lifestyle.

“The VISTAS also come with high-end standard features, and some also have views, and are perfect for single and dual income professionals as well as those wanting to downsize,” he says.

“What’s really incredible about THE LANDINGS is we adjoin the environmental reserve with a city connected pathway system,” he says. “People really love the beautiful natural setting yet they are only 15 minutes from downtown and just minutes to the LRT and shopping.”

The Landings offer buyers a choice of floor plans so they can find the perfect layout to suit their needs and prices start at $484,000 for the VISTAS and $850,000 for the VILLAS. The VISTAS range from 1,600 to 1,700 sq. ft. and are flexible plans with two or three bedrooms plus a media/family room and a main-floor den.

The VILLAS are sized between 1,550 to close to 3,000 sq. ft. and are available in two bedrooms plus a main-floor den, or three bedrooms plus a den.

Buyers will also love that THE LANDINGS offers two or more heated underground parking stalls. “One VILLA has five heated parking stalls!” Vlach says.

All the homes present stylish yet functional designs with high-end standard features that include 9-ft. ceilings, hardwood and tile floors, granite counter tops, maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bars, fireplaces, soaker tubs, washer and dryer plus the VILLAS also have vaulted ceilings. They all also have generous sized concrete decks with gas line hook ups for barbecues.

“Our buyers can also personalize their homes in Statesman’s Design Centre so that they can put their personal touches to these spectacular plans,” Vlach says.

Another unique feature of The Landings is “our Geothermal healthy Heating and Cooling system that enables the community to enjoy lower than average condo-utility fees,” he says, noting the VISTA fees are approximately $285, and the VILLA fees are approximately $335 that includes heating and cooling, water, sewer, natural gas, maintenance and more. “These condo fees are far less than they would pay anywhere else.”

To learn more about The Landings, visit the two showhomes at 771 Patrick St. S.W. (take Bow Trail West and make the left turn toFOR BanffAN Coach Road and follow CALL TODAY APPOINTMENT www.cougarridgelandings.com the signs), open Monday to Thursday, noon-6 p.m., and weekends, noon to 403-262-5070 CougarRidgeLandings.com 5 p.m., call 403-262-5070, or visit www.cougarridgelandings.com.

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You’ll fall in love with this

LUXURIOUS ESTATE HOME in Springbank

by HEATHER RYAN

Situated in sought-after Artist View Park this luxurious and grand estate home offers sweeping panoramic mountain and river views with a private natural setting in desirable Springbank.

“It’s easy to fall in love with this property,” says Realtor® Ross Pavl, Re/Max House of Real Estate. “The magnificent mountain views from this west-facing, hilltop Springbank property are just breathtaking.

“It’s a fabulous home and you’ll definitely notice the recent extensive remodelling and updating in the kitchen, family room, great room and master bedroom ensuite,” he says.

The home presents four bedrooms, nine bathrooms, seven fireplaces, a four-car garage, but “the best part is the 2,300-square-foot indoor pool area – a real attraction for a family with kids and for entertaining friends and guests,” Pavl says.

“The two-acre lot has an incredible park setting with mature trees, hedges, ponds, a gazebo and plenty of lounging space offering the ideal privacy and seclusion of a countryside retreat and there’s even a tennis court!”

Luxury abounds in this extraordinary 8,957-sq.-ft. contemporary-inspired estate highlighted by traditional finishing details, custom built-ins and modern upgrades.

From the moment you step inside the front entrance you’ll be impressed by the grand, open two-storey foyer with stunning curved double staircase, waterfall feature and pond.

A gourmet chef’s kitchen is ideal for entertaining large parties and includes top-of-the-line appliances such as a Thermador five-burner gas cook top and panelled Sub Zero fridge, expansive quartz-topped island with flush eating bar, two skylights and a walk-in pantry.

The great room features a linear gas fireplace surrounded in glass mosaic tile with doors on either side opening to a deck with built-in seats and lounging area; another door provides access the indoor pool area.

The main floor also has a laundry room, family room and an office – all with custom built-ins.

Up the opulent staircase, a library and sitting room overlook the foyer, and there are three very large bedrooms – all with four-piece ensuite bathrooms.

Owners will adore the huge master bedroom featuring separate sitting area, a stunning fireplace, two walk-in closets with built-ins and floor-to-ceiling, six-panel circular windows providing pool and mountains views. The lavish ensuite is highlighted by a spectacular glass shower with body sprays, double vanity, cabinet tower, make-up table and 6-ft.

Kohler air jet soaker tub.

The basement offers another 1,550 sq. ft. of developed space with a wet bar, cigar area, wine cellar, recreation/games room and open space ideal for exercise equipment.

