SOCIAL SPACES
Warm welcome at Opus 20
For many families, the bonus room isn’t an extra space, but a valued and well-used part of the home.
In some cases, it’s the backdrop for taking in an episode or two of a series on Netflix, playing a board game, or for parents to help their children with homework. But largely, it’s a tucked away place to relax.
While bonus rooms are more frequently found in front-drive single-family floor plans, some builders are including these spaces in their laned home designs, as well.
It’s one of the qualities making the Opus 20 model by Jayman Built stand out. The functional 1,620-square-foot model is part of a show home parade in Legacy.
This bonus room is central on the second level of the home. It’s 12- foot- three by 11- foot- two, a roomy and welcoming gathering space for a variety of purposes.
And it gets a pleasing dose of natural light. Three tall windows peek past a stub wall at the adjacent stairwell, giving the sitting area the sunshine it needs.
The bonus room’s location also makes it a buffer.
Sitting centrally, it creates private wings between the master bedroom on one end and two equally- sized secondary bedrooms on the other.
Featured in the master bedroom are large front-facing windows, along with a walk-in closet and ensuite accessed from the same side wall.
Beyond the bonus room, social spaces are a focus in this home, even before stepping through the front door.
The exterior of the home has a neighbourly full-width veranda. Pull up a chair, pour visitors a tall glass of lemonade, and enjoy their company while sitting in the fresh air.
A glass insert in the door and transom window above it help create a bright foyer.
It’s spacious, too, making things comfortable for multiple guests to enter and still have the elbow room they need.
Beyond this, the main level commits to an open-concept, led by a large great room. People who enjoy entertaining will appreciate the natural flow between it, the central dining area and L-shaped kitchen along the back.
This kitchen is designed for cooking to be a group effort. With generous space around the island, the person preparing dinner can have multiple people chip in without feeling crowded.
Along with being a work area, the kitchen is a place to visit, too. The island has an extended eating bar with seating for two people.
Rather than the sink joining the island, it sits under a window that looks into the backyard.
The appliances in the kitchen are stainless steel and include an over-the-range microwave and fridge with double doors. There’s a generously-sized pantry in the kitchen, as well.
The show home displays a developed basement with a rec area, guest room and bathroom.
Legacy is a community in southeast Calgary by WestCreek Developments. At the most recent Calgary Region SAM (Sales and Marketing) Awards, it picked up its second straight title for Community of the Year — City of Calgary.
The community plan includes 15 kilometres of pathways and more than 121 hectares ( 300 acres) of developer- protected environmental reserve.
Last year, Legacy welcomed a public art piece through actress and artist Jane Seymour’s collection of fine art.
Earlier this year, it added to its opportunities for residents to enjoy quality time in the fresh air by opening a community garden.