Aberfoyle condo bungalows surrounded by nature

Residents of The Meadows of Aberfoyle are not just surrounded by nature; the bucolic location is less than a 10-minute drive to Guelph and minutes to Highway 401.

"It's a commuter's dream," says Evan Shear, vice-president of Concord-based Cityview Homes, of the 15-hectare development of 55 condominium bungalows. Seventeen homes remain for sale by the builder who has teamed up with realtor Dalmi Inc.

Although families with children have bought here, most buyers are active empty nesters who commute to jobs in Guelph, Hamilton, the Cambridge-Kitchener area, or as far away as Toronto. The two-bedroom bungalows are "an absolute bargain" since they are priced $100,000 to $200,000 lower than comparable ones in the GTA, says Shear.

Prices range from $341,900 for 1,313 square feet, up to $436,900 for 2,085 square feet on 50 to 55-foot lots. There are seven models to choose from, with different elevations and unfinished basements. The site is on a septic system. Condo fees are $236 per month, which includes a water usage/treatment facility (pump house) checked every three days, snow removal of common roads, common landscaping, maintenance of the putting green and garbage removal.

Residents of the condo development share ownership of 6.5 hectares of environmentally protected land within the development, which is home to 4,500 flora species and more than 30 mammals.

"They're surrounded by ponds and creeks. It's like a little oasis right in a natural reserve that cannot be changed or developed," says Shear.

On site, there are scenic views from a gazebo, private walking and fitness trails, a putting green and two parkettes. A century-old millpond and dam on private land, which provides a habitat for waterfowl, turtles, bass and beaver, can be seen from a lookout.

Many upgrades are offered as standard, says Shear, such as nine-foot ceilings. Other standards include a designer gourmet kitchen; hardwood flooring in living, dining, family rooms and main hallways; a gas fireplace and air conditioning.

Bungalows come equipped with energy-efficient features, such as a forced air high-efficiency gas furnace with electronic ignition; low-E Argon filled exterior windows and energy-efficient water saver taps, showerheads and low-flush toilets.

Exteriors in brick, or Hardie Board with stone, blend in with traditional homes in the surrounding area, says Shear.

Cityview Homes is offering premiums on lots as a fall bonus. Buyers can also choose from two of four bonus items: oak staircase and wrought iron railings; hardwood floors in living area; a stainless steel fridge, stove and dishwasher; and granite countertops in bathrooms.

Amenities are a five-minute drive away and residents can enjoy fine dining at the adjacent historic Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant, with the seasonal Aberfoyle Antique Market and Puslinch Community Centre nearby. A 10-minute drive north takes you to Guelph.

Construction began in Sept. 2007, with the last homes scheduled for completion by fall 2010, says Shear.

The Meadows of Aberfoyle sales office hours are: Monday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A model home is also on display. Phone 1-519-837-2223 or 1-877-216-2223. The site is at 86 Brock Rd. S., three minutes' drive north of Highway 401. Go to www.meadowsofaberfoyle.com for information.