What home shoppers visiting Landstar Development Corporation’s the Residences at West Springs will find is a unique take on townhome living in stylish suites that, from their handsome stucco-and-stone exteriors, better resemble single-family homes in handsome Craftsman, Tudor and Heritage styles, with each building unique from the ones around it.

“The biggest problem I have with many townhome projects is that you usually see nothing but rows of garage doors at eye level with homes above, sitting on a field of asphalt,” says Brent Piercy, vice-president of marketing and product development at Landstar Development Corporation.

Instead, the Residences, the first of three sub-projects making up the Village at West Springs, will centre around a park boasting contoured grassy areas and seating, scores of trees and plantings, and a cascading water feature. This “heart” of the project is slated for construction in spring just as first residents take possession.

Attached garages will be hidden from view to the rear of the townhomes, accessed via a private laneway. In addition, each unit comes with an extra parking space. “You’re really not even going to see them (garages) unless you are driving back there to park,” says Piercy.

A total of 51 addresses, in clusters of either three or six single-and two-storey suites, will comprise the Residences  — half of which have already sold.

“We’ve been seeing a broad spectrum of people, but mostly young singles and couples  — people looking more for the advantages of a single-family community but with the benefits of a maintenance-free lifestyle,” says Piercy. “It’s not for people who want to live downtown, but it is only ten­ minutes away.”

But that’s not to say these suburban townhomes lack urban flair. Among included features are ceramic tile underfoot in entrances, kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms; solid-panel cabinetry in dark hazelnut or natural maple shades with stainless steel hardware; upgraded stainless steel appliances; Italian single-level faucets in Kohler brand sinks; and Euro-style pendant lighting over stylish, custom-built kitchen islands.

The flat-profile Craftsman-inspired woodwork — including handsome plinth blocks — has even been designed to match the custom frames around bathroom mirrors.

Buyers will be able to choose between interior design schemes created by award-winning designer Connie Young. “She’s one of the top designers in Canada, and it will be a special experience to live in a home where the materials and finishes have been hand-selected by one of the best. They will look incredible,” says Piercy.

Patio homes borrow their name from the large front terraces that complement 900 square feet of interior sleeping, eating, entertaining and unwinding space for single-level living.

Two-story Terrace townhomes offer would-be residents 1,260 square feet with a large front terrace and two balconies, and choices of wraparound or galley kitchens. Terrace kitchen selections are paired with dual ensuite designs, optional Jack-and-Jill style baths or larger, sumptuous single “Serenity spa” bathroom plans which include a pair of sinks, an oversize shower and a massive soaker tub.

“It’s a great design for couples,” says Piercy of the Serenity Spa on display at the presentation centre, where visitors can also get a feel for finishing quality and design schemes available to select for their own Residences.

Remaining patio homes are priced from the $180,000s excluding GST while two-bedroom, two-storey styles are available from around the $240,000 mark before tax.

A municipal reserve flanks the property and will ensure plenty of recreation area and green for Residences owners to overlook, while there’s no worry of ongoing construction noise since the surrounding new communities have been fully built out.

“It’s really a mature area already,” says Piercy.

And with the maturity comes easy routes to amenities such as schools, parks, the Westside Regional Recreation Centre, COP, a host of shopping, cinemas and eateries, and quick access to both downtown and leisure pursuits outside of the city.

From Bow Trail, take Old Banff Coach Road to 73 Street SW and turn south to reach the presentation centre. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends, noon to 5 p.m. For more info visit http://www.theresidences.ca or call 242-5868.