SYDNIA YU
Special to The Globe and Mail Published on Friday, May. 26, 2006 12:00AM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2009 11:09AM EDT
On the eastern outskirts of Toronto, Ballymore Homes is creating a community of freehold townhouses in which traditional exteriors are combined with modern interior designs and amenities.
Known as Shoal Point Landing, the project is situated in Ajax off Shoal Point Road, south of Bayly Street East. The development includes 149 townhouses with a mix of Georgian, Victorian and Cape Code-style façades, and featuring verandas and steep-pitched roofs. A hundred of the homes have already been sold, and some of them are occupied. The remaining houses will be ready for occupancy in as soon as 60 days.
Sixty-two detached homes located in part of the site are virtually sold out.
Much of the surrounding neighbourhood is established, having shops, schools and restaurants, while Highway 401 and GO Transit are nearby. The project is also close to recreational facilities, including golf courses and parks, and Lake Ontario is a 20-minute walk away.
While the site's proximity to urban conveniences appeals to many buyers, the home designs have been a major selling point, sales representative Betty Schmidt says. "We have some beautiful house plans."
They include kitchens that overlook great rooms, as well as libraries, second-floor home offices, and master en suite bathrooms with oval tubs and separate shower stalls.
Two popular designs are the Waterford and Somerset, Ms. Schmidt notes. The former includes a two-sided gas fireplace, balcony and second-floor laundry facilities. The latter features decorative columns, a half wall and an art niche on the main floor, and a semi-circular staircase with oak railings.
Other plans incorporate decks, walkout basements, and kitchens with breakfast areas, bars, pantries and island cabinets.
Imported ceramic tile and 35-ounce broadloom are used on the floors. Some rooms have cathedral or coffered ceilings, while others have ceilings that are two storeys high.
The homes include energy-saving features such as increased insulation in the attic and basement walls, and a high-efficiency, forced-air heating system.
Buyers will receive five appliances and $5,000 toward further upgrades.
Shoal Point Landing
Location: Ajax
Builder: Ballymore Homes
Price: $230,900 to $265,900
Square footage: 1,311 to 1,890
Sales centre: Bayly Street East, east of Shoal Point Road. Open Monday to Thursday, 1 to 8 p.m.; Friday by appointment; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: (905) 683-0300 or http://www.ballymorehomes.com
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