That isn’t the case at Bow River Terrace – the only condo development found in Valley Ridge Estates. Here, nestled in the rolling hills above the Bow River, owners enjoy delicious privacy in combination with the kind of wide-open views usually reserved for those who live above the fifteenth floor in the heart of midtown.

This two storey, 36-unit building sits prominently on Valley Ridge Park – the main roadway leading in and out of the community. While it’s easy to find and well within reach of local amenities, the development has a distinctly secluded feel thanks to its expansive surroundings. To the north lies the river valley and the community’s well-manicured, semi-private golf course; to the south, a nature reserve filled with mature trees.

The walk to the front entryway is a prelude to what you’ll find in the show suite: pleasant surroundings, intelligent design, and effective use of space. A roomy kitchen greets you as you enter, featuring a surprisingly large amount of cabinetry and counter space. A large island with raised breakfast bar is the centerpiece of the room, highlighted by granite countertops, maple cabinetry, oversized ceramic backsplash tile and a hand-laid ceramic floor. Just past the kitchen is space enough for a dining suite and a spacious living room with a raised gas fireplace. The main living area is further enhanced by an unbelievably large laundry  room and expansive patio. If you’re one who prefers to sort colours and iron out wrinkles all in one place, this is the condo for you. Located to the right of the entrance, the laundry room is big enough for a full size washer and dryer, and still has ample space for additional shelves and cabinetry. The south-facing patio is an impressive 32 by 12 feet, and comes complete with a gas barbecue outlet and water faucet for easy wash downs.

Space aside, the appeal of the suite stems in large part from the kinds of extras you only notice upon a more careful second look: 40 ounce, plush Berber carpet, nine foot ceilings, crown moldings around each door frame and closet, and in-floor radiant heating elevate this home to a higher standard of living. And there’s something else that lends a certain indiscernible attraction: the interior walls of this home are all set at a slight angle, which triggers the senses into a feeling of openness; you don’t ever get the sense of being “boxed in” at Bow River Terrace.

Down the hallway to the right you’ll find the main bath. The design carries forward what began in the kitchen, and expands with an oversized standup shower. The guest room is found to your left, and is large enough to function both as sleeping quarters and an office – perfect for anyone who is semi-retired and needs a spot for a desk and laptop. Built-in bookshelves add further functionality to this multi-purpose space. The master suite is an inviting retreat, offering plenty of room, huge windows, patio access and an open ensuite that delves seemingly ever deeper toward a large walk-in closet. In addition to the abundant counter space found around the sink, a granite vanity offers even more area to inhabit and enjoy. Top quality Kohler fixtures and Delta brushed pewter faucets and showerheads lend an estate quality aesthetic to the home.

Starting price at Bow River Terrace is $264,900.00. Just six of the 36 units in the development remain available, with square footage ranging between 1,318 and 1,322 square feet.