View incredible photos of this luxurious estate at www.ArtistViewEstate.com.

Call Ross PAVL at 403-837-8100 to learn more about this exceptional property.

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At Wolf Custom Homes it’s all about the client

by Heather Ryan

For almost 10 years Wolf Custom Homes has been making the process of building a luxury home an incredible, satisfying journey for their clients helping to turn their dreams into a reality.

“We’re all about the client experience,” says general manager Miles Dowie, noting customer service has been a priority since it started in 2004. “We like to consider ourselves, ‘Your Concierge Builder;’ we know that our clients have busy lives and we want to make their experience with us as easy as possible.”

Whether it’s building the proper base to support a statue one client has imported from Asia or driving a client to the airport and chatting about their home design along the way, the expert staff at Wolf Custom Homes makes sure every client receives the personal touch.

“We treat our clients how we ourselves would want to be treated throughout the process and at the end of the day we’re hoping that they will be advocates for our company,” Dowie says, adding that referrals “are a very critical aspect of our future, and the fact that clients are passing the Wolf name on, shows our clients are enjoying the process and experience, in addition to a great home.”

When choosing Wolf Custom Homes clients will appreciate the builder’s integrity and transparency.

“There will be periodically items that come up during construction and we work collaboratively with our clients to arrive at solutions they’re happy with.

“We also present estimates that show all the costs up front so there are no surprises,” he says.

“We’re a fixed price builder, which means we provide our clients with a fixed contract value based on the specifications and plans, so if costs go up, for example the price of framing, that is not passed

on to the client. That goes back to our integrity and our transparency; you have to have quality control, experience and knowledgeable staff in all aspects of the organization to commit to this.”

Wolf Custom Homes works closely with their clients to understand what their desires are and their lifestyle and have interior designers and a project co-ordinators on staff to help clients with their selections and throughout the entire process.

“Our ability to offer creative and unique designs sets us apart,” Dowie says. “People want a signature home and we have a great design team and a staff with most having 10 to 25 years of experience, so we have a diverse range of knowledge and we stay ahead of the curve by going to trade shows and seeing new ideas and products that we can offer our clients.

“Also if clients have a unique request or product they would like incorporated into their home we embrace the challenge.”

An example of Wolf’s creativity can be seen at its Watermark at Bearspaw showhome. The Mediterranean-Spanish style home is a unique design in Calgary and has been extremely well-received.

Wolf is also building a new showhome in Watermark that is a more contemporary style showing visitors its diversity and has a showhome in Springbank.

Learn more about this luxury custom builder at wolfcustomhomes.ca.

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[46] LUXURY LIVING FALL 2013

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feature

Photos Courtesy of Le Germain

Hotel Indulgence Y

by Yanic Simard

ou should be pampered whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re home or at your homeaway-from-home.

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feature

Hotel Le Germain, one of Canada’s first boutique hotels, started right where I did: in Quebec. Born from the passion of Christiane and Jean-Yves Germain, the concept has grown from a singular avant-garde hotspot for trendy businessmen to a modern pinnacle of unique design in cities across the nation – the perfect inspiration for a hotel-chic home.

I take mental notes (and hundreds of pictures) every time I visit memorable accommodations, and my recent stay at the Calgary edition of this growing hospitality family gave me plenty of ideas for how you can achieve a hip hotel vibe without a trip to the airport.

First Impression: BIG Impression • Stepping into Le Germain Calgary, guests are immediately presented with the “wow!” factor we all strive for. No space is wasted in the compact lobby, and neither is an opportunity to make a statement. The check-in desk is faced with a glowing backlit stone and topped with oversized black pendant lamps.

• T he lobby furnishings feature bold, low modern sofas. Using a few full-sized pieces in even the smallest of spaces can achieve a much more satisfying result than piling on the “condo-sized” clutter and the low profile won’t detract from floor-to-ceiling windows – all of this adds up to a space that actually feels larger.

Material Matters • For a cohesive, architectural look, the hotel uses a singular mid-tone wood finish for much of the suite interiors, from closet doors to the low headboards.

Rather than drapery, the windows are dressed with sleek wood shutters, continuing the linear statement. In-window shades are a returning trend, and can provide a more clean aesthetic than fabric; however, you can also consider a minimal roll down shade for a covering that almost completely vanishes when not in use.

• Because the wood – carried into the bathrooms – already brings so much character, most of the tile work is simple white. Using large tiles (12 by 12 or even 24 by 24) laid in a simple straight grid with minimal grout lets the floor visually blend into one clean plane. Smaller mosaic tiles on just the shower floor add a little interest and continue the palette. Use these sparingly to avoid having to maintain all that extra grout.

