Model home tour: Tartan offers high and low at Findlay Creek

A tour of two recently opened models at Findlay Creek Village makes clear that Tartan Homes is a builder that caters to a range of home buyers.

JAVA condo flats, starting at $199,900, appeal to those entering the market for the first time. But they’re not the only purchasers, says marketing manager Heidi Hayley. “Snowbirds, investors, downsizers … anyone looking for low maintenance.”

At the other end of the spectrum is the Royal Edward, which has been added to the varied lineup of singles already available at Findlay Creek. Starting at $573,900, with four bedrooms, an option for a fifth, and a layout that favours privacy, it has attracted some multi-generational families, says Hayley.

Tartan is now building Phase 19, so anyone moving to Findlay Creek joins an already thriving community between Bank Street and Albion Road in south Ottawa.

Floor plans

JAVA condo flats come in one- and two-bedroom plans and range from 868 to 944 square feet. For a limited time, a signing bonus offers hardwood in the living areas, granite countertops in the kitchen and a 12-month break on condo fees. All units include six appliances, air conditioning, a gas barbecue rough-in, nine-foot ceilings and one surface parking space.

Single homes in current phases are available in both 38- and 45-foot lots. There are bungalows, two storeys and even one three-storey option. The bedroom count ranges from two to five. These homes are all Energy Star rated and feature hardwood flooring on the main floor, built-in cabinets in the mud room and a rough-in in the basement for a three-piece bathroom.

The Cappuccino

The Cappuccino is a two-bedroom JAVA condo flat with its own private patio.

This compact JAVA unit sits at terrace level with its own private patio. Starting price for this 902-square-foot condo is $209,900.

The small entranceway, with its similarly sized closet, is open to the living/dining/kitchen area, where flat-panelled white kitchen cabinets are enhanced by upgraded stainless-steel appliances. The grey-stained maple floors are also an upgrade.

A glass-topped table with modern, low-slung black chairs keeps everything looking sleek and uncluttered and there is room for an ample couch beside the patio doors.

Of the two bedrooms, the smaller is decorated as a den. The one bathroom has a tub and separate shower.

The Royal Edward

In the Royal Edward’s family room, a floor-to-ceiling cultured stone surround anchors the fireplace.

A popular choice in other Tartan communities, this is the Royal Edward’s debut in Findlay Creek. With 3,231 square feet on a 45-foot lot and $124,000 in upgrades, this model is designed to impress.

The subtle decor here makes the architecture the star, with formal living and dining spaces separate from the kitchen and family room. Rich dark hardwood starts on the main floor and extends up the broad staircase, which is the focal point of the entranceway.

A den dressed in grey is the first room to the right off the foyer. Beyond that, the living room is open to the second floor and separated by an archway from the dining room.

Some clever design here admits a lot of light, with one of the windows at second-storey level. The dining room’s four high clerestory windows let in light from the adjacent sunroom.

On the other side of that imposing staircase, the kitchen gleams, thanks to white cabinetry, stainless appliances and shimmering backsplash tile. Off the kitchen, a spacious mud room has built-in cabinets and a bench (standard features.) The focal point in the family room is a gas fireplace backed by a wall of cultured stone.

Ascending the staircase the first stop is a loft sitting area. The second floor, carpeted in plush grey, also has a laundry room with space for a counter and shelving, three full bathrooms and four bedrooms.

An oversized tufted headboard makes a statement in the master. The ensuite — with a soaker tub surrounded by tile, a large glass-doored walk-in shower and double sinks set in a granite countertop — is everything one would expect.

In the area

Findlay Creek Conservation Area, with its winding waterside paths, is the area’s crown jewel. There are six other parks, including Silver Jubilee, which has an outdoor rink, extensive play areas, basketball hoops and skateboard ramps. Shopping on nearby south Bank Street is well established. Land has been set aside for two schools, but for now students are bused to schools in older neighbourhoods.

Findlay Creek Village

What: A master-planned community in south Ottawa between Bank Street and Albion Road with new condo flat and single-family models recently opened.

Builder: Tartan Homes

Prices: JAVA condo flats start at $199,900 to $231,900. Monthly condo fees are about $200. Single home prices range from a starting price of $442,900 to $619,900.

Sales centre: 600 Willowmere Way

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 1 to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Friday.

Information: 613-247-0078 or tartanhomes.com