Posts Tagged ‘Leisure’
WaterScapes at WaterView
Posted by Alyson Monetti in Condos, Featured Realestate, Toronto Condos Sunday, 17 January 2010 23:43 No Comments
This fall, Waterscapes at Waterview opened the door to a brand new opportunity for lakeside living at Monarch Corporation’s master-planned urban resort community in the Humber Bay Shores area of Etobicoke. Monarch saved the best for last with Waterscapes, the fifth and final tower in this captivating collection of lake-inspired condominiums.
A tour through the stunning model suite offers an appreciation for Monarch’s hallmark design quality, as well as a fresh and beautiful example of the decorating potential in these innovative layouts.
Appointed by Carmen Dragomir, owner of Esqape Design, and designer Jennifer De Sousa, the two-bedroom and den model’s décor takes its cue from the fashion world. The suites take advantage of the spectacular views, with Waterscapes being right next to the lake.
“My background is European, and I believe all design trends come from fashion trends,” Dragomir says. “This year, navy with white and black in a nautical theme are strong, and of course, Waterscapes has a strong lake theme – the connection is natural. Our goal was to create a timeless design that provides potential buyers with a new way of looking at the suites here as having unlimited possibilities. The nautical theme returns season after season and can be reworked to maintain a fresh appeal, so it’s perfect.”
Dragomir says she and De Sousa made white the dominant background colour for its calming effect. “It allows people to bring in their personal touch with vibrant accessories,” Dragomir says. “It’s like breathing in fresh lake air, and works hand in hand with the amount of natural light coming in through floor-to-ceiling windows.”
The contemporary kitchens at Waterscapes feature granite kitchen countertops; the choice of mosaic glass tile, ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash; a pantry and/or breakfast bar as per plan; a complete brand-name stainless-steel appliance package; and an island with a temperature-controlled wine fridge as per plan. The open-concept main living area in the model suite includes a linear kitchen that allows for the dining table to be placed against the spacious island.
“The kitchen today is a place to cook and entertain,” Dragomir says. “Using white for visual continuity has a minimalist feel to it, which ties it to the living room, where the palette is minimal to allow the views to dominate. This location has so much to offer that we used elements that reflect the outdoors, such as large mirrors. Whichever way you approach them, you see water and sky. We also used artificial grasses and a sandstone bowl with river rock.”
The navy wallpaper continues into the second bedroom for continuity, and the master bedroom carries through the white theme.
“We used navy as a dashing companion and dampened it with silver tones in the throws, pillows, decorative bowls and table lamps,” Dragomir says. “We used high-gloss shelving in the ensuite and contrasted it with a dark charcoal cabinet. In the den, which has no windows, we placed an image of water onto a backlit acrylic piece. This keeps the visual-to-mind connection of water always present. We wanted the entire suite to be smart, stylish, functional, comfortable and to match the personality of the market. People here want to be near the lake.”
Waterscapes’ elliptical-shaped exterior also incorporates a private landscaped interior courtyard, a landscaped rooftop retreat with a barbecue and leisure area, and an eco-friendly green roof over the four-storey podium. Residents will enjoy 24-hour concierge service from the two-storey lobby, plus the exciting amenities in the Waterscapes Club including a special occasion/party room featuring access to the patio and opening onto a terrace, a lounge with a billiards table and television, an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, screening room with cinema-style seating, fitness centre, pet-grooming room, conference/business room, two designer-decorated guest suites, car wash bay and bicycle storage room.
Monarch has also incorporated numerous environmental initiatives into the design that reduce total building energy consumption.
Suites range in size from 465 to 1,605 sq. ft., with prices beginning from $189,990. [mappress]
Estates of Credit Ridge, Brampton Ontario
Posted by Alyson Monetti in Estate Homes, Featured Realestate Sunday, 17 January 2010 23:08 No Comments
Ideally located in the heart of the lush Credit River Valley, Cachet Estate Homes is proud to introduce the Estates of Credit Ridge. This stunning collection of detached estate homes located on a choice of fabulous ravine lots in Brampton provides a community feel minutes from the conveniences of a thriving city.
The Estates of Credit Ridge are only a short drive away from major shopping centres and recreation and schools and the close proximity to GO Transit and major highways make this neighbourhood a commuter’s dream.
This carefully planned community includes parks and community ponds that all blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings.
The Signature, Master and Estate home collections feature innovative and unique architecture. All elevations are under strict architectural and colour control to ensure a truly harmonious and integrated streetscape in the Estates of Credit Ridge.
Home features include 2″x6″ wood frame and steel beam construction with genuine clay brick and/or stucco, precast stone, stone details, key stones, decorative frieze board, masonry soldier coursing, brick or stone quoins, and coloured mortar.
Many models boast covered front porches, porticos or architectural entry details with manor-style metal insulated front doors and glass door lights (as per plan).
