News

To the surprise of Sierra Building Group, the launch of its upscale golf community in Collingwood was so well received it prompted the company to unveil its second phase months earlier than expected.

"We opened phase one in July and basically, we ran out of a whole bunch of product," says president Morris Kansun of the 40 townhouse units that were released at Tanglewood at Cranberry Trail. "The [townhouse] bungalows were especially a huge success."

Only a few two-storey and stacked townhouse units remain from the initial release. Another 35 townhouse units -- 16 bungalows and 19 two-storeys -- were put on the market three weeks ago.

It will take about a decade to complete the entire development, which will house about 800 West Coast-inspired homes and a 15,000-square-foot complex with recreation and spa facilities. The site also backs on to Cranberry Resort's Atoka golf course, which is the first in Canada to be certified by environmental group Audubon International for its environmentally conscious design.

"At the end of the day, you have to have a beautiful home, but you have to have a good setting," Mr. Kansun says. "The first thing when someone goes into a new home is that they go out the back and look out the window."

The homes will reflect its countryside setting with post-and-beam architecture constructed with wood, stone and large glass windows.

Similar homes of this calibre can range from $600,000 to $900,000 in other country club communities Mr. Kansun says. "We're giving that same product at a much more affordable level."

For instance, two-storey townhouses in phase two will be available from the low $200,000s, offering two- to four-bedroom models that surround the golf course. The bungalow townhouse, which will have two- and three-bedroom designs with lots backing onto the greens, will be priced from the low $300,000s.

Inside, there will be open-concept kitchens and great rooms with cathedral and two-storey ceilings. "We're going after recreational -- and to a certain extent -- the retirement market, so the homes are designed for entertaining," Mr. Kansun adds.

There will also be ski storage on the porch, main-floor laundry facilities and optional decks.

Various rooms will feature hardwood flooring, trims and gas fireplaces. Kitchens will be outfitted with granite countertops and raised breakfast bars or islands.

Monthly condo fees will range from $100 to $250 to cover services, such as snow removal and landscaping.

As an opening special, the builder will cover the initiation fee to the golf course, which is valued at $5,000.

Off site, several recreational amenities are available throughout town on a year-round basis, such as skiing, horseback riding or hiking along Collingwood's trail system.

Tanglewood Builder/developer: Sierra Building

Price: $199,000 to $500,000

Square footage: 1,100 to 2,100

Sales Centre: 11352 Highway 26, on the north end of Collingwood

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact: (705) 446-1888 or http://www.sierra.ca/tanglewood.php