MAKING A STATEMENT
The look is elegant and eye-catching at Pacific Heights by Foxridge Homes
Pacific Heights by Foxridge Homes is a development of 28 luxury single-family homes with four or five bedrooms. And with units starting at more than 3,000 square feet, it may be surprising to think that many of the buyers at this emerging South Surrey neighbourhood will, in fact, be downsizers.
“We’ve had young families and move-up buyers, as well as downsizers moving out of acreages with absolutely enormous houses on them,” said Diane Zarola, Foxridge Homes’ director of sales and marketing. “Those people are still looking for single-family homes, but smaller ones where they don’t have acres of land to look after.”
Carolyn Young is a perfect example of what Zarola is talking about. She and her husband, who live in the Elgin Chantrell neighbourhood of South Surrey, have bought a home at Pacific Heights and expect to take possession in the spring.
“Our current place is about 5,000 square feet on a half-acre lot,” Young said. “I realize we’re moving to a smaller lot and a smaller home, but we’re at a point in our lives where my eldest son is in college and my younger son is in Grade 10, so we really don’t need this much space. I’m tired of housework and my husband is tired of yard work.”
Along with all the benefits of moving into a home that involves far less upkeep, Zarola says many downsizers are attracted by the thought of having all new kitchens and bathrooms, rather than having to go through the stress of renovations.
“The construction techniques have become so much more advanced since those old acreage homes were built,” she said. “All of the new technology makes a big difference — better materials, more efficient furnaces and water tanks, state-of-the-art appliances, better insulation, higher quality windows, longer-lasting roofs and the list goes on and on.”
“The building standards have improved so much over the years,” Zarola added. “Everything’s brand new and it’s all under warranty. On top of that, you get all the latest designs and colours in terms of sinks and countertops and fittings. Those things weren’t so available 20-odd years ago.”
There are two different styles of homes on offer at Pacific Heights by Foxridge – some with a full walkout basement and others that have a much larger ground floor and a ground level that leads straight out to the back yard, with an underground basement.
Homes feature 10-foot-high ceilings and oversized windows throughout the main floors. There are contemporary designer-selected light fixture packages, hardwood flooring throughout the main levels (including the powder rooms) and linear gas fireplaces in the great rooms.
The kitchens have open-concept layouts with oversized centre islands, abundant storage and large pantries. There are high Shakerstyle maple cabinets with softclose doors and drawers. Buyers will also get quartz or granite countertops and full-height backsplashes, undermount stainless steel double bowl sinks and premium Bosch stainless steel appliance packages that include built-in microwaves, wall ovens and five-burner gas cooktops. Ensuite bathrooms feature Mirolin free-standing soaker tubs, separate frameless glass shower and double vanities. There are granite or quartz countertops and ceramic tile floors.
While Pacific Heights by Foxridge Homes benefits from a quiet location, Zarola is keen to stress that all the shopping in South Surrey at Morgan Crossing is within a few minutes drive, as is the aquatic centre.
“All the amenities you could think of are right there – everything from Canadian Tire to Aldo shoes,” she added.
“Everything is so close, but not in your face. It’s a lovely location and some of the homes will also have views of Semiahmoo Bay and the Strait of Georgia.”
Young said she stumbled upon the subdivision and decided to find out which builders were going to be building homes there.
“Foxridge was one of them and I really liked their floor plans,” she said. “The other thing that really made a difference for me was that other developers offer you three or four set colour schemes, but with Foxridge you can pick anything you want. I loved the fact that we could personalize our home.”
The show home at Pacific Heights by Foxridge Homes includes the company’s famous design centre, where buyers can choose from a wide range of colours, materials, finishes and upgrades.
“We’re the only builder in the Lower Mainland that encourages our buyers to make their own decisions for their home when it comes to the colours and the finishes,” said Zarola. “It gives them the opportunity to customize their home in almost every way, both inside and out. Those are choices that nobody else provides and it definitely sets Foxridge Homes apart. No fixed colour schemes – our buyers can choose exactly what they want.”
Prices start at $1.47 million and the show home at 16752-18 Avenue is open from noon to 5 p.m. seven days a week.