Forest Trail Estates, Ballantrae, Ont. by Savoia Developments and Geranium Homes
FOREST TRAIL ESTATES BALLANTRAE, ONT.
DEVELOPER Savoia Developments
BUILDER Geranium Homes
SIZE 2,573 square feet to 5,253 square feet
PRICE Over $1-million to $1.4-million
SALES CENTRE 5 Pine Vista Ave., at Highway 48, south of Aurora Road. Open Monday to Wednesday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; other times by appointment.
CONTACT Phone (905) 642-1900 or visit www.geraniumhomes.com
In the 905 region, it's a challenge to find new developments with estate homes on large lots due to provincial policies for intensification, says Boaz Feiner, who is the president of the housing division for Geranium Corp.
But in a small town 30 minutes north of Toronto, it's hard to miss two model homes - both valued over $1.18-million on one-acre lots - that recently materialized at the entrance to this exclusive community along the Oak Ridges Moraine.
"There aren't a lot of multimillion-dollar residences in the area, so… our niche was to satisfy a demographic - a public - which was not satisfied," says Mr. Feiner, whose company's building arm, Geranium Homes, is working with Savoia Developments on this site, called Forest Trail Estates.
"These sort of large lot projects are going to dwindle because they can no longer be approved."
During the past few months of previews, buyers snatched up about 10 out of 50 of these European-inspired manors, which will the built on one-acre lots 120 to 150 feet wide and 250 to 300 feet deep.
"In a lot of cases here, going against other communities, we can fit three of their lots on one of ours," says Mr. Feiner. "You can have these wonderful long, romantic drives coming up to the house and still allow you tons of backyard space."
Properties will feel even more secluded set 75 to 120 feet away from the road and backing onto preserved green space.
"We are bordering directly onto the Oak Ridges Moraine, so there's a wonderful walking trail connected to a whole system in there as well," Mr. Feiner says.
"There's wonderful topography within the site, [and]close to over a quarter of the site is located within the bush."
Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the golfing and equestrian facilities in town, which is home to a school, community centre and places of worship.
Bryon Patton and Associates handled the interior design of the model homes to showcase the site's collection of bungalows, which range from 2,573 to 4,181 square feet including optional lofts, and two-storey plans between 3,145 and 5,253 square feet.
"They're all designed for a specific lifestyle in mind," says Mr. Feiner, citing families needing bedrooms on separate floors or wings to empty-nesters wanting entertaining and sleeping quarters on one level.
"But there will be commonalities like open great rooms, kitchens, serveries and additional rooms based on your lifestyle - whether sunrooms, crafts rooms or garden rooms - and there are lots of ways in and out of the homes from the front and rear yards."
The Alderly model home is a 3,819-square-foot bungalow with three bedrooms, upper loft and several entertaining spaces, such as a two-storey great room and a covered back porch sharing an indoor/outdoor gas fireplace.
The Chatsworth model home represents one of seven two-storey plans. It has a 4,266-square-foot layout with private bathrooms in all four bedrooms.
Some luxury finishes will consist of exterior brick, stone, copper roofing, cupolas and board-and-batten trims, as well as hardwood, granite, marble and ceramic surfaces inside.
Each home will be built to Energy Star standards and have three-car garages with doors turned to the side in most cases. "We don't have garages lining the street, which makes for a nicer community altogether, and it gives the illusion of grandeur," Mr. Feiner adds.
Occupancy begins next February.