Parliament Hill in its sights
Terrace homes at Aviation Private are close enough to see the Peace Tower
Not many model homes can claim a view of the Peace Tower, but that vista is just one of many attractive features in the MacLaren, one of two new terrace models recently opened at Aviation Private by Valecraft Homes.
The Energy Star-rated condo development, tucked just off Montreal Road near the Aviation Parkway, eventually will feature 84 two-storey stacked terrace homes and 22 townhomes, all with stone-and-brick fronts. One block of eight terrace homes is ready to move in, with another block of eight terraces under construction, to be followed by two 12-unit terrace blocks and the rear-lane townhomes.
The MacLaren and its sister terrace model, the Brasseur, are designed to appeal to buyers aged 25 to 45, says Karen Whitbread, Valecraft’s marketing assistant. “They’re either young professionals, or they’re just starting out together their life as a couple, or even investing because of the great location.”
Both homes have just two bedrooms and no basement for expansion, but they offer plenty of stylish room for entertaining, privacy and a great location within easy walking distance of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., the National Research Council, the Montfort Hospital, CSIS and La Cité Collegiale, as well as good bus routes and bike paths to downtown.
At 1,440 square feet, the MacLaren is the larger model. Sixteen stairs lead up from the street-facing front door to a light-filled mauve dining/living room with chic black-and-white furniture set off with chrome accents. Upgraded engineered maple flooring and three windows with Prairie-style inserts facing the street and side (side windows are available only on the end units) add to the airiness.
Behind the dining area lies the spacious kitchen, with room for a small table and chairs and an optional island with pot drawers and quartz countertop.
A corner pantry with a glazed window highlights the dark cabinetry that runs around the perimeter. Unlike many new homes, the working area is not fully visible from the living/dining area, giving the cook some privacy without feeling cut off from the action. Double doors lead from the eating area to a balcony with plenty of room for outdoor entertaining.
At the top of the stairs, a large closet with upgraded sliding Japanese-style doors easily houses plenty of coats and boots. It’s flanked by a triangular niche, decorated as a bar in the model, that could be incorporated to make a larger closet should the buyer choose.
Off the living room, an oakbanistered staircase leads up to the bedrooms.
The master is a turquoise-and-grey retreat, with ninefoot ceilings, a large closet and plenty of room for a queen-size bed, ottoman and dressers. From its two frontfacing windows, visitors can catch that wonderful view of the Peace Tower. The second bedroom is smaller but offers two closets, large windows and a small balcony.
Beneath the MacLaren is the 1,294-square-foot Brasseur. Here, the door from the front porch leads directly into the kitchen breakfast area, brightened by a big double-casement window. A coat closet is tucked beside the door. Decorated in shades of brown, the efficient kitchen is loaded with upgrades, including a bartop on the peninsula, striking granite countertop, wood-panelled pantry and subway-tile backsplash.
A short hall separates the kitchen from the dining/living area. This space is smaller than in the MacLaren, but still feels spacious thanks to the light flooding in through double doors to a small balcony, a large window facing the back and two narrow windows on the side wall.
The bedrooms are down a flight of carpeted stairs to the basement level and are well lit by large windows.
Both rooms are similar in size, but the rear space offers an optional closet in addition to the large walk-in. Both models provide full ensuite bathrooms with each bedroom, a linen closet and a main-floor powder room, plus a utility room on the bedroom floor with space for a stackable washer-dryer. Oak hardwood floors are standard in the living-dining area, ceramic tile in the kitchen, baths and utility room and carpet on the sleeping level.
Both units are outfitted with stainless-steel appliances — currently a bonus upgrade along with a free-standing electric fireplace and free Internet, phone and cable for one year. Buyers who purchase before March 31 will also receive a $10,000 decor bonus.