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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/2015-10/</link>
        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/new-luxury-home-neighbourhood-dewintons-artesia.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/new-luxury-home-neighbourhood-dewintons-artesia.html</link>
        <title>New luxury home neighbourhood: DeWinton’s Artesia   </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Next to the exclusive neighbourhood of Heritage Pointe just south of Calgary’s city limits is the next estate community of Artesia.


The popularity of Heritage Pointe, a luxury lake and golf course community west of Highway 2 on the Pine Creek Valley area on the Bow River, precipitated the building of new estate community just next door. Artesia offers the same breath-taking mountain vistas, generous estate lots on a variety of elevations to maximize views with the country-life style perfect for a growing family.


Five builders are participating in this new luxury real estate community.  The Heritage Pointe developer responsible for Artesia wanted an executive neighbourhood that would equal or rival its DeWinton golf course community, now more than 20 years old.


Artesia’s planners have ensured that at least 50 of the land area has been reserved for open space, environmental reserves, bike trail and walking paths.  Artesia is just a minute’s drive east of Heritage Pointe Golf and Country Club, a 27-hole championship course, consistently ranked as one of Alberta’s top five golf courses. Heritage Pointe is a public golf club with reasonable green fees.  There is a popular three-hole course called “The Loop” and a putting green, ideal for those who want to stay in shape and work on skill development. The public clubhouse is a full-service executive-calibre facility.


This new development includes the Villas of Artesia, an enclave of 72 executive-style attached bungalows in the French Country and Provincial style.  Prospective luxury homes buyers may choose from two meticulously designed floor plans with options to develop the lower level.  Attached garages can be double front-drive or triple side-drive.  Maintenance-free, care-free, stress-free living along the banks of the Bow River in the Pine Creek Valley.


Homesites for single-family detached homes range from 65 feet 90 feet. You won’t find this kind of space in the city.  Each lot backs onto some sort of natural feature, whether it’s water, prairie or a grove of trembling aspen.


There are three storm-water ponds in Artesia, attracting water fowl and marsh birds alike. Water from the ponds is also used to irrigate the landscaping, maintained by the resident’s association.


The community of DeWinton itself is one of hay fields, grazing horses, luxury homes on peaceful parcels of land and fantastic city and mountain views.  It’s a completely rural are located in the Municipal District of Foothills.  Once leaving the city limits via Deerfoot or Macleod Trail, you’re in DeWinton.  Dunbow Road is the main east/west road through the community.


Besides Heritage Pointe, other golf courses in the DeWinton area include Carmoney and Cottonwood Golf Course.  On the opposite side of Highway 2 is the venerable Calgary Polo Club.  It’s a private club for members only; however the public is always welcome to watch matches free of charge. 


The hamlet of DeWinton is also located on the west side of Highway 2.  This charming country village has a post office, general store and other services.  Students attend schools in the Foothills School Division such as Heritage Heights or Red Deer Lake Schools, both catering students from kindergarten to Grade 9.  The illustrious Strathcona Tweedsmuir School, a private institution for students up to Grade 12, is also located in DeWinton. 
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    <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2015 15:27:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/should-you-rent-or-own-a-luxury-condo-in-calgary.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/should-you-rent-or-own-a-luxury-condo-in-calgary.html</link>
        <title>Should you Rent or Own a Luxury Condo in Calgary?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Renting or owning anything can be a very hard decision to make. However, when it comes to renting or owning a luxury condo in Calgary the decision can be quite clear.


The Disadvantages of Owning


In most situations it would be more advantageous to own instead of renting, but in the case of luxury condos in Calgary, it doesn’t make sense. After you pay your down payment and your monthly mortgage, you still have other expenses such as your condo fees and your property taxes. Those fees will usually put you over the cost of renting in Calgary, which is generally around $5,000 a month.


You might think that it’s not really a big deal that rent is less than your mortgage because you own it and the money is going towards paying off your condo. However, if you consider that the housing market can be unstable, especially for luxury condos, you could find yourself in a situation that doesn’t make sense financially should you choose to sell it.


The main problem is overbuilding. The market becomes oversaturated and then you have a problem with too much supply and not enough demand. Also, the housing market is always susceptible to crashing.


