Calgary Herald

ALL-IN-ONE APPEAL

The latest Echo design by Calbridge Homes balances space for comfort, work and play

- JOSH SKAPIN

While homes are typically about comfort and connecting with family, for many people homes also need to be a place for productivi­ty.

The ability to work out of the house — whether for schooling or profession­al purposes — for some households isn't just a perk, it's a necessity.

Calbridge Homes balances comfort, work and play in its Echo model. This 2,287-square-foot, front-drive, single-family home is displayed as a show home in the Willows of River Heights in Cochrane.

Tucked behind the central kitchen is a five-foot-six by nine-footeight space dubbed the lifestyle room. As presented in the show home, it sets up nicely as a work station. With a large desk flanked by windows that provide a dose of natural light, it fits the needs of both students and home-based profession­als.

Closed off by a stylish barn door, there's an important sense of privacy and disconnect from the busier areas of the main floor.

When the work day is over, the open-concept main level provides an inviting space to relax and socialize.

In the kitchen, the island is surrounded by a generous volume of space. This is handy for both fluidity and the ability to gather and chat. The island has a sink and eating bar that comfortabl­y seats three people.

The dark counters, light-toned kitchen cabinets, which include a set with all glass fronts, full-height backsplash and stainless steel appliances combine for a pleasing assortment of visuals.

Both the great room and dining area are located along a rear-facing wall covered in tall windows.

Through sliding glass doors, the dining area provides direct access to an optional back deck.

One of the home's most striking features is its open-to-above staircase.

The sense of volume and projection of light from windows near the top of this wall will grab the attention of anyone walking by or up these stairs.

Entering and exiting the home will be convenient. A well-sized mudroom with coat hooks and bench seating will make for a comfortabl­e removal of jackets and footwear.

This area links to a spacious walk-in coat closet.

On the second floor, there are multiple floor-plan options available. The show home demonstrat­es an orientatio­n with a central bonus room, front-facing master bedroom and two secondary bedrooms along the back.

The bonus room has a window and elegant tray-style ceiling design and creates a privacy buffer for sleep spaces on both ends of the second floor.

The master bedroom is accessoriz­ed by a spacious walk-in closet and upscale ensuite.

The appeal of the space is elevated by the contrastin­g elements of a towering vaulted ceiling and sunken design. The master bedroom is two steps down from the rest of the second storey.

In the optional developed basement, there's a fourth bedroom, full bathroom, media area and games area. The games area, which includes a walk-up bar, is an ideal spot for hosting a board-game night.

 ?? PHOTOS: CALBRIDGE HOMES ?? The great room in the Echo show home by Calbridge Homes in the Willows of River Heights in Cochrane lets in lots of light.
PHOTOS: CALBRIDGE HOMES The great room in the Echo show home by Calbridge Homes in the Willows of River Heights in Cochrane lets in lots of light.
 ??  ?? One of the home's most striking features is its open-to-above staircase.
One of the home's most striking features is its open-to-above staircase.
 ??  ?? A games room provides plenty of room for fun with family and friends.
A games room provides plenty of room for fun with family and friends.
 ??  ?? The bonus room creates a buffer for sleep spaces on the second floor.
The bonus room creates a buffer for sleep spaces on the second floor.
 ??  ?? The master bedroom is accessoriz­ed by a walk-in closet and ensuite.
The master bedroom is accessoriz­ed by a walk-in closet and ensuite.
 ??  ?? In the kitchen, the island is spacious and seats three comfortabl­y.
In the kitchen, the island is spacious and seats three comfortabl­y.
 ??  ?? The dining area is easily accessible to an optional back deck.
The dining area is easily accessible to an optional back deck.
 ??  ?? The laundry room is bright, roomy and convenient­ly located.
The laundry room is bright, roomy and convenient­ly located.

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