“You are in the middle of half-million-dollar houses in the established community of Westmere,” says Melinda Merkle, Reid Built’s sales representative for Westmere Gardens of the prime location in the southwest corner of Melcor’s neighbourhood.

Two phases are planned for the enclave of 38 duplexes, with just three of 20 remaining in the first—but what remain are some of the best selections. A Willowdale, which shares the square footage of the show home at an expansive 1,737 square-feet, is priced at $440,000 including GST and ready to move in this fall. Though not as chock full of upgrades as its show suite likeness, buyers have the advantage of getting in for less with just the basics or adding upgrades to personalize the available Willowdale.

Meanwhile, pair of massive Springside units is also up for grabs, both at 2,107 square-feet on walkout lots and boasting not only city and mountain views, but also coveted west-facing backyards from $465,000 with upgrades.

Once complete, the area will be gated-style for the security of residents in the condo community. “There will be only one way in and one way out which really appeals to people from a safety perspective,” says Merkle. That’s not to say access from the bedroom community is limited, as residents have two choices for a quick route to Calgary—via 17 Avenue S.E. or the Trans-Canada Highway.

First-time buyers and young couples with children have so far been lured by the lake community—perhaps not at all a coincidence, given the proximity to new public and Catholic schools within walking distance and a play park for the youngsters within view of Westmere Gardens. Older junior members of households have the lake and all its possibilities as well as a skateboarding park and hockey arena to stave off boredom
year-round.

All Westmere Gardens addresses come with not one, but two-car, garages for stowing prized rides from the elements, as well as visitor parking for when friends drop by or for residents’ extra vehicles. And enjoying the outdoors is a must in the lake community, whether time is spent waterskiing on the seven-hectare lake or sipping lemonade on included rear decks, which come complete with low-maintenance vinyl decking. One thing the condominium addresses don’t include is the worry of yardwork or snow removal, thanks to a monthly condo contribution of $191 that covers  garbage removal, lawn care and all of that dreaded shovelling.

Visitors to the Willowdale show home can’t help themselves but to comment about the grandeur of the suites, particularly the sleeping quarters. “They all say how large the bedrooms are; even the second and third bedrooms are very big,” says Merkle. Meanwhile, nine-foot ceilings in the basement add to the feeling of expanse and provide space aplenty for future development. Buyers have the option of leaving the area untapped until it’s needed and just taking advantage of the ample storage, or having Reid Built finish the space for them.

Though many who work in Calgary are relocating to the lakeside town, there’s little need to commute to the city on days off. New development and services neighbouring Westmere include a Safeway, TD Canada Trust bank, Tim Hortons, and a video store right in Chestermere Station, with more amenities on the way.

While just three units remain a second phase will have available an additional 18 semi-detaches homes, including both the Springside and Willowdale plans, as well as a few Greenridge designs, with 2,045 square-feet of living space which includes a bonus room. CL

For more information about Westmere Gardens, visit the showhome at 100 Springmere Grove or call Melinda Merkle at 235-0660.

Show home hours are Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. or weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m.

To get there from Calgary, take 17 Avenue S.E. or the Trans-Canada Highway east to Chestermere and follow the signs.