News

The project: 30 loft bungalows with private boat slips on Balsam Lake in the Kawarthas, about an hour-and-half-drive northeast of Toronto. The maturely treed site off Highway 35 has more than 600 feet of shoreline along the lake, which is part of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, and well known for its fishing and boating as well as its beautiful sunsets. Shops are a short drive away in Coboconk and Fenelon Falls.

Builder/developer: Kaitlin Group, which has spent 20 years building communities across Ontario, from resort-style homes in Collingwood to more conventional properties in Richmond Hill.

Size: 1,618 to 2,200 square feet on waterfront lots, and up to 3,000 square feet on lots tucked back in from the water.

Price: Lot and home by Kaitlin Group from $499,000 to $750,000. Lots only from $250,000 to 400,000. In some cases, it is possible to bring in your own builder.

Description: Kingsview on Balsam Lake opened about a year ago, replacing a former cottage resort. The developer wants to combine cottage living with modern amenities and the convenience of largely maintenance-free property.

A condominium fee covers exterior maintenance, while services -- including water, sewer and hydro -- will be supplied through the city of Kawartha Lakes.

"What makes this project so unique is that it's in the Kawarthas, you've got the sandy beach, lake exposure and all those things people want when they're looking at resort properties, cottages and retirement homes," says Gary Daniell, vice-president of Kaitlin Group.

"We came up with a country-club concept similar to other projects in the GTA that are gated communities with detached homes, some amenities and full services," he adds. "It's the first and only one of its kind in the Kawarthas."

Homes will have screened-in porches, bedrooms that can accommodate two double beds, large great rooms with ceilings of up to 18 feet, and oversized windows to maximize the views.

"We're trying to blend the character of the old with . . . what people require today," Mr. Daniell adds. For an example, he cites main-floor master suites featuring en suite bathrooms with corner tubs, with the option of having a whirlpool. "We find people that are buying these kinds of homes actually have the time to enjoy these [luxuries]."

Recently, Kaitlin Group put five premium waterfront lots up for sale as a group, priced at $2-million. "As a family -- whether it's your children, your brother or your friends -- where else can you go and pick your neighbourhood?" Mr. Daniell says.

Standard features: Exteriors of stone and wood siding with cedar shake details, coach lights, cupolas and balconies. Homes have nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, masonry or propane fireplaces, and oak staircases. There will be granite kitchen countertops, imported porcelain slate flooring, and prefinished hardwood flooring in some areas of the home.

Options: Floor plans can be customized.

Fee: About $200 a month will cover utilities, landscaping, snow removal and window cleaning.

Amenities: The waterfront clubhouse and boating slips are complete. The beach will feature a barbecue pit, swimming docks and areas for volleyball and horseshoes.

Sales centre: by appointment only. Phone Phyllis Kaffko at (905) 697-4513 or (866) 242-2582, or go to http://www.kaitlingroup.com.