When it comes right down to it, we should all have more Latitude. And if you act quickly, you may just be able to give yourself more of that elusive noun in one fell swoop than most other people are able to garner in a lifetime.
Latitude in Royal Oak launched to great acclaim in August of 2005. To date, 38 of the 46 units in this striking looking townhome community have been sold, leaving just eight left for the taking.

It’s easy to see why these exceptional residences were snapped up so quickly, even at first glance. For starters, each unit has it’s own single or double attached garage – a huge bonus and incredible convenience right off the top. Just think of all those frosty mornings to come this winter (and all the winters that will follow) and the ability to drive off each morning without first having to fight with your window scraper becomes an incredible luxury.

Step inside and you’ll be immediately impressed by the flooring. Ceramic tile lines the roomy foyer, while quality hardwood leads you up a short flight of stairs to the main living area. It’s in this space where you’re immediately sold. The beautiful hardwood floor suddenly plays a supporting role to the star of the room – expansive (virtually floor to ceiling) panel windows placed three in a row facing the development’s central courtyard. The ceiling we speak of is 12 feet high, creating an unmistakable estate feel in this multi-family project. A built-in desk set off to the side is an ideal place for your personal computer and telephone – it’s convenient but still out of the way; a perfect makeshift office or study area lit with plenty of natural light.

Up a second short flight of stairs and you’re in the dining/kitchen area. Again, the illusion of space is quite remarkable. The townhome is laid out in such a way that the 600-odd square feet comprising the first two floors (ranging between 636 – 698 square feet depending on the model you choose) seems much roomier. A kitchen is affixed with flat-panel oak or maple cabinetry and comes standard with a Bosch self-cleaning wall oven, cooktop and dishwasher; very uptown. A Whirlpool microwave and refrigerator completes the appliance package, while crown moulding is an expert touch around the top of the cabinets.

Off to the side of the dining area is the powder room, a well-appointed space with matching cabinetry accented by Kohler fixtures and hardware. A stacking washer/dryer is tucked away in one corner of the room, once again making the most of space and convenience without compromising aesthetic appeal.

The third floor is your private escape. Two or three floor plan options are available for this level, depending on the model, but double master suites are far and away the most popular choice. A personal ensuite off each of the two spacious bedrooms provides ample privacy. Anyone considering investing in real estate with a sibling or friend, for example, will find this option incredibly appealing; you can live together without having to live on top of each other – essential in a friendly co-owner relationship. Open walk-in closets add yet another element of opulence to each bedroom.

All told, Latitude townhomes offer between 1,323 and 1,447 square feet of living space. A basement development option  adds 765 additional square feet to the home, and creates an exceptional space for a media room or play area for those with young children.

Exteriorly, Latitude is a landmark in the area. A one-of-a-kind, red concrete roof makes the development easy to spot, and (not to mention) provides fantastic durability. The entire construction of the building is designed to be low maintenance. All owners really have to do is sit outside in their own private, fenced backyard and enjoy the scenery.

The eight remaining townhomes at Latitude are certain to move quickly. If you aren’t in the position to buy right now, keep your eyes open for a new, similarly designed Streetside townhome community, Plaza at Royal Oak, launching in the same neighbourhood early next year.

Homes at Latitude start at $352,000. Visit the show suite at 8898 Royal Oak Way NW, open Monday – Thursday 1-7p.m., and Friday – Sunday 12 – 5p.m. Take Crowchild Trail north to Stoney Trail, head east to Country Hills Boulevard and follow the signs.    CL

More information is available at http://www.latitudeatroyaloak.com.