The Benefits of Renting


So, if you don’t want to risk having a bad investment, it may be better to rent a luxury condo in Calgary. Some of the other benefits to renting instead of owning, are that you don’t have to worry about condo fees (they are usually built into the cost of rent), you aren’t responsible for items breaking down, and best of all if you need to move you don’t have to worry about selling the condo in a potentially bad market.


So considering all the factors involved and that renting is much less stressful, it makes more sense in most situations to rent a luxury condo in Calgary.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2015 10:08:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/what-will-density-mean-for-calgary.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/what-will-density-mean-for-calgary.html</link>
        <title>What will density mean for Calgary</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Could the City of Calgary’s new develop plan push home prices higher?


A public policy group thinks so and says that’s not a good thing. 


Plus, the plan will make getting around town very difficult.


A Univeristy of Calgary urban economist has studied Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan and he thinks people who want to live close to their work place will have to pay more for their home or more in rent. Plus they’ll actually spend more time commuting.


Richard Arnott, who recently released a report on his findings through the policy group, was commenting on the City’s call for creating high density communities.  He says that low density may not be a bad thing after all. 


Arnott believes an appropriate level of density in urban areas can strike a balance between lifestyle and affordable housing options.


In response, a councilor with the City of Calgary believes achieving that good balance in urban areas has more to do with work and play, rather than work and home prices.


Ward Sutherland says current developments approved by the City are mixed-use areas and were given the green light because of that work/play balance.  Jobs are created in these areas due to office and retail space in the same communities as residential developments.


Even though the goal of the city’s development plan is to create high-density housing, some believe that urban designers haven’t sufficiently planned for it.


Marcel Latouche of the Institute for Public Sector Accountability believes excessive rules about urban planning will be a deterrent to innovation.  Calgarians want shorter drives and shorter trips on transit, but if the City puts up too many barriers in the form of rules and regulations that might not happen.


The study of the Municipal Development Plan undertaken by the U of C policy group is based on predictions that by 2070, Calgary’s population will double.


It seems crazy to think that these days, Calgary home prices could rise higher and unbearably so.


Despite crippling energy prices, home prices seem to be holding steady.  Inventory may remain tight as people may be holding back from selling, waiting to see how the market will play out.  Tight inventory means prices will hold or even rise.


It would appear that house prices may not fall as rapidly as they escalate in Calgary.


But the shoe might drop as thousands of job losses in our city have to impact the real estate market in a big way.  More than the 6 slide Calgary experienced this month over last.


Old-fashioned supply and demand may dictate the current state of Calgary’s housing market until family finances and the current job situation factory into a more rapid decline if Calgary home prices, if there is one.


Current market conditions aside, the city must look long term and is moving forward with the municipal development plan which will dictate urban development between 2015 and 2070.  Urban watchdogs will continue to monitor what the city is doing to create densification in the inner city and the radial neighbourhoods around it.


Predictions have been made for Calgary’s growth based on past trends, which has included down turns in the oil patch and the ebbs and flows of population growth because of it.


 


 
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    <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2015 09:24:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/restaurant-spotlight-farm.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/restaurant-spotlight-farm.html</link>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: Farm</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are searching for an Eco-friendly atmosphere with a down-home feel, you haven't got to search any further because the Farm Restaurant supplies only local, fresh ingredients. This is the place to go for local talent and products you will totally enjoy.


Janice Beaton has marveled with heartfelt food for more than thirty years focusing on culture and the community. Even as a child, Janice would watch the thickening milk as it was blossoming into an excellent cheese. Currently at the Farm, you will see that dedication with the culinary team and its talented staff of service personnel.


Holiday Parties


If you are planning holiday parties, go online and order some festive cheeses sure to please every party goer. While you are there, sign up for the special mailing list and never miss another special sale or event.


Restaurants for Change was in the lime-light on October 21st, 2015. What better way to enjoy a meal and have the proceeds donated to such a great charity? You can order from a prix fixe menu provided by the Executive Chef for Restaurants for Change or you may also choose from the regular menu. Please make your reservation today


October 29th will provide you with rare opportunity at the Mission Hill Wine Dinner beginning at 6:30pm. Mission Hill Winery and Farm Restaurant will partner this six-course meal. Reservations should be made in advance due to limited seating. The menu is pre-set; let the staff know of any allergies or special requests at the time of the reservation.


