A PLACE TO NEST
South of Sunningdale and east of Wonderland Roads, the development borders the Medway Valley Heritage Forest.
SECOND PHASE OF SUNNINGDALE WEST SERVES CURRENT NEEDS
The Medway Valley is home to rare species of plants and animals. It has also been inhabited by humans for hundreds of years. The latest development, Sunningdale West Phase 2, proves why the area with its Carolinian Forest, Medway Creek and Sunningdale Golf & Country Club has always been an attractive place to live.
One of Westhaven’s models available in phase two of the Sunningdale development.
“The location is outstanding,” says Gordon Thompson, president of Corlon Properties Inc. the developer of the area. “It’s second to none. There is so much variety, so many options, it has broad appeal.”
South of Sunningdale and east of Wonderland Roads, the development borders the Medway Valley Heritage Forest with paved trails for strollers and wheelchairs, as well as woodchip walks for hikers. It is also across from the golf club for those who prefer their walk with a different challenge.
Schools, shopping and entertainment venues are nearby. “You’ve got Western and University Hospital, the Richmond Street artery, Masonville and golf,” says Carmine Gargarella, president and founder of Bridlewood Homes, one of the builders. “It has commercial and social aspects. It is London’s premiere home site for a multitude of reasons.” With so much on offer, Thompson says buyers represent a broad range from London to outside the country. Typically, they are families, but empty nesters and retirees are also buying the 43 custom houses. “When we started, we wanted to create an upscale neighbourhood for people who like an active lifestyle,” Thompson says.
“You would have thought families,” says Gargarella. “Given the lots and location, we are building a number of high-end homes for empty nesters. Some of them tried a highrise or condo. They are choosing one-floor or one-floor with walkout. The lifestyle and design – we’re bringing forward innovative styles and ideas. It’s the flow, the floor plan, the use of windows, use of space, the finishes and products. The big demand is for a large, galley kitchen with stand-alone island overlooking the living space. People want higher ceilings, or tray or vaulted more and more. Oversized garages, even triple or tandem with exteriors of stone and stucco.”
All seven of the builders have custom home experience: Bridlewood Homes; Crown Homes of London; Graystone Homes: Harasym Developments; Marquis Developments; Wasko Developments; and Westhaven Homes. Another big attraction now is the ability to design a workspace in a custom home. “Work from home is a big factor,” says Thompson.
“There is a lot of interest.” Gargarella agrees, adding their lots are close to being sold out. “London is seeing a resurgence. We’ve gone through the COVID lockdown and people realized they want a better place to potentially work and live. When people spend a lot of time in a space because they can’t travel, they put the dollars in a new home. The (interest) rates are really good. It all came together.” He fields daily calls from Toronto and Montreal as people see more value in London’s lower density, ability to work from home and not deal with commutes, highrise elevators and doors.
Spending more time at home has caused many new homebuyers to look for larger, more functional kitchens, like this one from Westhaven Homes.
Gargarella calls London a Zoom community. Today’s homeowners regard their property as both a place to live and an investment. With that in mind, Thompson says Sunningdale West is a solid buy. “In this area you can have confidence the value will increase over time. It is one of the most desirable neighbourhoods. You can’t go wrong.”
Thompson based his statement on years of experience. Corlon Properties started developing the area in 2001, weathering 9/11, the financial crisis of 2008, and now the pandemic, he says. “You realize the value is maintained here through these challenging periods.”