Vancouver Sun

Epic Homes to release second phase of Bertrand Creek

10 homes will go on sale this weekend at the Aldergrove developmen­t

- SHAWN CONNER

After a successful roll-out of phase one of its Bertrand Creek developmen­t, Epic Homes has started constructi­on of the Aldergrove location’s second phase.

“Because sales were so strong leading into the summer, we’ve been limited with our home availabili­ty over the summer months, and into fall,” said Epic Homes general manager Ryan Connolly.

“We had to let our constructi­on department catch up. Now we’re ready to go and release the majority of the remaining product.”

This weekend, an additional 10 homes will go on sale. To mark the occasion, the developer is opening a second show home.

The Bertrand is the predominan­t layout in the second phase of the 61 single-family home developmen­t. Last year, the project’s first show home opened, highlighti­ng the Anderson layout.

Like the other homes in the second phase, the show home is in the rear cul-desac of the property, and backs on to greenbelt. The greenbelt is home to stands of red cedar, alders, maple trees and Douglas firs.

Half of the self-contained community is, in fact, protected greenbelt. Walking and nature trails, a pedestrian pathway, a dog park, and a bike and walking path around the perimeter of the site are part of the plan. The project also features a large landscaped centre island. Bertrand Creek, a salmon-bearing stream, runs through the site.

Like the Anderson, the main floor is an open area with great room, kitchen and dining area—what Connolly calls “a bright and open floor plan.”

The main floor features German-designed wideplank laminate flooring. Stained poplar millwork, commission­ed by Epic, accents the home.

The kitchen is L-shaped and opens on to a covered deck. A Frigidaire Profession­al Series appliance package includes a doubledoor fridge. Other features include soft-close cabinetry, tile backsplash and a pantry.

The Bertrand’s upstairs level has three bedrooms, with an option for a fourth. That room can also be used as a lounge or other space. A gas fireplace for the room is also an option.

“You could have a secondary family living space,” Connolly said.

Master bedrooms easily accommodat­e a king-sized bed. There is also a large walk-in closet and main bath. Extras include double doors for the bedroom and spa-style door for the ensuite, which comes with a soaker tub, shower and double sinks.

Epic is offering the option of a fully finished one- or two-bedroom legal suite in the basements.

“That’s huge for people,” Connolly said. “When you can offset your mortgage payments with a $1,000-plus rental payment out of your basement, it definitely makes life a little easier.”

Home exteriors are Craftsman-style, with gabled rooflines. Six different colour schemes are available.

All three layouts are available in the remaining homes.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of interest locally, from Aldergrove and Langley,” Connolly said.

Part of the interest, especially locally, is a result of the fact that the area hasn’t seen residentia­l growth in years.

Over the next two decades, the area is expected to grow from 12,000 to over 20,000 people.

Aldergrove straddles the border between west Abbotsford and Langley. New amenities include a recreation centre with an outdoor pool and arena, scheduled for opening in 2018.

Bertrand Creek is five minutes from the Canada/ USA border, nine minutes to Highstreet Shopping Centre in Abbotsford, and 12 minutes to the Abbotsford Airport. Depending on traffic, Vancouver is an hour or so away.

The Langley community’s charms include Metro Vancouver’s last surviving drivein theatre, the Twilight, as well as raspberry fields and roadside stands selling farmfresh eggs.

“We’re also drawing people in from closer to Vancouver,” Connolly said, “as well as buyers from South Surrey, Burnaby and the surroundin­g areas.

“We’re even seeing buyers from Maple Ridge. Now with the bridge and removal of the tolls, we’re seeing a lot more movement on both sides of the river. So we’re getting more people open to buying on the north or south side of the river.”

 ?? SUPPLIED ?? Epic Homes will open a second show home featuring the Bertrand, the predominan­t layout in the second phase.
SUPPLIED Epic Homes will open a second show home featuring the Bertrand, the predominan­t layout in the second phase.

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