It’s all in the details at Fern Grove
Mary Frances Hill
The Province
Fern Grove
Where: 24012 127B Ave. (128th and Fern Crescent), Maple Ridge
What: 34 single-family Craftsman-style homes on lots ranging from 3,732 to 8,000 sq. ft. Available in three- to six-bedroom models, some with legal basement suites
Price: From $929,996 for a 2,954-square-foot home with an unfinished basement. The largest home, being the Alouette model show home at 3,820 square feet, includes a finished two-bedroom basement suite and sells for $1.1 million
Developer and builder: Epic Homes
Sales centre: Fern Crescent and 128th Ave., Maple Ridge
Centre hours: noon to 6 p.m., daily
Sales phone: 604-477-2959
At the Fern Grove new-home project in Maple Ridge, Leanne Leon has created a home that no doubt already lives in the imaginations of so many homebuyers: it’s a haven of familial warmth with an appealing adult formality.
“It’s all about the details and making sure each space looks beautiful and balanced from every perspective,” says Leon, a designer with E2 Homes Ltd., and the lead in the project for Fern Grove’s developer, Epic Homes.
In a display home’s grand living room, Leon created a dominant focal point with the gas fireplace at its heart. Cabinetry beneath matching artwork on each side creates a vertical line straight to high square windows and up to the ceiling, creating perfect symmetry on either side of the fireplace for a regal, columnar look. “I think we definitely achieve a balance with the fireplace wall as the focal point, and the beautiful combination of colour and rough and smooth texture bring a sleek tone and feel to this room,” Leon says.
Epic Homes is marketing the community for both empty nesters and first-time buyers, two demographics that may seem generations apart. However, they share some preferences — the open-concept space being the most popular, Leon says.
“People seem to be looking for more definition of the rooms, although they still like to retain the shared open-space aspect of the open floor plan, which this home offers. It appeals to all age groups.”
While the main room is defined by its formality, Leon adds favourite pieces for a touch of casual warmth. A large, square caramel leather ottoman was a find from Vancouver-based Article, surrounded by traditional furnishings and a light neutral palette of greys and browns. That caramel tone also stands out in the dining chairs in the spacious open-concept kitchen-dining area.
In an upstairs den, a sofa from local decor outlet CF Interiors is so inviting, she says, “you fall right into it. It’s perfect for lounging in, to watch your favourite show.”
In the kitchen food-prep area, quartz countertops and two-toned Shaker wood cabinetry in painted white or maple stain add a classic touch against the subway tile backsplash.
The master ensuite comes with Italian ceramic tile, frameless glass shower enclosure and a stand-alone soaker tub. Leon has worked on the design of display homes with Epic Homes since 2006. Twelve years of partnership has given her an opportunity to reflect on how her style changes and develops with every project, she says. “I love looking back at my old show homes and seeing how my work has evolved over the years.”
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