CAREFREE IN KELOWNA
Duplexes offer alternative
Density may be the buzzword of the moment in some development circles, but not everyone is interested in trading in a single-family home for vertical living in an urban environment.
Catering to this corner of the housing market is Kelowna’s GableCraft in the Mission. Situated in the B.C. city’s desirable Lower Mission neighbourhood, this duplex development offers downsizers an alternative to condos and dense multi-unit living without sacrificing urban amenities or a traditional community feel.
“Most developers are putting in vertical living, high density,” says Darcy Nyrose, realtor for the project through Nyrose & Associates and Coldwell Banker Horizon Re- alty. “That’s why we put this in and it’s been very successful.”
With nearly half the 74 homes sold and sales outpacing construction, Nyrose says buyers have reacted favourably to an alternative to ubiquitous condos. In contrast to high-density developments that have become de rigueur, GableCraft in the Mission’s duplexes are all about room.
Four floor-plan options range from bungalow-style two bedrooms to a three-bedroom model over two storeys with a loft for those who want extra room. All models have the master bedroom and ensuite located on the main floor for stair-free living that Nyrose says has been popular with buyers — mostly empty nesters.
Homes range from 1,340 square feet for the two-bedroom bunga- low to 1,840 square feet for the three-bedroom-plus-den model. He says many buyers have also been pleased to find that downsizing doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing interior living space.
“For 1,340 square feet,” Nyrose says, “they’re surprised by how big it feels because of the better designs that are out there now.”
Meanwhile, the development offers a good option for those looking to simplify life. Strata fees of $185 a month cover yard maintenance, sewage and water services.
“It’s more the carefree lifestyle for people that want to sell their larger home and live hassle-free,” Nyrose says.
Built on a collection of former acreage properties, the development offers all the hallmarks of a traditional residential area, with private fenced-in yards, covered patios and porches, and side-byside two-car garages with extra room for a workshop or storage. Inside, features include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and laminate flooring, with the option to upgrade to hardwood.
Bedrooms and dens feature plush carpeting and select floor plans include walk-in pantries and separate water closets. All duplex models have nine-foot ceilings and plenty of windows to make the most of the Okanagan’s natural light, Nyrose says.
The development also features a community barbecue area that can be used for parties and casual gatherings. However, the main selling feature for buyers, Nyrose says, is the location. In fact, Lower Mission’s reputation and amenities often bring buyers his way without even having to make a sales pitch.
“A lot of them actually come to us because of the location. They know about Lower Mission already, so they want to be near the golf courses, the Mission (Creek) Greenway for walking and biking, the mall. We’re fairly close to the lake. So people actually come and say they want to be in this area because of the amenities close by.”
Lower Mission, he says, strikes a balance between urban amenities and natural access. The neighbourhood is a short drive from Kelowna’s popular Gyro and Rotary beach parks, as well as downtown and the Kelowna Yacht Club. The nearby Mission Creek Greenway offers plenty of opportunity for biking, hiking and running, while golf courses are just a stone’s throw away.
“So it’s great for people who like to be active outdoors,” Nyrose says. Meanwhile, the Orchard Park Shopping Centre is 10 minutes away by car and Lower Mission also offers a bevy of cafes, boutiques and other high-street options for a lively feel.
Given all that, the area’s reputation has attracted buyers from not just around Kelowna, but across the country. People have come from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba looking to retire in the area, Nyrose says.
With prices starting in the $480,000s, sales have been strong with all finished homes — about two dozen — now occupied. The next batch under construction will be completed in about a month, Nyrose says, and the development slated for completion late next year. Two show homes are open at the sales centre Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.