AGING WITH GRACE AND COMFORT: Planning for senior years meant designing a house that, while maintaining beautiful form and function, addressed the future and practical needs of a senior couple. The house was originally built in 1975 and had not been upgraded to meet a changing demographic or to maximize the wonderful array of modern designs, materials and functionality. After a year of careful planning, consultation and construction, the house includes in its improvements a beautiful and functional layout, an elevator, wheelchair accessibility, a separate suite perfect for an ‘out of town’ guest, student companion or caregiver and practical, clean and elegant custom millwork throughout the house. 

 

This house has an attractive and peaceful aura, based on the influences of mid-century modern architecture with vast windows and a large balcony overlooking stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow River Valley in Bowmont Park. Crossing the street from the house gives easy park access to the vast network of paved and cross-country paths. 

 

Of particular note is the open and inviting main living space which facilitates the couple’s love of entertaining and makes for very comfortable family gatherings. The open spaces can accommodate large numbers and the rooms can be arranged to create warm, intimate gatherings. The kitchen is a focal point with modern appliances and very carefully planned storage so that all living needs can be easily addressed. The simplicity and elegance of the design also allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. As a raised bungalow, all living requirements can occur on one level although the lower level does provide for a self-contained suite with a small kitchen, bedroom, sitting room and full bathroom, a laundry and access to the garage. The elevator at the exit to the garage allows for easy transit of groceries and other necessities to the main floor. Natural light, modern and easy access to all spaces induces a very healthy, calming and inviting lifestyle.

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"Claire saw the house before we bought it; she said that it had “good bones” as well as having a spectacular view of the Bow River Valley and Rocky Mountains.  We bought the house - a raised bungalow.  It was in fairly good condition, but very dated and did not take advantage of the views as well as it could; it had some construction deficiencies, which we did not know about when we bought the house.  Claire gutted the house and turned it into a dream home that is beautiful, very practical, and ideal for two seniors or a family of five.  The elevator, among other elements, makes the house totally barrier free and the independent suite in the basement is ideal for a care giver as the residents age.  The design takes maximum advantage of the spectacular views from the living room, dining room, and kitchen.  The original entrance was dark and dingy; Claire opened it up and it is now spectacular.  Claire has a great team of trades people who are reliable and extremely talented and the interior finishing of the house is superb.  There is a lot of cupboard space in the kitchen area and bedrooms, so it is easy to keep the house tidy.  The kitchen has large counter tops, which are ideal for entertaining, and cleanup after a large party goes very quickly, due to the convenient and efficient design of the kitchen.  There are a lot of brilliant and novel features in the home, such as the elevator, the hidden TV, the bathroom mirrors, and the appliance garage."