STARS lottery home tours go online due to COVID-19
STARS Home Lottery goes virtual with stunning new grand prize show homes
Despite restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, the STARS Home Lottery will not be grounded. The annual fundraiser for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service has launched with two luxurious grand prize show homes for lucky winners to choose from — one in Saskatoon and one in Regina.
Due to recommendations from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, both lottery show homes are closed to the public. However, virtual 360-degree tours, photos, and video walk-throughs are available on the STARS Lottery Saskatchewan website.
The $1.593-million Saskatoon show home at 300 Greenbryre Cres. is 3,422 square feet of modern contemporary style meets classic functional design.
With four bedrooms and threeand-a-half baths, this two-storey family home with walkout basement combines modern design and comfortable living.
Mark Oddan, communications lead for STARS Saskatchewan credits the builder — D&S Homes — and the design team at GA Interiors for the gorgeous building.
“Once again, D&S Homes and Garden Architecture and Design have created a stunning home to be part of this year’s lottery,” Oddan said.
“They truly have a great way of blending form and function. Their homes always have modern lines and yet some classic looks, and they’re very functional, as well.”
D&S Homes has built 17 homes for the STARS Home Lottery over the years. Each year, the company has to come up with exciting new designs and each year it delivers.
“(The house) is different than what we’ve done before. With a flat roof, it’s a lot different. (STARS Home Lottery) want fresh, new ideas and that’s what we try to do,” says Troy Slater with D&S Homes.
Almira Espenant, interior design consultant at GA Interiors, says she wanted to keep the inside of the home looking just as stunning and unique as the exterior design. The eye-catching exterior design combines a modern flat roof, clean lines and contrasting textures of grey stone, creamy white stucco and striking black accents.
In the kitchen, Espenant added warmth to the creamy off-whites and greys by putting charcoal countertops with walnut wood finishes. The result is a two-toned kitchen that creates a comforting feeling of being grounded in the space.
“I didn’t want it to feel too grey, so I wanted to add some warmth with natural organic pieces,” Espenant says.
Functional touches — such as the walk-through pantry from the garage to the kitchen — make the space suitable for any family.
Oddan points to the great room as putting the “grand” in grand prize. It’s two storeys high with a fireplace surround of black tiles that goes straight to the ceiling. Oddan says it’s simple, “but also very dramatic.”
The black tiles create a bold backdrop for any artwork the homeowner wants to put there, but it could also be a spot for a television.
“I wanted to just keep it really clean and then accentuate different art pieces in there,” Espenant says.
The lower-level walkout is a cosy space visitors won’t want to leave. The patio doors and oversized windows brighten the space to keep the darker grey walls from becoming too heavy. More walnut wood accents add warmth and a spectacular bar area with funky shelving can be a place to showcase photos or beloved treasures, or organize board games.
The opposite wall can accommodate a television for those favourite family times binge-watching TV shows or playing video games.
The railing is another unique feature. Espenant says she wanted to add some modern flair “without (going) overboard with too much contemporary.” The wood railing is stained a dark colour for a bold look, while the chrome spindles add a modern element.
Being part of an important community cause like the STARS Lottery is always a highlight for Espenant. “We’ve had the privilege here at GA Interiors (to design the interior) for several years now, and every year it’s very exciting.”
Slater agrees. “It’s great for Saskatchewan to have STARS.”
This year’s fundraiser takes on even more significance for the organization. Partially funded by the Saskatchewan government, the organization still needs to raise approximately $10.5 million each year to stay operational.
Due to restrictions to combat COVID-19, many fundraising events across the province that benefit STARS have been cancelled or postponed.
STARS flew more than 800 missions last year. Each mission represents a crisis situation that could mean life or death for a Saskatchewan resident. You can help keep STARS in the air by purchasing a ticket and having a chance to win one of 1,841 prizes.
Early bird deadline is June 25. Final deadline to purchase tickets is July 16. The draw takes place July 30. There’s even the Lucky Stars 50/50. Tickets are available online at starslotterysaskatchewan.ca or by calling 1-844-782-7775.
To view the STARS Home Lottery, visit starslotterysaskatchewa.ca or drive by 300 Greenbryre Cres.