Signature Required • I believe it’s always important to put the effort into giving a bedroom (whether for occasional guests or the long-term residents) a few touches that make it feel unique and special. Le Germain drapes an iconic “g” blanket (reminiscent of haute fashion labels) as a diagonal stripe across the corner for a playful detail that gives a bed a luxury look every day.

• T he hotel also injects a bold pop into their otherwise subdued neutral palette with their signature colour: royal purple. The hue would be overbearing if overused, but as an accent it gives depth and drama that guests will remember. It shows up in lounge chairs, book covers and cityscape artwork. Choosing just one colour you really love and carrying it throughout is the easiest way to avoid clashing. Try Benjamin Moore’s 2071-20 Gentle Violet to mimic their regal hue.

• Swing-arm-style task lights are popular lately (think the classic desk lamp on your grandfathers drawing table), and the hotel twists this trend by using a pair as the bedside reading lamps, then hanging one with a modern shade from the ceiling over desks to preserve a clean surface area. Try Artemide’s Tolomeo Mega lamp for a similar take on the modern classic.

Sweet Suite Ensuite • A strong trend in hotel design lately is shown beautifully in Le Germain’s many suites: breaking down the division between the ensuite and the bedroom results in a combined space that is much larger and feels more luxurious. Some suites feature a window between the rooms (with shutters for privacy), while others use a sliding door that opens wide, reducing the physical

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separation. The apartment suites do away with a wall around the bathroom altogether: the bathtub is backed by a glass panel only, and no other walls defi ne the space. If you have a beautiful bathroom, why not enjoy the visual more often?

• The extended, organically shaped vessel sinks are installed with the wall-mounted faucet set off-centre for a surprising, asymmetrical look. Lights built into the sides of mirrors give an even glow for morning rituals, with pendant lamps added for that important light-layering.

• My favourite take away from my suite was the tub filler faucet – I couldn’t find it at first, because it had been installed in the ceiling! This isn’t as impossible as it may seem - just make sure to check with professionals (and your condo board) before attempting any structural or plumbing changes. You could also have yours shifted to the side of the tub (even as part of a freestanding unit) to avoid bumping into it when taking a relaxing soak.

YANIC SIMARD is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs.

Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.

For more information visit tidg.ca.

I hope these ideas inspire you to make your own home a little more exciting for the most important guest: you.

Meanwhile, if you’re visiting Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec or (as of just this year) Halifax, look to Le Germain for a stay with even more one-of-a-kind twists – just make sure to bring your camera.

Crème de la Crème.

A spectacular west penthouse suite with concierge service in “Chateau La Caille”.

* Breathtaking panoramic Rocky Mountain, Bow River valley and city views. * Access to outdoor recreation in Eau Clair. * 2,820 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 indoor secured parking, 2 balconies and roof top patio.

Offered at $1,988,800.

Cell: 403-615-1829 iFax: 403-592-6605 theresa.barber@century21.ca

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SERVICES • • • • • • •

Design Natural Stone Walkways Garden Beds Sod+Grading Water Features Retaining

• • • • • • •

Patios Decks Fences Irrigation Lightning Planting Excavation

Landscape 360 is focused on providing our clients with professional landscape construction from concept to completion.

With experience, creativity, hard work and dedication, we will exceed your expectations. The service and product we provide will withstand the toughest elements, while giving your home a personality. With a commitment to quality, Landscape 360 is driven to establish strong relationships with each client.

Professional Landscape Construction

www.landscape360.ca 403-452-0360 Calgary, AB

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HOMES BY AVI

impresses with luxury showhome in timberline estates

by HEATHER RYAN

Dramatic two-storey ceilings, custom built-ins and stone detailing are just a few of the many fabulous features luxury homebuyers are discovering in Homes by Avi’s newest estate showhome in Timberline Estates.

The 3,526-sq.-ft. Tewkesbury with walkout lower level and four-car tandem garage is a “stunning, quality built home with great fi nishing details and warm inviting colours; it’s a very dramatic, very elegant home,” says Sandy Tregarthen, co-sales manager with Chris Olsson.

The showhome impresses right from entry with its 8-ft. door, a towering 19-ft. ceiling and a dynamic view of the secondfloor catwalk.

“People love the openness of the home, it has a very spacious feel with the open to above foyer and you get a great view and natural light from back to front of the home,” says Olsson. “Add to that 10-foot high ceilings on the main floor and 9-foot high ceilings on upper floor and basement and it gives a feeling of space and volume.”

