Vinland show home puts spotlight on solar
Vinland Homes might be one of the smaller builders in the city but it has big plans for the Rosewood neighbourhood. Its latest show home — The Ellesmere — at 618 Meadows Blvd., also showcases the builder’s focus on solar energy.
Brandon Moore, Vinland’s chief marketing officer, says the company spent a great deal of time doing research on what makes a successful home in Saskatoon. The Ellesmere is the result of that research, along with about 10 other floor plans. Each design is engineered to fit on a narrower lot.
“Every developer is moving toward skinnier lots because the price of lots is increasing,” explained owner Graham Klassen.
The Ellesmere boasts 1,659 square feet and can be built on a 36-foot lot. The show home in Rosewood was built with a bit of extra living space at 1,751 square feet and comes with a three-car garage. As with any of Vinland’s plans, there are tweaks along the way.
“Every time I build a (floor) plan I always tweak it,” notes Klassen.
One of the biggest features of the two-storey, three-bedroom show home is the solar package Vinland included.
“People are really interested in solar. And the costs of it have finally come into line with what made sense,” Klassen explains.
“It doesn’t matter what you believe on the climate change side of things. The system makes financial sense nowadays to do it.”
As electrical costs continue to rise, the system will pay for itself within 10 years, according to Klassen. With technology continuing to advance, the system will last for years to come. In fact, with no moving parts to break down the system can maintain efficiency for decades.
The main floor has an open floor plan with a granite-topped kitchen island pantry and eating area. The dining room has garden doors that open to the back deck. Upstairs, the home has three good sized bedrooms, plus a bonus room above the garage with a fireplace. The bonus room could be converted into an extra bedroom, or used for a library, office or theatre room. Laundry is also conveniently located in the upstairs bathroom.
The master bedroom features an ensuite with shower, and large walk-in closet. With the space above the garage, the second storey has 918 square feet.
Vinland also offers an optional two-bedroom legal basement suite if needed. The Vinland show home is listed at $518,900.
As part of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association’s Parade of Homes, the Vinland show home is open for viewing Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Parade of Homes ends Sunday.