There is a new energy coursing through Heartland these days, as one of Cochrane’s most popular, family-centred communities opens new showhomes that display the lavish, easy-living lifestyle residents can enjoy here.

With its considerable countryside charm, affordability and style, Heartland has quickly become a favourite among new homebuyers in Cochrane, and there’s even more to love now as this Apex Developments community starts its latest phase.

This master-planned community on Cochrane’s west side has grown rapidly with new amenities adding to its idyllic nature, and the addition of more home types and a new homebuilder means a greater range of choices for buyers.

Two new front drive garage showomes from Excel Homes and Daytona Homes are opening in August, and Rohit Communities is ready to start building in their very own phase later this fall, says Michelle Wilken, land administrator at Apex Developments.

“Phase 11 has some really great lots, some that back on to the future school site, and even some front drive garage lots with rear lanes!” she adds.

Heartland is a 250-acre community set amidst the rolling grassland of west Cochrane, just off intersection of Hwy 1A and Hwy 22. It currently offers an exciting mix of front-drive garage and laned single-family homes that appeal to first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups. The new showhomes point out that they appeal to the stylish too.

Excel Homes, the homebuilding arm of Apex Developments, is opening a front drive model called the Fleetwood. “This is a 2,674-square-foot two-storey home with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths,” says Excel Homes marketing manager, Kristina Plank.

“The most outstanding feature of the home is the third-floor loft that includes over 500-square-foot of extra living space!” she adds.

“The flexible, open concept Fleetwood is ideal for growing families, especially with the third-level loft. The main floor offers a grand great room and large kitchen with an eating nook and walk-in pantry, perfect for entertaining guests. Upstairs has a spacious master bedroom with ensuite and attached laundry - plus two additional bedrooms and a large bonus room. The Fleetwood is the perfect family home, with lots of room for everyone.”

Daytona Homes, which is a relatively new builder in Heartland, released the Palisade II. “It is a single-family front attached garage, with three bedrooms, two-an-a-half baths with an optional 309-square-foot third story loft,” says Daytona Homes co-sales consultant, Josh Anderson.

“The home backs west onto greenspace/future school site so the view is completely unobstructed,” says co-sales consultant, Meghan Scott.

Palisade II is geared towards a growing family, with versatile spaces on every floor. It has a great room on the main, bonus room on the second floor, plus a third storey loft that gives it enormous flexibility. “There is a sitting room, TV area, craft room, homework space, playroom, office, home gym, so many options. This home also features a very large mudroom, central kitchen, and stunning 9-foot wide by 8-foot-high patio doors,” Scott says.

“We’re brand new in Heartland and though we had a previous showhome of the same model last spring, this one that just opened has more of a stately, luxurious feel to it,” Anderson adds.

Rohit Communities has been doing great in Heartland with their line of laned and front-drive garage single-family homes and they will be spreading their wings even more in Phase 9.

“Our homeowners are loving Heartland because of the proximity to the mountains plus the small-town charm that Cochrane has. Also, they’re really enjoying getting to know their neighbours,” says Stuart Wen, senior marketing coordinator at Rohit Communities. He says they still have homes from the high $400,000s with some quick possessions available with fall move-in dates.

Affordability is also a major factor in Heartland’s appeal, with prices considerably less expensive than similar homes in Calgary. For example, Anderson says their Breeze II starts from $552,900 in Heartland will cost $639,900 in Calgary. “And that’s on a traditional lot in Heartland, compared to a zero-lot line in Calgary,” he tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

Excel offers laned homes starting from the high $400,000s in Heartland, this includes lot, house and GST. That price will get buyers a 1,493 square-foot, three bed and two-and-a-half bath home,” Plank says. “Every Excel home is certified Built Green and comes with a free move-in concierge service, and free legal fees when using our legal partner,” she adds.

Heartland is a complete community with a host of amenities that make living here a breeze, Wilken says. “We feel Heartland has everything, amenities right in Heartland at Heartland Station. Two playgrounds for kids of all ages and various play abilities. Heartland has outdoor workout equipment naturalized spaces and fields for formal sports. It also has a future school site.”

“Heartland has grown so much over the last few years, and it has truly become a gem in the Cochrane area,” Excel’s Plank says. “Situated near vibrant downtown, Heartland offers heartfelt connections, family-friendly accessibility and a slower pace of life. Apex has done an exceptional job at not only building a beautiful community, but also in creating a lifestyle that families want to be a part of. Excel Homes is proud to be building in Heartland and we are very excited to open our new show home and start the next chapter!”

Scott and Anderson at Daytona Homes agree. “Heartland is a family-oriented community with a friendly small-town feel. Its location is perfect for those who prefer an outdoor lifestyle, with direct access to the mountains via Highway 1A, proximity to river pathways and walkability to the commercial amenity space,” Scott says. “The Cochrane town centre is only 5 minutes east of Heartland, and you can be within Calgary’s city limits in about 15 minutes,” Anderson adds.

For more information, visit www.heartlandcochrane.com