GOLFER’S HOUSE LISTED AT $ 8M
Stephen Ames selling local residence
The luxury home of famed Canadian golfer Stephen Ames is being listed for sale at close to $ 8 million, the Herald has learned.
The property in Aspen Estates, at 20 Aspen Ridge Manor S. W., features a French country exterior and an interior that is described as “modern elegant” with an Alberta feel to it.
“Being a custom build, the sellers had an opportunity to put a little bit of their personalities into the property. So you’re going to find a real luxury home, but it’s almost a very Calgary- based home or an Alberta home. There’s a bit of Alberta flair to it,” said Tanya Eklund, realtor with RE/ MAX Real Estate ( Central) in Calgary, who is listing the property.
“It has a French country exterior but a very warm modern interior. The quality of workmanship and the thought they put into the home makes it special in its own right because it was a custom- built home. You just have a lot of special features and items in the home.”
The unique property is owned by Ames and Jodi Ames. They have owned the property since 2010.
It has numerous unique features, including custom cow- hide benches at the entrance of the 11,000- square- foot home.
Other features include a fourcar garage, 11 fireplaces, nine bathrooms, a horizontal nine- foot fireplace, custom gym, infrared sauna, a custom- built wine room with large wine fridge and built- ins to accommodate about 1,800- plus bottles of wine with proper refrigeration, a media room and a golf simulator room.
Calgary’s luxury home resale market has taken a hit in 2015 with $ 1- million property transactions down 36 per cent from last year’s record level.
A recent report by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada said 289 properties of $ 1 million or more sold in Calgary during the first six months of 2015. A record 854 highend homes sold last year, besting the previous records of 726 in 2013 and 544 in 2012.
According to Mike Fotiou, associate broker with First Place Realty, there were 75 MLS home sales in June of $ 1 million or more, which although down 29 per cent from last year’s record June, was still the second highest level ever for the month.
“When we say luxury market that defines a broad range of homes,” said Eklund. “The over $ 2 million has been slower the last eight months as a result of looming concern with oil prices. I believe buyers were waiting for the sky to fall based on reports that came out in January commenting on what to expect in the first six months and estimating large percentage drops. This has not happened, interest rates are low and homes are slightly more affordable. Consumers are tired of waiting.
“The $ 5- million- plus market is always a unique market ... Looking back at sales for this type of home, even when the market was phenomenal with sales and prices in the last few years, we only had a handful of sales. A purchaser spending this type of money is typically not affected by market swings and is looking for that special property that suits their lifestyle and family needs.”
You’re going to find a real luxury home, but it’s almost a very Calgary- based home ... there’s a bit of Alberta flair to it.