Masters Creek Estates
LOCATION: Orangeville
BUILDER/DEVELOPER: Highcastle Homes
SIZE: 2,139 to 4,119 square feet
PRICE: $499,900 to $629,900
SALES CENTRE: 12 Orchid Dr., near Hockley Road and Highway 10 in Mono. Open Monday to Wednesday, 1 to 7 p.m.; weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CONTACT: (519) 307-0566 or http://www.highcastlehomes.com
In the Hills of Headwaters region, about 45 minutes northwest of Toronto, Highcastle Homes is building upscale country residences with extra-wide frontages in a scenic setting characteristic of the area.
The community, called Masters Creek Estates, is located near Hockley Road and Highway 10 in the small town of Mono, just north of Orangeville. It includes 68 bungalows and two-storey houses on lots ranging from slightly more than a half-acre to about 11/3acres. All of them have 120-foot frontages, and most back on to a treed conservation area with a winding creek.
"The whole site - with the rolling hills - is quite attractive," says Rita Tassone of Highcastle Homes. "It's a private little subdivision [that's] a little more estate-looking.
"It gives you a more country feel, not [like] a condensed subdivision," Ms. Tassone adds.
There are about 30 homes still available, and all are slated for completion by this fall. A few buyers have already moved in.
Architectural guidelines will ensure that houses beside or across from each other will not have the same design. Streetscapes will be unified, however, by the use of brick, stone and stucco in the facades, punctuated with large vinyl casement windows and transoms above the front doors.
Purchasers can chose from the builder's three- and four-bedroom plans, or customize one to suit their needs.
Designs include both traditional layouts with formal dining rooms and more contemporary ones with great rooms that connect with eat-in kitchens featuring breakfast bars or islands.
There will be main-floor laundry rooms that open to two- or three-car garages, and master suites with walk-in closets and en suite bathrooms.
The main levels of some two-storey models include great rooms that rise two floors, as well as living rooms, dens and master suites. Upstairs teen retreats are also an option.
Among the standard features are gas fireplaces and nine-foot ceilings on the main level, and floor coverings that include ceramic, natural oak hardwood and 40-ounce broadloom.
There are parks within walking distance, and a large conservation area with a lake and trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing is a short drive away.
The town offers artisan shops and restaurants. Other attractions can be found in Orangeville, including a historic downtown, farmer's market and live theatres.