The interior design of the Estates of Credit Ridge will truly take your breath away with the gracious open concept inspired interiors with innovative features including accent cathedral, vaulted, coffered ceiling, and furniture niches (as per plan).
All homes feature 9′ ceilings on first floor, 8′ ceilings on the second floor except in sunken or raised areas, stairways and where there are raised, dropped or cathedral ceilings. Choose from four styles of passage and closet doors. The main floor features 8′ doors and 8′ trimmed arches
The finished lower level includes oak staircase, carpeted recreation room, hall, closet and office/den, finished three piece bathroom complete with ceramic tiles on floor and bath enclosure, as per applicable plan.
An elegant oak staircase from main to second level features solid oak handrails, oak treads, risers and stringers and choice of three styles of pickets, in black iron or natural finish with sealer and clear semi-gloss urethane.
Spend a lazy day in front of your oversized 36″ raised gas fireplace with choice of formal painted mantle and four piece marble surround (as per plan).
Other luxurious features include pre-finished hardwood in choice of three colours in main hall, living room, dining room and family room. Your foyer, powder room, kitchen, breakfast room, all bathrooms and laundry room feature imported ceramic tiles.
Floor plans range from the 2,513 square foot, four bedroom Blake model to the 5,605 square foot, five bedroom Versailles.
Founded in 1981 by Anthony Auciello, Cachet Estate Homes has always been synonymous with quality, custom-built homes and master planned family communities. With a proven record of designing and building exceptional homes of genuine character, Cachet Estate Homes enjoys the enviable reputation of being an industry leader in delivering true value to its homebuyers. Although there are thousands of new homes in the GTA, only a very few have that certain “Cachet’” that sets them apart from the rest.
Liberty Market Lofts
Posted by Alyson Monetti in Featured Realestate, Toronto Lofts Sunday, 17 January 2010 22:55 No Comments
Lifetime Urban Development Group and BLVD Developments are the developers behind Liberty Market Building, the village’s most desirable retail and office complex located at the centre of the village, and the chic Live/Work condo, Liberty Market Lofts, set to be constructed just to the south.
Launched earlier this year, Liberty Market Lofts will offer phenomenal live/work opportunities in this popular locale, with ceiling heights in most suites rising to an incredible 17 feet. For a limited time only, each loft purchase will come fully loaded with $10,000 worth of Apple equipment, so residents can take full advantage of Apple’s latest gear for home and office.
Liberty Market Lofts will rise to 13 storeys on the penthouse level, with fabulous city and/or lake views from all floors. Award-winning Rudy Wallman of Wallman Architects designed the building, which also includes a private landscaped courtyard.
Being situated next door to Liberty Market Building will provide residents with a great mix of over 50 different retail stores and restaurants right at their doorsteps. Restaurants currently include Atelier Thuet, led by renowned Chef Mark Thuet; The Brazen Head, Toronto’s largest pub with three outdoor patio spaces; Merci Mon Ami; ORO Cucina; and a new high-end restaurant set to launch early next year.
In addition, residents will be able to shop for furniture at stores such as Casalife Furniture and Haveli Home, get their hair styled at Salon Tocci, take Latin and ballroom dance lessons at Danceology, or enjoy a massage, acupuncture treatment or therapeutic wrap at Balance Integrated Healthcare, all tenants of Liberty Market Building.
The spectacular amenity space in the building is by Kelly Cray of internationally acclaimed Chapman Design Group. This space includes a business centre with multiple meeting rooms that can be combined to create a large boardroom with video conference capabilities, plus wireless Internet access throughout the ground floor.
Among the building amenities are
- executive concierge service,
- reception area,
- an art gallery will feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Owners will also have exclusive use of the residents lounge with
- full kitchen,
- a tool room,
- pet spa/grooming facility,
- fitness centre
- An indoor basketball half-court
- yoga room,
- plus a laundry area that can handle oversized loads.
Comfort and panache dominate the suites, and each has a large balcony and terrace. Standards include hardwood flooring throughout; 40-ounce broadloom or sisal in the bedrooms; Chapman Design Group custom kitchen cabinetry; quartz or granite countertop; European brand-name appliance package; Chapman Design Group custom bathroom vanity; soaker tub and separate glass shower.
For almost 30 years, Lifetime Urban Development Group has been building and developing fine residential and commercial properties across the GTA.
BLVD Developments is a full-service real estate development firm recognized for its design passion and creation of desirable, distinctive downtown condominiums.
Liberty Market Lofts suites range from studios to one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-study/work, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-study/work designs in sizes from 390 to 1,190 square feet, priced from $179,990 to $562,990.
First occupancies are slated for Spring 2011.
