At least that seems to be the case with Crossley Custom Homes’ semi-detached villa homes in Sheep River Cove. The 24-address enclave aptly dubbed “the Pinnacle” has seen high levels of interest by buyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Calgary.

“I’ve personally visited every villa project I could find from south of Calgary to Turner Valley … the stucco product that we use is unparalleled, the location, the privacy and the finishing detail — I haven’t found another villa community that even comes close,” says Joe Belland, sales and marketing co-ordinator for Crossley, and area manager for the Pinnacle.

Not your average condominium community, these upscale digs include a plethora of details which often run buyers a higher price tag, such as hardwood, tile and heavier carpet underfoot; hickory, maple, oak, white or alder cabinetry; generous lighting allowances; five appliances; and eight-foot-four basement ceiling heights.

“The show home is beautiful, but it’s even missing a couple of items we have decided to include as standard since then,” says Belland, adding that spantex ceiling finish and an over-the-range microwave hood fan were added to the standard features for even more value for buyers.

Two styles of bungalow villas (the Wyndham and the MacMillan, named for historic area personalities Beatrice Wyndham and John MacMillan) are currently up for grabs, ranging from 1,350 to 1,400 square-feet, with basement development beefing that number up to more than 2,400 square-feet of living area.

Would-be homeowners can quite accurately sample how Pinnacle addresses will be finished at a show suite open on weekends from noon through 5 p.m. or by appointment. Although it’s a detached bungalow, it mirrors the interior of the 1,432-square-foot Wyndham, from its vaulted ceiling in the great room and wide-open kitchen, optional two-bedroom main floor configuration, and expansive optional developed basement, complete with a wet bar, extra bedrooms and recreational area.

“This home sells itself,” says Belland, adding the show home has received rave reviews from those who tour the well-appointed space.

The 1,368-square-foot MacMillan is also an extremely popular plan, says Belland, especially among empty nesters looking at paring down their living room. “Many people like to stay just below the 1,400- square-foot mark on the main floor,” he says, adding most are opting to develop basements to allow for space to keep guests happily enjoying some autonomy.

Among the MacMillan’s best features are a ten-foot-four great room ceiling height, both a dining room and den on the main floor, and extra cabinetry for keeping kitchen gadgets stowed conveniently out of sight. Meanwhile, those who aren’t in the market for a formal dining spot can repurpose the eating area for a second home office or hobby space.

Perhaps most unique about the Pinnacle at Sheep River Cove is a built-in sense of community that comes with ownership. “It’s one of the smallest villa communities anyone will find, and one of the benefits of this cozy community is that it’s only themselves and their neighbours who are making the decisions for the association and not a group of strangers who meet only once a year,” says Belland.

Knowing who’s living next door also comes in handy when it’s time to “lock and leave” your Pinnacle address in favour of travel, which is frequently the primary reason for many choosing a condominium lifestyle.

“It seems to be people in their late 40s and 50s who enjoy travel as well as liking the seclusion and nature, all the way up to retirees. The common denominator of all these people is they want the low-maintenance living,” says Belland.

Location is also a huge selling feature wowing buyers. “It’s private, it’s truly one-of-a-kind, in the fact that because it borders on the river valley and is almost surrounded by environmentally protected land. The natural areas people enjoy will always be there. Most other villas are partly, if not completely, surrounded by other homes.”

Prices (averaging in the $430,000s plus GST) are also better than their Calgary counterparts, given the level of views reaped by Pinnacle owners, says Belland. “There’s just not a lot of river valley to be found. It just happens we’ve found a little oasis here.”

With almost a third of the project now sold, first residents will cross their Pinnacle thresholds in late August. To get there, take Macleod Trail or Deerfoot Trail south, exit onto Highway 2A (which becomes Northridge Drive) and follow into Okotoks. Turn right on Big Rock Trail and right again on Sheep River Boulevard. At the bottom of the hill, take a left to view the show suite, or a right to explore the Pinnacle site.

Crossley is also building 40 high-end, estate-level villas off the Sheep River, in the Okotoks community of Cimarron.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call Joe Belland at the Pinnacle show suite at 403-938-7477.