Sabal’s Lakeland lineup a major hit
Courtyards add to allure of five new show homes
It was all about the courtyard. Well, maybe not all ... A goodly number of anxious potential home buyers were waiting for the doors to open to the highly-touted, hot-off-thepress collection of homes offered by Sabal Homes — and at the top of their “must see” list was the private courtyard.
Truth be known, though, the people were in the awardwinning Mahogany community created by Hopewell Residential Communities to see the unique combination of side-slung courtyard and rear-attached double garage — and, of course, the high standards of overall design and finishes that are typical of Sabal.
The Encore model, along with the Aria and Triumph, make up the show home parade, but Sabal has created two other floor plans — the Evoke and Cameo — to provide a well-rounded display of floor plan and finishing options.
Hopewell has set aside 41 lots along Marine Drive for what it calls its Lakeland Collection and after a successful and very busy opening weekend, nearly 25 per cent of the courtyard lots have been claimed.
“People liked what they saw,” says Janelle Nichol, Sabal’s area sales manager.
“The fact the courtyards along the street are all on the same side of the home ensures privacy. You’re not staring into the courtyard of the next home.”
One courtyard option is the installation of an outside fireplace and has been built into one of the show homes. The Encore, which also serves as the sales and information centre, offers a modern country look to home shoppers. While laminate is the flooring of choice for this model through most of the main floor, hardwood and ceramic tile are available upgrades.
From the foyer, visitors move through a dining area and lifestyle room to the bright U-shaped kitchen. Countertops here are laminate but hard surfaces are also potential upgrades. Cabinetry in the kitchen can be chosen from a list that includes oak, maple, alder and hickory. Appliances are stainless steel. The peninsula holds double sinks and dishwasher and provides seating for four at its flush eating bar.
A couple of steps down the hallway leads to the courtyard entrance. The courtyard, made to blend indoor and outdoor living, offers a relaxing atmosphere and because of the amount of window space looking onto it also provides additional natural lighting for the interior of the home.
Opposite the courtyard entrance are a half-bath and the stairway to the finished basement level — another available option. At the end of the hall is a mud room and the entry to the attached double garage.
“People like the idea of being able to have a courtyard and an attached garage without giving up space somewhere else,” says Nichol. “With the garage at the rear, they ensure the character of the home is visible from the street.”
A carpeted stairway leads to the home’s second floor. To the left of the landing is the main bath with tile floor, tub/shower surround, and vanity with laminate top. Along the back of the home are two smaller bedrooms, each with its own walk-in closet.
Moving back along the hallway and past the stairway, visitors are greeted by 144 square feet of entertainment room, large enough for a big-screen TV and plenty of seating space. On the opposite side of the hallway are a linen closet and spacious laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer.
At the front of the home is the master’s retreat. The carpeted bedroom area covers nearly 190 square feet, not including the roomy walk-in closet. The adjacent ensuite is shown with ceramic tile floor, a laminate-topped vanity with double sinks, stall shower and separate toilet area.
The basement level of the Encore is finished with play area, bedroom and full bath, with room left over for a second bedroom.