News

For people searching for an adult lifestyle community in a countryside setting, the Meadows of Aberfoyle will offer an intimate heritage-inspired estate where the streets are lined with natural gas lights, and the homes are set within a scenic landscape thriving with mature maple trees and a winding fish-filled creek.

Just five minutes north of Highway 401 on Brock Road and 15 minutes south of Guelph, the development of 55 bungalows is named after the quaint village it's in.

The 45-acre site also neighbours Aberfoyle Mill, the town's landmark restaurant that once served as a grist mill powered by the adjacent millpond.

Lucky Bobeta, president of development company Dalmi Inc., says about 25 homes were sold after three months on the market.

Major city conveniences are not far, such as the University of Guelph, shopping centres and hospitals.

The project is primarily designed for empty nesters, but the plans also appeal to those with an active lifestyle or want space to entertain.

The community will have a putting green, trails and outdoor exercise stations, which are a popular fitness feature in Europe, Mr. Bobeta says.

A future phase will consist of live/work spaces such as "mom and pop" boutique-type stores, antique shops or pharmacies.

The entire process will take three years, but the Meadows of Aberfoyle is scheduled for completion by December as the developers prepare the remaining land for servicing.

Lot sizes will average 55-by-150-feet deep and will be fully landscaped with rocks, shrubs and trees to create privacy on each property. "The only fence allowed on the project is four-foot-tall wrought iron fences," Mr. Bobeta says.

There are six Victorian-style models in stone and brick or stone and board and batten exteriors. The homes will have steep pitched roofs, gingerbread trims and brick and precast stone detailing. Interesting elements will also include coach style lights and arched, bay and dormer windows.

Interiors will feature nine-foot ceilings and eight-foot solid wood doors. Owners can select their style of hardwood floors, 40-ounce Berber carpets and granite counters for the kitchen and bathrooms.

The homes will have five appliances, main floor laundry rooms and decks from the kitchen, living room or master bedroom. Many designs will feature dens or family rooms with a fireplace. Each will have double garages and large driveways for multiple cars.

Meadows of Aberfoyle

Location: Guelph

Developer: Dalmi Inc.

Price: $359,900 to $509,900

Square footage: 1,300 to 2,100

Sales centre: Brock Rd. north of Highway 401, Guelph

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday by appointment only; weekends from noon to 6 p.m.

Contact: (519) 837-2223, (877) 216-2223 or http://www.meadowsofaberfoyle.com