Daily Features




Monday: BYOB, Free Corkage


Tuesday: $35 for Three-Courses, Prix Fixe Dinner Menu


Wednesday: Explore three different Wines at Flight Night


Sunday: $30 for two people for Traditional Swiss Fondue Night


Weekend Brunch: 10:30am until 2pm




The Farm Restaurant is located at 1006 17th Avenue, SW, Calgary. You will feel like one of the family by the time you leave this great restaurant. Make plans today to enjoy the upcoming holidays at the Farm. You will be glad you did
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    <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2015 11:09:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/wall-beds-create-instant-bedrooms.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/wall-beds-create-instant-bedrooms.html</link>
        <title>Wall beds create instant bedrooms</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you’re thinking about where to put house guests, think about this.  How many times a year do you actually use that spare bedroom to put up company?   And you are thinking of building a guest bedroom downstairs, would you really rather use your basement for a theatre room or perhaps that new billiard table?


Sometimes the only solution is to move to a new house which is always an exciting proposition.  In the meantime, think about whether installing a wall bed is right for you.


Wall beds are often referred to as Murphy beds.  They were named after Bill Murphy of San Francisco.  He designed this closet-type of bed in the late 1800s and took out the first patent.  The patent has been changed many times since then and the Murphy name is finally a trademark. While used as a generic term, not all wall beds can be called Murphy beds, nor can you expect the same quality.


Where to put them


Wall beds are being installed in huge luxury homes in Calgary as well as in studio or micro apartments where space is at a premium.  Calgary wall bed retailers are also selling wall beds to customers who are downsizing their homes and want extra bedrooms to be used for more than one purpose.


Wall beds, historically, are behind a cupboard door flush with the wall ,but many of today’s freestanding beds are enclosed in wall units.  When the bed is closed, they are only 16 inches deep and take up the same space as a standard bookshelf.  However, if a client wants a bed truly hidden in the wall they can be accommodated as long as plans for the bed are incorporated into the construction of a room either in a new build or during a renovation.


Wall beds can fit into rooms assigned as theatre rooms, home gyms or offices and in upstairs bonus rooms.   The work station/home office combination is the most popular area for wall beds.


Wall beds in free standing units can be incorporated with custom cabinetry that hold anything such as televisions, sewing machines, printers, gaming systems and books.  The units can be wired for sound and lighting.


Easy to make up


If a wall bed is installed correctly, it should take just two fingers to push it down from the wall in the evening and return to an upright position in the morning.   The bed weighs, on average, about 90 kg (198 lbs.) however, the spring mechanism should be easy to manipulate.  The handles to pull the bed down should be at a child-proof height; however, even if a child did manage to pull the handles, the leverage system will prevent the bed from crashing down on him or her.


Most beds are designed for a standard depth mattress, which is 10 inches.  A specialty mattress, such as a memory foam mattress, has to be kept horizontal so that it doesn’t sag so are not appropriate for this application.


They may look like built-in cabinetry however the units are mounted to the studs behind your wall with wood screws and shouldn’t leave gaping holes in the wall.  That means you can disassemble your wall bed and take it with you if you decide to move to a larger home after all.
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    <pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/3-bright-reasons-to-invest-in-solar.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/3-bright-reasons-to-invest-in-solar.html</link>
        <title>3 bright reasons to invest in solar </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
We in Alberta enjoy 333 of sunshine-filled days every year.  It makes sense to harness this natural and freely-given resource to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and did we mention save money?  


According to Sky Fire Energy, Calgary’s leading residential solar energy provider, installing solar energy panels on your home and connecting it to the grid is not that difficult.  There are only a few hundred homes out of the tens of thousands of homes in Calgary taking advantage of solar energy.  But there are so many reasons, in addition to adding resale value to your home, why adding solar to your energy mix is a smart idea. 


Reduce your Utility Bill 


As solar technology advances, the cost of equipment comes down making solar a good economic choice.  Solar equals savings.   It’s renewable energy from an infinite resource and is cheaper to process and distribute than hydro or fossil fuel energy.  If installed property, a large solar residential installation can be cheaper per watt than buying from the grid.  You may pay as low as six cents a kilowatt.  You may pay on average about 12 cents per kilowatt for power off the grid.  Of course, no one has a crystal ball to know what energy prices will look like 25 years from now. But one thing is for certain; you can reduce your reliance on traditional utilities with solar power. 