Behind double doors is a sophisticated study with beautiful wainscoting and down the hall, the formal dining room offers an elegant space for entertaining and a custom designed iron door opens to a wine room.

“We get a lot of comments about the wine room it’s very unique with custom wine racks for reds and full-height fridge for whites and the iron doors give it an old world look,” Olsson says.

Another iron door in the wine room opens to the great room, which features a two-storey sloped ceiling and two banks of windows. The stunning fi replace is surrounded in stone tile rising from floor to ceiling and has an open shelf/cabinet built-in on one side and an expansive cabinet/granite island on the other that stretches into the kitchen where the backside of the fireplace creates a beautiful stone wall feature.

The incredible chef’s kitchen serves up five working surfaces and high-end stainless steel appliances including a gorgeous stone surround alcove with Viking six-burner gas cook top and hood.

“There’s a huge custom built-in wall in the pantry,” Tregarthen says, and built-in lockers in the mudroom off the garage entry. There is also an expansive deck that spans the rear of the home.

Owners will love the luxurious master bedroom that includes separate his and her walk-in closets and a lavish spa-like ensuite complete with stand-alone oval tub, vanity with full-height cabinetry over the make up area, heated floor and a oversized shower with body sprays.

Stunning stone detailing marks the entry to the upstairs library/bonus room featuring wall-to-wall custom built-in shelves. There are also two generous-sized secondary bedrooms each with walk-in closets, a main full bathroom and a laundry room.

Homes by Avi has eight different estate home models to choose from with just five lots remaining in this exclusive area. All the lots average a quarter-acre in size and are walkouts.

The Tewkesbury, at 270 Fortress Bay S.W., is open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m. For more information call 403-536-7260 or visit .homesbyavi.com

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BUILDERQ&A

10 Questions

with Danny Ritchie

D

anny Ritchie is well known in

Calgary’s renovations industry and the president of Ultimate

Renovations. He started Ultimate Renovations in Edmonton in 1979 and expanded to Calgary in 1991. Ultimate is a member of Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region

and since first entering the association’s SAM Awards in1998 it has been a 56-time SAM Award finalist, a 30-time SAM Award winner, an eight-time SAM Renovator of the Year Award winner, and an Alberta Award for Excellence in Housing award winner.

Q What do you love most about Calgary?

A I love that Calgary is a vibrant, fast-paced city with close proximity to the mountains. On a professional level this is absolutely the best city for Ultimate Renovations. Calgary is Canada’s number one economic performer with a diverse array of industries that include energy, fi nance, technology and creative and cultural sectors, all being driven by a young and thriving population. It also doesn’t hurt that Calgary has the highest percentage of home ownership in the country!

Q What community do you live in, and if you were to move, which community would you choose?

A We couldn’t imagine ever moving off of Lake Bonavista.

We have lived in this community since 1992 and have raised our family here. What stood out for us when we were fi rst looking for a house in Calgary was all the lake communities and what they had to offer, especially to a young family.

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Q What’s the most unique item/feature that you have ever put in a

Q Who had the most influence on

home that you’re renovating?

A There are so many it’s hard to pick one. Raising a roof on a house to allow for taller ceilings, making it possible to install solar tubes in a basement, heating counter tops and transforming houses to walk-outs are just a few.

your life?

A So many people have. But if I have to choose I would say my father, who taught me the skills that would eventually lead me into this industry, and my wife, Barbara, and my children who make me put down my phone every now and then to take a moment to sit back and enjoy.

Q What’s your favourite vacation spot?

A We don’t have one favourite in particular – our vacation choices range anywhere from a week or two in Mexico to a day trip out to the mountains.

Q Based on your experience what area in the home do people most prefer to renovate and why?

A Definitely opening the kitchen area to create a Great Room. The open concept is very popular with people wanting larger areas to entertain in while still keeping the kitchen the “heart of the home.”

Q A book or a movie?

A I’m not a big reader, but I do enjoy watching a good documentary.

Q What’s your favourite sport to watch?

A Hockey, and having lived in both Edmonton and Calgary, I support both Alberta teams so I cheer for the Flames and Oilers.

Q What do you do for fun?

A I like to canoe around the lake on a warm summer’s evening, get up and catch a trout for breakfast, have friends and family over to sit on the dock or around the fi re pit and in the winter strap on the skates and take a turn or two around the path on the lake. All this in my backyard!

Q What’s the best dish you cook?

A I guess that would be grilling any meat on the barbecue.

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Luxury living in picturesque setting

offered at Riviera in Cochrane

by Heather Ryan

People looking for luxury living in picturesque setting are quickly discovering Riviera – the newest estate neighbourhood of Riversong in Cochrane.

