Go big and stay at home
It goes without saying that a big family needs a big home in order to live life to the fullest and in (relatively) perfect harmony.
With that in mind, Randall Homes came up with a new plan, the Mannat-B, a striking 1,999 sq. ft., two-storey home that can be found at 10 Butchart Crescent in Transcona's Devonshire Park.
The home is an ergonomic masterpiece from start to finish in that it's designed for maximum efficiency and comfort, says the sales representative for the home, Jeff McArthur of Maximum Realty.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Offering six bedrooms, four baths and over 3,800 sq. ft. of total living space with its finished lower level, the Mannat-B was designed expressly for large families.
'This home has the potential for six bedrooms,' he says. 'Even though it isn't, say, 2,500 sq. ft., every inch of available space has been used very well. This is an efficiently designed home that lives way bigger than its listed square footage.'
And it isn't your usual show home, he adds.
'We actually finished the lower level to show what the home would have to offer when it came with three levels of livable space.'
Turns out, it has a lot to offer.
Adding in the fully finished lower level gives families nearly 4,000 sq. ft. of livable space to work with.
'I really like what they did with the lower level,' says McArthur. 'Not only do you get a rec room and a games area with wet bar, but you also get two big bedrooms and a full bath. The home also has a side door if family members want to live downstairs. If that was the case, the games area is big enough to be turned into a kitchen.'
Todd Lewys / Free Press
A wonderful combination of soft earth tones give the naturally bright primary bedroom a cosy, welcoming feel.
Head back up to the main floor, and the Mannat's artful yet practical design is impressive.
For starters, there's a sunken, angled foyer that provides a spacious, well-defined area for family members and guests to leave their shoes and coats.
Take four steps up and you find yourself in a flex space that's flanked by another pair of spaces to the right.
'There's a lifestyle room to the right, and a full bath just a few steps down from the flex space,' he notes. 'The lifestyle room could be used as an in-law suite, and the flex space could be used as a sitting/media area. And the full bath is in a nice, convenient spot.'
The next stop is a bright, open-concept main living area that exudes a generous, free-flowing feel.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The island kitchen is a pleasing combination of space, style and function.
'What I really like about it is that there's lots of room for several people to move around at once without feeling crowded. There's plenty of room between spaces, which gives them a feeling of definition even though they're all in a big, wide-open area.'
At the same time, the finishes — cappuccino/mocha laminate plank flooring, grey tile that frames the linear electric fireplace in the great room, and warm, terracotta-hued feature walls behind the fireplace and eating area — give the spacious area a warm, inviting ambience.
Meanwhile, off-white walls and white cabinets in the smashing island kitchen add a dash of brightness that reminds you that this is one very modern home.
'I think the kitchen looks amazing with its white cabinets, white tile backsplash and white/grey quartz countertops,' McArthur says. 'The island's brown base contrasts with the cabinets, while stainless appliances go well with the cabinets, backsplash and countertops. There's also a big corner pantry to store food and supplies in.'
McArthur says big families will also appreciate the layout of the second floor.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
A versatile flex space was placed across from a lifestyle room and next to a four-piece bath to create an optional area for in-laws.
'When you come to the top of the stairs, the first thing you see is a big loft. It's a great space for kids, as there's plenty of space for a sofa, TV and computer area. There's also a bedroom off it, so whoever takes it will have the loft at their disposal right away.'
Thanks to the home's generous footprint, the upper level also holds four more spaces: a charming main bath, laundry room, oversized kids' bedroom and, of course, the primary bedroom.
Tucked away in its own corner of the home, it's a wonderfully private retreat, he adds.
'It's such a relaxing space with all its soft earth tones — taupe walls and carpeting and a terracotta feature wall behind the bed. A huge window on its rear wall lets tons of light inside, and it also comes with a big walk-in closet and beautiful three-piece ensuite with a walk-in shower with rain shower head.'
The Mannat is aimed squarely at multi-generational families, says McArthur.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Huge windows behind the great room and dining area let natural light flow freely into the main living area.
'With the potential for six bedrooms and a developed lower level, it has the livability and flexibility that large families need. It's a beautifully designed home in every area.'
lewys@mymts.net
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