Helping the Environment 


This was once the primary goal of solar power; to reduce greenhouse emissions and reliance on dirtier forms of energy such as coal and oil.  The energy created on sunny days is stored in batteries for use later.  Now, it would take a massive system on the roof of your home if you wanted 100 solar energy for your home.  But a regular home system would go a long way to reduce other forms of energy, which is a start in the proper direction.  A simple one kilowatt system, installed on your asphalt roof, would cost around $5,400 and installed in a day. Solar equipment doesn’t produce harmful byproducts and as a rule, material used to build the technology is recyclable. 


Easy Install 


People avoid technologies they’re not familiar with, which is one reason why people are slow to adopt solar energy in their homes.  It’s not different that installing a hot tub and tying it into your electric system.  An onsite assessment by a qualified expert will determine how best to tie solar into your electric panel.  Solar systems are CSA approved and a permit from the City of Calgary will be required.  Each solar panel weights approximately 18 kg.   The optimal type of roof for solar is a south-facing roof, free of obstacles, with a 45 degree pitch.    If you need to reroof, do it before you install solar so you don’t have to remove all the equipment in the next few years to re-shingle. Once everything is connected, you can sit back and count your money.  The system is automatic and requires little maintenance.  No need to remove the snow in the winter and risk falling off the roof just to save a few pennies as there is very little energy produced during the deep winter months.
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    <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2015 15:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/have-you-played-at-glencoe-golf-and-country-club-yet.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/have-you-played-at-glencoe-golf-and-country-club-yet.html</link>
        <title>Have You Played at Glencoe Golf and Country Club Yet?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Located on Elbow River Drive in Calgary, Alberta is a green, lush 45 hole golf course called Glencoe Golf and Country Club.


What Can You Expect


Glencoe offers indoor/outdoor practice facilities as well as a progressive Junior Programs for all ages. Wedding packages and corporate invitational tournaments are also not only welcomed but encouraged.  


Pleasant Dining


Glencoe Country Golf and Country Club offers several options for dining.


The Spike Lounge


The Spike Lounge is a terrific place to mingle with friends. It is a relaxing sports bar type environment with high tables and soft seating. Only members 18 years and older are aloud, but the Spike can hold up to 76 members at a time plus 36 for al fresco seating.


Valley View Room


The Valley View Room is a family oriented dining room with a fabulous kid’s menu and a great variety of dining options for the whole family.  They have an indoor 76 person seating capacity plus a covered patio outside for your enjoyment.


Spruce View Dining Room


This dining room is called the Spruce View because it has a breath-taking view of the Rocky Mountains. The seating capacity in this formal dining room is 44, and they welcome your next event.


On the Go


Are you in a hurry and on the go? The Glencoe Golf and Country Club also offers fast food dining as well. Stop by the Snack Shack, Bridges Bar, or the Halfway House for some quick yet tasty food. Also offered is a fast food and beverage cart for your convenience while you play.


Banquets, weddings, and other important special functions are welcomed at Glencoe Golf and Country Club. Call ahead today and plan your special event. They believe your experience should be a special one and each member is treated like royalty.
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    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:08:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/restaurant-spotlight-catch-dining-room-upstairs.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/restaurant-spotlight-catch-dining-room-upstairs.html</link>
        <title>Restaurant Spotlight: Catch Dining Room Upstairs</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Located in the historical Bank of Canada Building in downtown Alberta is a fabulous restaurant called Catch. The service is flawless and the ambiance has a modern and trendy feel to it. It fits right into what most people are looking for in a restaurant: tasty food, good service, and a pleasant environment.


Executive chef, Daniel Norcott, uses only the freshest ingredients and combinations of flavours that is absolutely tantalizing. He uses 100 percent sustainable seafood and Alberta beef that is sure to please the palate.  When you eat here, you know where your food comes from and can enjoy the delicious tastes that Canada has to offer.


The Menu


For an appetizer, try a savoury Tomato Consommé, Tuna and Crab Roll, or a Caesar Salad, and the Prawn Salad with crisp endive, fresh apples, and tangy citrus is totally to die for.