Upscale living at its finest along with breathtaking views of the Rockies and Bow River are luring discerning buyers to Riviera in Riversong, which is being developed by Tamani Communities along a heavily treed escarpment above the Bow River.

“The biggest appeal to Riveria is the lifestyle it’s very tranquil and fits in harmoniously with the surrounding Bow River and other natural elements,” says Nicole Westman, marketing co-ordinator with Tamani Communities.

She notes the stone and timber entrance to Riviera is the first sign that the community was designed to compliment the natural surroundings.

“The homes also back onto approximately 100 acres of nature reserve that is a natural habitat for wildlife so it’s a beautiful setting.

“We’ve had an amazing response to Riviera with a lot of traffic coming through and the showhomes just opened,” Westman says, adding a major appeal to Riviera is the chance to live on the banks of the Bow River without the high cost associated with building in Calgary.

In Riviera, Jayman MasterBUILT and Trico Homes are “crafting estate frontdrive homes that back onto the Bow River,” Westman says. “Starting at $510,000 these are affordable estate homes with lots that either face a park,

trees or the river. We also have front drive Villa and Manors by Jayman that start in the $460,000s.”

The style of architecture in Riviera is Contemporary Heritage, which enhances the natural surroundings of the community. All of the homes in the community will have dark siding colours with black roofs and white trim.

Three architectural series were designed exclusively for Riviera: Rocky Mountain Craftsman, Shingle Style and Urban Craftsman. Each style blends the organic and decadent nature that Riviera embodies and you will discover that each one compliments Riviera’s unique Rocky Mountain River lifestyle.

All of the builders in Riviera comply with the Built Green Gold Standard of eco-friendly design so buyers can expect luxuries of energy efficient homes including optimal control of temperature variability, better ventilation, higher soundproofing abilities and longer overall durability of your home.

The community is also green oriented as rain run-off filtrates into the landscaped pond in Rivera before trickling into the Bow River and lighting is powered by renewable wind energy.

Many buyers in Riviera are drawn to the already established amenities, such as the parks and pathways, the Bow Valley High School and the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Bow River and connects to downtown Cochrane.

The convenient location provides an easy 20-minute drive to the west side of Calgary or the mountains, and just minutes to downtown Cochrane by foot or car where residents can enjoy an array of shops, restaurants and services.

Tamani recently opened six showhomes in Riviera, open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m., and buyers can visit rivieracochrane.com to find out about lot availability.

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TO CALGARY

1A COCHRANE BOW

RIVE R

RIVIERA WAY

D

RIVER HEIGHTS

R.

22

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1

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A Durable and Sustainable Flooring System for Your Garage, Driveway, and More:

Duratech Coatings

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

Since 2005 Duratech Coatings has provided Calgarians with excellent concrete resurfacing and flooring systems for their garages, driveways, basements, patios, and balconies. In as little as two days, and less cost than a complete replacement, your driveway and garage floor can be transformed from an old cement eyesore to a durable and esthetically pleasing surface that adds both curb appeal and value to your home.

Duratech utilizes resin based coating systems to provide many options for your home or business, as well as light commercial/ industrial applications. The systems are also “environmentally friendly - odour free, solvent free, and VOC free,” says Kyle Caravan, president, Duratech Coatings. “Our low maintenance finishes are totally water proof and super easy to clean,” says Caravan. The floors also boast anti-slip properties, and are completely unaffected by moisture and road salts. A Duratech surface application consists of following five steps: 1. Mechanical surface preparation involving diamond grinding, and shot blasting. To reduce harmful dust and contaminants resulting from the process, top of the line Hepa certified dust extraction systems are utilized.

2. All cracks and other damage are repaired with appropriate resin materials 3. A base coat of tinted epoxy is applied at 12 mills 4. Flake broadcast of coloured vinyl chip aggregate is applied 5. Lastly, a clear polyaspartic glaze is applied at 12 mills

Duratech offers a 5 year warranty on exterior surfaces, and an industry leading lifetime warranty on garage floors. With a BBB rating A+, Duratech takes pride in both their workmanship as well as customer service. To view the many colours, surfaces, and possibilities with Duratech, visit their showroom which offers complete garage development options at #108, 5050 106 Ave. SE, Calgary.

Duratech Coatings’ knowledgeable staff is happy to provide a free consultation and estimate for your home or business (within greater Calgary area). They take pride in serving their customers from initial contact to project completion with integrity and total customer satisfaction. With most new business resulting from word of mouth referrals, your experience with Duratech Coatings will speak for itself.

For a clean durable surface for your garage and driveway visit their website at www.duratechcoatingscalgary.com.

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