Spacious condo living for that lock-and-leave lifestyle
Latest low-rise models from eQ put emphasis on affordability
You’re not actually chilling on the coast, but the Rosewood could almost convince you otherwise.
It’s one of two new Foxwood Collection condo models at eQ Homes’ Fernbank Crossing site in Stittsville, and it’s been decked out in ultra-soothing coastal style — a balm in today’s harried world.
The other model, the Alder, is done up in sleek, contemporary fashion.
The Foxwood Collection is part of eQ’s blend of attached and single bungalows, singlefamily homes and linked singles, and low-rise condos at Fernbank Crossing.
The company will eventually build a total of 300 homes at the development.
eQ had tremendous success with its Foxwood Collection in Kanata, selling all 96 units in just six weeks back in 2011.
It’s building a total of 86 condos in Stittsville and has sold threequarters of the first 48 units since launching last year.
The balance of the units will be built later.
The company is also selling Foxwood condos at its new Clarence Crossing project in the Rockland area.
Designed by Barry J. Hobin & Associates Architects, each threestorey building has just four condos per floor so all are corner units with generous glazing.
Every building has an elevator, and underground parking is included in the purchase price.
Units remaining at the time of writing start at $299,000 and include such standard features as hardwood flooring in the main living areas, granite kitchen counters with undermount sinks and six appliances.
“They appeal to the market that doesn’t want to spend a lot on a unit,” says eQ Homes marketing manager Tobin Kardish.
“People especially like the idea of lock-and-leave,” he adds, referencing buyers who spend part of the year out of the country.
FLOOR PLANS
Starting at $299,000 the Alder is a two-bedroom, two-bath unit with 1,040 square feet.
The Cypress, at $329,000 and up, is 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms, a den and a double bath.
The 1,335-square-foot Rosewood, from $339,000, has the same number of rooms as the Cypress; ditto the 1,430-squarefoot Jatoba starting at $364,000.
THE MODELS
The Rosewood: Carol Anne Tippins, eQ Homes’ interior designer, has loaded the Rosewood with upgrades, from Cambria quartz counters to maple-stained travertine hardwood in the main living areas and both bedrooms. For furniture, she’s gone with mostly neutral items, although the rustic dining table and country-style bed in the master bedroom punch up the design.
Her coastal theme — turquoise bar stools at the kitchen island, a driftwood-and-glass coffee table in the living room, a painting of rowboats in the den — is similar to what she used for the popular Alexander model bungalow at eQuinelle in Kemptville.
The theme fits the Foxwood Collection, which she describes as “light and airy” and should, as it did at eQuinelle, appeal to the 55-plus buyer who is the condos’ main target market.
Tippins says she did most of her furniture and accessory shopping at HomeSense, Urban Barn and the like, setting a terrific example of what the canny buyer-on-abudget can find. “I try to help local businesses, and it’s extremely affordable,” she says. The Alder: Tippins has outfitted the smaller unit with standard features to give condo buyers a sense of what they can get for a base price.
Floors are classic oak, cabinetry a dark-hued variation on Shaker style, and the countertops granite.
Furnishings and paint are variations on a relaxing grey theme, there’s some stainless steel and glass, and you’ll spot pops of yellow.
Tippins chose yellow because she wanted something bright and cheery that would complement the greys. “It works!” she says.
Condo living doesn’t mean you have to feel jammed in, points out Kardish.
“With the Alder, you feel like you’re in a bungalow,” he adds — an observation that applies equally to the Rosewood.
IN THE AREA
In addition to proximity to the usual amenities of stores and services, Fernbank Crossing is a short drive from the Ron Maslin Playhouse, home of Kanata Theatre, as well as Quitters Coffee, the friendly neighbourhood café co-owned by acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards.