LIFE-CHANGING LOTTERY
Edmonton’s Cash & Cars grand prize includes a Keswick duplex — but, oh, what a duplex!
For a duplex, this grand prize lottery home is definitely deceiving.
From the outside, there’s no questioning that the Cash & Cars lottery’s Edmonton grand prize home is one of two attached properties. However, it’s a completely different picture once you walk inside.
“This house challenges people’s ideas about a duplex,” said Lauren Ruggiero, new home concierge for Kimberley Homes, which built this bungalow-style house done up in a suburban chic style. “When you’re inside you would never know that you were in a duplex.”
At 3,778 square feet, the custom duplex has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is part of a grand prize package worth more than $1.2 million once a 2018 Honda Civic Touring vehicle and $5,000 cash are factored in.
“We were already at 43 per cent sold and ahead of last year when we launched the 2018 edition of the Cash & Cars Lottery,” said Sean Capri, manager of annual giving for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, adding that the number has since climbed to 50 per cent sold. “Every ticket from the lottery supports the Cross Cancer Foundation and 16 other cancer centres across the province, and the funds help to cover research, prevention and screening.”
Two early bird prizes — an allinclusive trip to Cabo St. Lucas for six on a private jet plus a 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S, and a Vegas weekend for six, also on a private jet — amp up the ante for what Capri describes as amazing, lifechanging prizes.
The Edmonton home — grand prize package number two (grand prize package number one includes a 3,998-square-foot twostorey walkout home in Calgary from Truman Homes) — starts with a bold base of dark walls and doors, and is paired with feminine pops of colour, establishing an opulent yet fun feel. The look is further achieved through floral accents, contrasting colours, and gold metallics throughout.
Double doors off the main entry lead to a home office that fully embraces the suburban chic look, with a pop of hot pink added via the curtains, while the floral pattern painted onto the desk adds a hint of whimsy. Not in need of a home office? The room can be converted into an additional bedroom, as it was designed with that possibility in mind and includes a closet.
Walk inside the home a bit further and the open concept kitchen, great room and dining space are front and centre. If your eyes veer right, wood panelling with mirror inserts draw you in. Elegant and rich, with a mixture of metallics, this space is perfect for opulent dining experiences. The galley-style kitchen, accentuated by a long island, also includes a dropped island (at table height) that is ideal for casual meals. Space in this home is never tight, and parallel to the kitchen is a butler’s pantry with extensive built-in shelving and drawers, as well as a second fridge.
Adjacent to the dropped island is an extra-wide staircase leading to a fully finished lower level that comes with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and some additional showstopping features, including a glassed-off wine room and a home theatre that is in itself a star attraction. Meanwhile, a family room, games space and wet bar round off the amenities downstairs.
Back on the main floor, the master bedroom embodies the feel of a boutique hotel. Done in black, gold and cream, the sleeping space is highlighted by light gold floral wallpaper. The walk-in closet sits directly between the bedroom and ensuite, and comes equipped with a built-in chest of drawers and ample clothing storage.
The ensuite has vanities on each side and includes a standalone tub and a walk-in shower with a decorative tile pattern.
“One of the many reasons we chose to get involved with this program for our ninth consecutive (lottery) home is our profound belief that everyone is touched by cancer at some point in their life,” said Ruggiero.
“Within the Kimberley Homes family, our team members have close family members or friends fighting, and in some cases losing, their battle with cancer. We hear stories from the families in our community and across Alberta who are impacted, and we believe there is no greater cause to be supporting.”
Since 2000, the lottery has raised more than $30 million for cancer programs in Alberta.
“Last year, because we sold out, more money went to the cause than ever before,” said Capri, pointing to a $1.9 million contribution. “We sold out because of the amazing support we get across the province.”
Support like that is important, added Capri, as this year alone more than 19,000 Albertans will hear the words “you have cancer.”