Bring a friend in for lunch and enjoy friendly conversation and an extensive lunch menu carefully selected by the Chef. You might enjoy the Catch of the Day that varies each day or maybe the Rock Crab Sandwich with Pomme Frites and Garlic Aioli.


For dinner, the menu is just as impressive. The Brome Lake Duck Breast with root vegetables, duck sauce, fava beans, morel, and confit Cipollini onion is a dish you don’t want to miss.


More Than Meets the Eye


Catch is actually one of two parts – Catch and the Oyster Bar is together in the bank building with the Oyster Bar being downstairs and Catch upstairs. These two restaurants in one building gives you options. Try the Oyster Bar for a more casual meal and get together with friends and save Catch for when you want something more serious to eat and a more formal setting (but not too formal)


So plan to stop by and enjoy some of the freshest, finest seafood in the area. You can even make reservations online
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    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2015 10:09:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/is-this-the-best-time-to-prune-your-trees-and-shrubs.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/is-this-the-best-time-to-prune-your-trees-and-shrubs.html</link>
        <title>Is this the best time to prune your trees and shrubs?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Pruning, or cutting back is necessary to keep your valuable trees, shrubs and hedges healthy and under control.  If left to grow without regular maintenance, trees and shrubbery will take away from your home’s curb appeal instead of adding to it. Besides the visual appeal, a study by Money Magazine indicates that when it comes to the resale home market, home owners can realize a 200 return on money invested in good landscaping. 


Upkeep of the plant life surrounding your home can be done any time of year.  Fall is a great time to take inventory of the growth that’s occurred over the summer.  Fall clean-up is underway, so why not include the extra twigs and branches from pruning. 


You can always call a professional arborist to assist with pruning, but with the proper tools and some basic knowledge, doing-it-yourself in the crisp fall air could be very satisfying. 


Autumn Pruning 


As mentioned, you can sharpen the shears and prune at any time, but cutting back at more specific times of the year will help invigorate your trees, bushes and hedges and encourage new growth.  Mid-fall is the beginning of the dormant season for perennial plants. Trees such as maple and birch are ideal fall pruning candidates because they over produce in the winter.  If you have crabapple trees or fast-growing poplars, or spruce and juniper trees, you might want to wait until after Christmas. 


Here are some other reasons why fall is a good time to prune: 




There are no new buds on hedges, like cotoneasters, so you’re not removing new life.


Pests or fungal diseases are also dormant, so removing branches will remove them as well.


Reviewing your trees and shrubs once the leaves have fallen will give you an accurate picture of what needs to be removed or shaped


With fewer branches to “feed” once spring comes, roots will have more energy to support new life. 




Why cutting back makes sense


Besides making your yard and your home look more attractive, you should always trim hedges and prune trees at least annually.




To allow branches to grow stronger


To prevent tree rot due to moisture or insects and to keep pest infestations from spreading


To reduce the height and prevent damage during wild weather events (think SNOWtember in Calgary)


To keep branches away from power lines and your home


To produce more greenery next season 




DIY is easy 


Doing the actual work is not that difficult.  The hard part is making sure you’re not causing more harm to your trees and shrubs, than good.  The goal of pruning should be to rid unwanted twigs and branches while protecting the trunk or stem of your bushes.  Follow these guidelines to do the job well: 




Cut on an angle, close to the collar of the branch making sure you don’t cut past it.


Cut branches in 3 or 4 parts instead of cutting off one large branch. This will ensure that your cut by the trunk doesn’t splinter under the weight of the branch.


After a cut use a pruning sealer which will prevent disease or insects from penetrating the tree through the cut.


Hedges can be a challenge.  Prune by hand before you take shears or a power hedge trimmer to it to thin it out.  Then cut in an A-line so the top is narrower than the bottom.




Should you call a professional?


You may have the time, energy and the proper tools to tackle your yard this fall.  However, recognize when to call a professional.  This is important for your safety, as well as for the health of your plants and trees.


 


Get help when: 




Pruning or cutting back is close to overhead power lines.


Trimming very large trees or branches that have been damaged by storms.


When you have to “over reach” to get at certain parts of your trees.  Don’t risk it.


You have enthusiasm but don’t have any idea where to start.


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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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