A WARM WELCOME
Inviting spaces on off er at South Surrey’s The Estates at Southwood
The Estates at Southwood
Project size: 23 homes in Phase I Project location: 22A Ave. and 168th St., Surrey Residence size: 4- bedroom homes, 3,678 - 3,717 sq. ft Prices: from $ 965,000 Developer: Benchmark Homes Architect: Tynan Design Interior designer: Gannon Ross Designs Sales centre: 16780 22A Ave., Surrey Hours: 1 p. m. - 6 p. m., Sat - Thurs Telephone: 604- 648- 8065 Website: www.benchmarkhomesltd.com Sales began: Nov. 8
A few months ago, John and Toni Van Koll began looking around for their next residence, realizing it was time to leave their large single- family home on a half- acre property. Their children were grown and the maintenance was becoming less and less enjoyable.
“We wanted more time to go for walks, instead of raking leaves or trimming the hedges,” John says. Toni chimes in. “We love gardening, but as we age, our backs aren’t as good. It was getting to be more work than fun.”
However, having enough space to entertain family and friends — and having some type of backyard — was still important. Call them, then, “right sizers” rather than downsizers, the idea being to transition to a smaller house rather than a townhome or a condominium.
They took a look at the resale market for houses that were three to five years old, but say they were disappointed in how poorly many had been maintained.
As soon as they toured the show homes for The Estates at Southwood, however, they realized they had found what they wanted.
They have now purchased a four- bedroom, 3.5- bathroom house with 3,678 square feet spread over three levels. It is on a 44- by- 99- foot lot, which, although far smaller than their current property, will still give them enough outdoor space to putter around in. It is one of 23 houses for sale in the project. Phase II, consisting of another 10 homes, will likely become available in the new year.
The Van Kolls say the layout is very appealing, since it includes some of the rec room and gathering areas they enjoy in their existing home. It also promises to be far less maintenance. They joke it will be far easier to cajole one of their children into mowing the grass if they decided to go on an extended RV vacation around the U. S. or fly to Europe.
Jeff Bontkes, CEO of project developer Benchmark Homes, feels that with the Estates at Southwood, they have identified an underserved market in South Surrey. Half a dozen homes have already been purchased since sales opened in early November.
“We’re seeing people who aren’t ready to give up everything they enjoy about a 5,000- square- foot house, and want to get all the bells and whistles of a new house,” he explains. “They still get to do some gardening, but also to lock up and leave when they want to go on holiday.”
Bontkes acknowledges that the starting price of $ 965,000 is not insignificant, but says prospective buyers are cashing out of homes with higher values. He also points out that the purchase price includes GST and finished basements.
Benchmark is offering a menu of more than 40 different options to customize homes to individual tastes. Within reason, they are also open to having homeowners work with the design and landscaping teams on additional changes.
So far, a vaulted overhang with an outdoor chandelier over the back patio is proving to be a popular option; it allows use of the space year- round. Others are choosing to include a builtin dining room hutch with a wine fridge, a basement wet bar incorporating a fridge, or a wine cellar. Some are drawn to a double- sided fireplace in the master bedroom suite, visible from both the sleeping area and the sumptuous free- standing tub in the ensuite bathroom. The Control4 home automation system — it allows electronic and house systems to be controlled from smart devices — is another customization being selected by buyers.
The Van Kolls have taken Benchmark up on the Control4 system, the outdoor overhang, a heat pump that will make it possible to have the house airconditioned, and a number of other non- standard changes.
There are two floor plans available. While both feature three bedrooms with walk- in closets on the upper floor, the Willow plan includes a vaulted master bedroom ceiling and an open area looking down to the main floor. The Sequoia plan features a loft on the upper floor that can be used as a children’s play area, or enclosed to form another room.
The main floors are open for both plans, but the Willow has another vaulted ceiling in the great room area and a J- shaped kitchen counter rather than an island. It visually sections off the kitchen and dining areas without putting any actual physical barriers in place. The Sequoia allows for more freeflowing traffic patterns between great room, kitchen, dining room and patio.
The basements for both homes feature both a guest bedroom and ample recreation space.
The Southwood neighbourhood is rife with development at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why.
It’s a short drive, or slightly longer walk, to get to grocery shopping, retailers, banks, and restaurants at Morgan Crossing and Grandview Corners. It’s also convenient to get to appointments with doctors and dentists.
This project is a short hop to the site of a future elementary school, and two blocks from a stunning new $ 55- million aquatic centre set to open next year. There are also more than a dozen parks, as well as White Rock and Crescent Beach to enjoy.
The walkability factor is a big draw for the Van Kolls, who also enjoy cycling the trails in Campbell Valley Regional Park.
They say they are looking forward to having big family gatherings, and to hosting sleepovers for their grandchildren. More trips to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium are also in the offing.
They also say it will be different, but pleasant to have neighbours a little bit closer to them, compared to the large properties in their current area — it means a little peace of mind if they’re away.
They are confident they have made the right decision.
“We’re very excited, even though we still have to get rid of a lot of stuff,” John says ruefully. “You accumulate a lot of things after 22 years in one spot.”
Toni picks up the conversation thread easily, as longtime married spouses are wont to do.
“Yes, we’ll spend another 22 years here hopefully,” she laughs. “And then it’ll be off to the retirement home!”
Benchmark CEO Bontkes advises homes can be complete as soon as three months after purchase. The Van Kolls are counting down the days.