[mappress]
Condo In Gulf Shores Alabama: A Vacation Mecca
Posted by Eric McMillan in Condos Tuesday, 12 January 2010 15:29 No Comments
Choosing a condo in Gulf Shores Alabama gives you a different kind of vacation experience. You have all the activities of a resort community, but you don\’t have to pay resort prices. Enjoy the activities with the money you can save on the price of lodging. This can be particularly appealing when you are vacationing with a family.
Hiring a condo for the term or your holidays makes a lot of sense. You can enjoy the family style living at a condo, or turn a vacation into a group holiday. After all, vacations are more fun when you can do them with someone you like. A group party weekend is a great way to celebrate a birthday, end of school, a new job or an anniversary.
Lodging is an important part of the cost of a vacation. Renting Gulf Shores condos means you are housed in very satisfactory surroundings and the price is economical. Part of the appeal of these condos is their proximity to the sand and gulf waters. Step onto your porch or balcony and watch the sun come up over the Gulf. Leave your shoes on the porch and walk the sandy expanses while watching the unusually blue-green waves.
Affordability is a prime component of condo rentals. These rentals come in all sizes and types so you can accommodate a couple or a large group and stay within your price range. All the things that make life easy are provided in the rental so you can do a quick load of laundry or eat your favorite midnight snack without leaving the room.
The beach is lengthy and the sand is bright and white. You\’ll feel like you have fine sugar underfoot. Don\’t make the mistake of thinking that sand is helpful against your CD\’s though. It can be harsh on sunglasses too. But if you enjoy walking, there is nothing better for your feet and legs. If you are ready to try something different, make the short jaunt to Orange Beach where there is an entire fleet of fishing vessels to take you out onto Gulf waters.
Both communities are devoted to providing vacationers with the best possible experience. There are hotels, of course, but there are also rental homes, cottages, apartments and condos. You can rent by the day, weekend, week or you can plan to stay for an entire month during the time when weather in the rest of the country is frigid.
The restaurants and night life activities abound. There are plenty of other things to do as a couple or with your family. In addition to fishing and beach activities, you can spend a day at the zoo or play miniature golf. Enjoy the water park and reserve your seats for dinner theater. Take a helicopter tour over the waters of the Gulf. If you prefer to relax and get beautiful, the appeal of a day spent at a spa is undeniable.
The nearby airport at Mobile makes access to a condo in Gulf Shores Alabama very easy. You can fly into Mobile and drive to a completely different world in a matter of minutes. You won\’t need to travel for hours to find things to do, especially if your goal is to get relaxed. After all, a vacation is meant to give you a different and improved outlook on life.
For a lovely gulf shore vacation, we believe you should take a look at the gulf shore rentals. Many of these rentals are a true work of art and we know you would enjoy spending your vacation in them.
The Historic Capitol Hotel in Little Rock
Posted by Chris Linch in Condos Saturday, 31 October 2009 22:56 No Comments
The Historic Capitol Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas The Capitol Hotel is the premier luxury hotel of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. This historic structure, first constructed in 1876, is lavishly appointed with oak woodwork, polished brass railings, marble-topped vanities, down comforters and smartly dressed bellhops who will see to your every need.
Many back-room political deals have been brokered in the Capitol Hotel, and famous political careers have been nearly undone there, also. President Clinton, of course, was a frequent visitor to the Capitol Hotel when he served as Governor of Arkansas, but other famous politicians have stayed in these spectacular lodgings in its long history. Lincoln never slept here, but Ulysses S. Grant certainly did.
To this day the hotel features an extremely large elevator which was installed so that President Could take his horse up to his room with him. But don’t feel that the Capitol is a run-down collection of history, with rope-and-pulley elevators!
The hotel has been restored to pristine condition, with all the modern conveniences a well-heeled traveler would expect. The concierge can take care of any need you have, while you lounge in your hotel bathrobe and watch in-room movies. Or hit the streets and see what downtown Little Rock has to offer! The Capitol is a convenient place to stay when visiting the River Market area of Little Rock. The River Market is the center of the revitalized downtown area, crowded with upscale restaurants, a Discovery Museum for children, art stores, brewpubs, the Arkansas Repertory Theater and the Robinson Center Music Hall. You can listen to poetry slams, drink over 100 different kinds of imported beer, listen to the symphony, sample microbrews, watch a demonstrator stand in a wire cage sparking with 100,000 volts and return to the posh lodgings of the Capitol without ever hailing a cab.
The Little Rock trolley will even transport you across the river to North Little Rock, where you can see a concert in the Verizon Arena or tour the USS Razorback, a WWII submarine now permanently docked at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Or you could watch the Arkansas Travelers play in the new Dickey-Stevens Park. Whatever you decide to do, Little Rock is a wonderful place to do it and the Capitol Hotel is a grand place to stay while visiting the city.
Chris Linch is a traveler himself. When he wants to save money he shops only at this website where he can get cheap hotel rooms.




Recent Comments