START SOMETHING NEW
Stonecroft is a unique neighbourhood offering active adult living in New Hamburg, just a 15-minute drive from Kitchener-Waterloo and only a few minutes more to Stratford. “Stonecrofters,” as the residents call themselves, have easy access to big-box stores, including Costco, and a movie theatre just minutes away.
The Nith River winds through the historic town and is the first indication of the quiet lifestyle possible at Stonecroft. Five km of paved walking trails meander through the Stonecroft community and, in the warm weather, you’ll see people off-loading canoes, fishing from bridges, and picnicking in its many parks. The quaint downtown is bustling with mom-and-pop businesses — bookstores, coffee shops, and clothing retailers, all within walking distance of the Stonecroft residences.
“The perfect formula, when it comes to choosing a home, includes feeling part of a community, never feeling alone,” says Mary Laramee, sales manager for Stonecroft by Carey Homes Inc. “People want that, whether they’re 40, 50 or 60.” Many Stonecrofters are in their late 40s and early 50s, and about 20 per cent of them are still employed. They want to downsize but they don’t want to make multiple moves. “This will be their forever address,” says Laramee. “And they don’t need to be sold once they view our decorated model homes.
“People usually come with a checklist outlining their must-haves in an adult lifestyle community and what they expect in their new home. They are very impressed with what they discover here at Stonecroft,” she says.
So far, 380 of the development’s 490 freehold homes have been built to energysaving and environment-friendly Greenhouse Builder Certification standards, and range from just over 1,400 square feet to slightly more than 1,800. Huge windows and open-concept floor plans create expansive space. While upgrades are possible, what comes standard surprises many people: From hardwood floors and granite counters to the video doorbell, luxurious touches abound. Covered front porches and large covered back decks let residents make the most of warm-weather living.
The 18,000-square-foot recreation centre on-site has an indoor pool, fitness centre and party room (capacity: 200 people) that can be booked for special occasions. It is the hub of the socializing and caring community that is a key selling feature of Stonecroft.
Residents organize many activities, such as snowshoeing groups in the winter, golf, hiking, and tennis tournaments in the summer; they participate in choirs and various bands, and formed a travel group that has visited Europe, Australia and Florida. One of the popular events is the weekly Happy Hour, when residents share stories, meet friends, and sample various fine wines.
“The people come for the unique lifestyle here and discover so much more,” says Laramee. “And if you can’t find an activity you want to try, we encourage you to start something new.” At Stonecroft, neighbours become friends and the unexplored can readily become a passion.