Advertisement 1

New homes: Back to it for real 

Article content

In what has become a rarity in the era of COVID-19, Claridge Homes is set to launch a new community Sept. 12 in popular Barrhaven.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

Called Watter’s Pointe, the enclave of 169 two-storey townhomes just north of the Jock River from Half Moon Bay has been generating tremendous interest among buyers, with more than 3,000 registering for updates since the community was first announced two years ago.

“It’s a lot of build-up, but it’s interesting to see that people have remembered,” says Claridge’s digital marketing manager, Rachel Kerr. “I think in Barrhaven, and this community specifically, people are committed.”

Article content
The master ensuite in the Penrose boasts a walk-in shower, double vanity and a standalone tub (not shown).
The master ensuite in the Penrose boasts a walk-in shower, double vanity and a standalone tub (not shown). Photo by Supplied

Demand for new homes is high in Ottawa right now, and even more so when it comes to both the south end and townhomes.

“Mention ‘Ottawa South’ and ‘townhome’ in the same e-blast and a builder is almost guaranteed buyers will be lining up to purchase a new home,” says Cheryl Rice of industry analyst PMA Brethour Realty Group.

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content
The Carlton is a corner lot floor plan with a double car garage.
The Carlton is a corner lot floor plan with a double car garage. Photo by Supplied

“Since May, during an easing of emergency health and safety measures, Ottawa South captured the largest share of new home sales for two of the three months in that period. During the same three months, townhomes — which are always a very popular product — also had the majority of sales.

“We’re back to where we started at the top of 2020, when pre-pandemic new home sales favoured townhomes located in Ottawa South, especially in Barrhaven and Leitrim communities.”

Claridge expects Saturday’s launch “will be an extremely successful day,” says Kerr, particularly since only about 10 per cent of the units will be released, in four blocks of homes.

The builder has not yet determined when more blocks could be released if the initial lots sell out right away.

Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content

In another rarity lately, this release will not be done virtually. Prospective buyers have been asked to arrive with their cheque book handy and line up accordingly for the 11 a.m. opening. Physical distancing will, of course, be in place.

“If you are interested, it’s kind of make your decision on the spot,” Kerr says. Floor plans, lot availability and pricing were being made available ahead of the launch to help buyers determine their choices.

: Although one of the smaller towns at 1,765 square feet, the Hardy has an open concept that feels roomy.
: Although one of the smaller towns at 1,765 square feet, the Hardy has an open concept that feels roomy. Photo by Supplied

The homes

The townhomes are from Claridge’s Landmark Series. There are nine floor plans to choose from, ranging from 1,620 to 2,315 square feet with either three or four bedrooms.

Exteriors are a “contemporary design featuring brick, vinyl siding, Hardie (cement board) and contemporary stone pre-cast sills,” says Kerr.

Advertisement 5
Story continues below
Article content

Inside, the homes come with a finished basement — “definitely a big appeal for these townhomes,” Kerr notes — nine-foot main-floor ceilings, quartz counters and hardwood on the main floor.

The homes also come with a drain water heat recovery unit, an HRV (heat recovery ventilator), and many include a gas fireplace either in the living room or in the basement rec room.

Although there are no models to tour on site, Claridge does have townhome models available at Westwood in Stittsville, Bridlewood Trails in Kanata and Spring Valley Trails in Orléans South.

With only 169 homes available, Claridge expects the community will sell out within a year, depending on how quickly it releases lots, Kerr says.

The area

Watter’s Pointe is a “great location in growing Barrhaven,” she adds. “It’ll be close to a ton of amenities.”

Advertisement 6
Story continues below
Article content

The site is across the street from St. Joseph Catholic High School and just south of the Chapman Mills Marketplace, a retail district with more than 65 stores.

It also benefits from its location next to a future park that is adjacent to the Jock River.

“I think the townhomes will be a great addition and a great fit for that area,” says Kerr.

Initial occupancy is slated for March 2022.

Watter’s Pointe

What An enclave of 169 townhomes along the Jock River across from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Barrhaven

Builder Claridge Homes

Prices At the time of writing, starting prices were expected to be from $572,900, however, that could change by launch time

Sales centre 3370 Greenbank Rd.

Information claridgehomes.com; 613-608-9478

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers