On the other hand, losing the big city amenities and attractions for small-town living can be hard to adjust to. But Calgary is fortunate enough to have several small towns within a few minutes’ drive, including Cochrane to the northwest, meaning the choice to leave town is a whole lot easier to make. With its quaint shops, tree-lined streets and laid-back pace of life, Cochrane is becoming more attractive to Calgarians who want to get away from the rat race. Jayman, one of Calgary’s most successful builders, is making it even easier for Calgarians and newcomers to our province alike to have the best of both big city and small town living with one of its newest condo projects, Alora.

“Cochrane has everything to offer,” says Alora’s sales manager Gwenn Utigard. “Although it’s a small town, it has all the same services and amenities as Calgary.”

Jayman recently revealed its show suite for Alora (101 Sunset Drive, Cochrane), which is one of seven floor plans available. The model on display is the Cascade, and its two bedrooms and 853-square-feet, pulls it in the middle range of Alora’s offerings. Jayman makes it easy for potential buyers to pick out what comes standard and which elements are upgrades by labelling all standard features with a checkmark sticker, a handy idea eliminating the guesswork and showcasing the many high-quality standard options.

The most striking feature of the show suite is the brick wall that runs through the great room, dining area and kitchen, capitalizing on the current trend that has older buildings showing off their brick construction rather than covering it up. The optional feature gives the room a hip, urban feel, and is an instant conversation starter. Sales associate Abby Dingle points out that it is real brick and mortar, not wallpaper or a stencilled treatment. The effect is so stylish there is no need to hang artwork on the wall.

The kitchen features granite countertops, maple hardwood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, and a raised bar which separates it from the dining area and great room. Large windows let in plenty of sunshine, and the show suite demonstrates how buyers can maximize the sunlight and also make the room appear larger by using mirrors. Also featured is a tech centre off the kitchen, a standard feature which Dingle says eliminates the need to use the second bedroom as an office.

More mirrors are found in the master bedroom, which also has large windows and a spacious walk-in closet. This particular model has one bathroom, which has a luxurious soaker tub and separate shower stall, a feature more often found in homes twice this size.

One of the most appealing aspects of Alora is the fantastic mountain views the residents of many units will have. The four buildings are all graded so that each one has an unobstructed view of the Rockies, and its location ensures that this view will never be marred by other developments in the future. The project also includes green space and a pathway system, meaning there’s no need to go to the mountains to get outside and play—although they’re close enough for those who want to!

With 240 units planned, Alora’s first building is 90 per cent sold out, and time is running out for buyers who want to get into the first phase—which is expected to be complete in the summer of 2008. Prices range from $206,000 to $360,000. One thing as clear as the crisp Cochrane air, with its stunning views, affordable prices and innovative design is Alora’s already an unqualified success.

Alora’s show suite is open daily, Monday through Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Fridays, weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.