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Winnipeg Free Press

Plenty of room for the whole family

When a large family looks at what they desire most in a home, their first preference is always function. That's entirely understandable. After all, home is where they'll be spending the bulk of their time, activities and social commitments aside. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS A true jaw-dropper, the island kitchen at 7 Adara Alley in Aurora at North Point is equal parts style and function. Big, growing families or large multi-generational families need a space that fosters both family time and privacy. As much as families love each other, it's essential that everyone have their own space and time apart to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. The Malibu — a fabulous new two-storey, 1,881 sq. ft. plan conceived by Daytona Homes — was designed to provide king-sized families with the flexibility they need to live life to the fullest, says Alana Yaren, Daytona's sales manager. 'We worked very hard to design a home that has everything a big family is looking for,' she says. 'Of course, the home is very functional — that's something we put into every home we build, whether it be a townhome, attached single family home or a single-family home like this one.' That's not to say the need for style was overlooked; all you need to do is step into the Malibu's main living area and take a look at the island kitchen. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Daytona's designers cleverly placed a handy prep kitchen and butler's pantry behind the smashing island kitchen at 7 Adara Alley. 'Right away, you notice the island and the countertops — they really stand out with all their beautiful grey highlights that pop on the off-white quartz,' says Yaren. 'We put up matching backsplashes to add an extra touch of class. There's also a fabulous prep kitchen with butler's pantry behind the kitchen that can be closed off by a pocket door.' To ensure the overall look isn't too busy, light taupe cabinets were installed along with stainless appliances to give the kitchen a modern feel. At the same time, natural looking, nicely textured wide-plank flooring was installed to add warmth and give the main living area a pleasing sense of cohesion. To that end, flow into the dining area from the kitchen is seamless, as it is into the adjacent great room, which features a quiet sense of refinement. 'Lots of natural light comes in from a large picture window on its rear wall, while the neutral colour scheme works really well with the flooring,' she says. 'There's plenty of room for people to sit around and visit, and the linear electric fireplace looks great with its colours, especially at night. It's just a very comfortable space.' The Malibu is one comfortable, well-organized home. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS A versatile space, the naturally bright second-floor bonus room can be used for a variety of purposes. And that uplifting, easy-living feel starts right when you walk in the front door, says Yaren. 'This home has four bedrooms, with one of them being placed conveniently on the main floor. A full bathroom was placed next to it, so if you have in-laws that want to come and live with you, you have a perfect in-law suite area for them.' She adds that the front of the house also offers another design feature that will appeal to large families. 'An additional entrance was put on the side of the home to provide direct access to the lower level. So, if you want to put in an in-law suite or rent out the basement, people can have their own private entryway to the home.' The Malibu's upper level is as functional as its main level. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS Spacious and spa-inspired, the ensuite is a luxurious, calming space. In total, it holds six spaces: three bedrooms, a laundry room, main bath and a good-sized bonus room. The latter, says Yaren, is 'a versatile space that can be used by the kids to play, watch TV or study in apart from the grown-ups. Or it can be used as an office. Basically, it can be anything a family needs it to be.' The bonus room also serves another purpose: it deftly separates the secondary bedrooms from the primary one. 'As a result, it's a very private, peaceful space. A large window on its rear wall lets in lots of natural light, there's a big walk-in closet, and the ensuite is a beautiful space with its walk-in shower, dual vanity and marble-style vinyl tile floor.' Yaren says large families will like the community as much as the home's smart design. TODD LEWYS / FREE PRESS The two-storey, 1,881 sq. ft. Malibu was designed expressly to cater to the needs of large or multi-generational families. 'There's a school being built, full transit service, and commercial services are coming. With its well- balanced design and great location, the Malibu is just what big families are looking for.' lewys@