Well it was a good thing that they did because they immediately fell in love with it and discovered an added bonus. “There was a promotion that offered $5000 in upgrades for the first buyers,” says Arnold. “We were some of the very first people to purchase into this condo development.”

The couple says that they enjoy the setting that their condo offers. Nestled within Griffith Woods Nature Preserve, their home is surrounded by mature trees and their balcony, although on the first floor, is suspended out into the wooded area. “I love this place,” admits Darlene. “It’s really quiet with the woods in the back and it reminds me of back home in B.C.” Both Darlene and Arnold say that the area itself is really great if you like that outdoors feeling. “We see deer and we’ve heard coyotes,” says Darlene. “We even saw a beaver in the preserve.” The couple says that in addition to the woods, there are paths down to the Elbow River, a soccer-field and a park just on the other side of the development and lots of convenient amenities. However, even with these great features, it always seems to come back to the condo itself. “There’s a very friendly atmosphere here,” says Arnold. “And it takes you outside the city without actually ever leaving Calgary.”

Well, not only is their condo in a great location, but the couple’s home is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. This two-bedroom suite includes a fantastic kitchen designed for the gourmet in the family - we won’t say who it is - with an abundance of cabinetry and a fabulous galley with eating-bar, not to mention the elegant tiled flooring. This open-concept plan offers a large dining area that is open to the living room and the attractive fireplace centered on the far wall. The living room and both bedrooms look out into the woods, so you probably couldn’t ask for a better view. As well, the Castens’ home is very tastefully decorated and if you look closely you’ll see elephants inconspicuously incorporated throughout the home. “Arnold thinks that elephants are lucky,” says Darlene. He’s probably right considering the couple’s success.

Arnold is an Architectural Technologist and has been in the industry since 1998 and is currently plying his trade with Trico Homes. Darlene graduated with an Applied Degree in Communications and has been a writer and photographer for the Okotoks Western Wheel for five years, as well as doing freelance work for several other publications. This professional couple has always worked hard and they finally have something to show for it. They moved into their new condo in August 2005 and have been enjoying it ever since. When asked why the couple chose to purchase a condo as opposed to a house, Darlene explains that with only two of them they didn’t need a house which would just have more space to clean up for the busy couple. “We could still have family and guests stay over in the spare bedroom,” says Darlene. “Besides, we’re not old enough to have a house,” she jokes.

Well, that spare bedroom now has a dual purpose. The couple is expecting their first baby in March and they are very glad that they bought their condo when they did. When they purchased their condo in 2003, they paid about $185,000, which by today’s standards is an absolute steal. With a baby on the way the couple is grateful to have the security of their own home. The couple had already moved their home-office into the living room so that they could enjoy the view from their balcony doors, so that guest room turned baby’s room is just waiting for the newest arrival. Arnold and Darlene are happy that they will have lots of room and a great place to welcome their family’s newest addition.