Garages are bigger back on The Ranch

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S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 3 0 , 2 0 1 5
NEW HOMES
CA LG A RY H E R A L D
Charcoal versus gas:
Heating up BBQ debate
Grilling gurus see pros and cons
to both outdoor cooking methods
LOIS ABRAHAM
THE CANADIAN PRESS
WestView Builders are opening show homes in the eighth phase of The Ranch in Strathmore. The roomy garages in
neighbouring houses are linked but the homes themselves are set three metres apart. WE S TVI E W BU I LD E RS
Garages are bigger
back on The Ranch
Strathmore homes give you great
value and a small-town atmosphere
J O S H S K A PI N
C A LG A RY H E R A L D
The garages connect with a neighbour’s but the homes themselves
do not.
This is the concept in a new release by two builders at The Ranch
in Strathmore.
Jager Homes and WestView
Builders are opening show homes
in the eighth phase of The Ranch
at noon on Saturday. The Ranch is
a 45-hectare community masterplanned by United Communities,
the same company behind Sage
Hill and Nolan Hill in northwest
Calgary.
Jag er is unveiling its
1,790-square-foot Eastgate model
and its Waterford floor plan, which
is 1,511 square feet.
For WestView, it’s the Colorado
and the Radley. The Colorado is
1,480 square feet and the Radley
is 1,339 square feet. These homes
are located at 100-112 Ranch Rise.
Prices start from the $330,000s.
The homes in this release have
a garage that’s linked to a neighbour’s but the homes themselves
are three metres apart. Connecting the garages allows the homes
to be zoned as attached homes.
This gives the owner the benefits
of a single-family home on a lot
that costs less, says Jager general
manager Joe Roland.
“You move into a single-family
house with a yard, and your garage
old world
traditions.
modern living.
is attached, but instead of that being a detriment, it’s actually a positive because we make the garage
bigger,” says Roland. “Instead of
having a two-car garage, we have
a two-and-a-half-car garage and
it’s still a single-family house. You
don’t have a common wall.”
The Ranch is now selling in its
eighth phase of development,
where there are 44 lots, including
14 that back on to green space.
“You get a much better value in
Strathmore than you would in the
city of Calgary. Even compared
to other satellite communities, I
think you get more for less money,”
says United’s marketing director
Steve LePan. “It also really appeals
to people looking for that small
town atmosphere. It’s very much a
small town, and yet, you’re only 40
minutes from downtown Calgary.”
Visit theranchunited.com
for more information.
T O R O N T O Barbecue expert Ted
Reader, who has more than 50
types of grills, waxes eloquent
when explaining his love for cooking with charcoal rather than gas.
“A gas grill gives you instantaneous heat. Charcoal gives you
love,” the chef says.
Charcoal barbecues are enjoying
a resurgence with consumers who
want to expand their barbecuing
skills, says Naz Cavallaro, resident
chef for Canadian grill maker Broil
King.
“More and more people are getting into the charcoal way of doing
things,” Cavallaro says.
But both experts say there are
reasons to choose a gas grill and
pros and cons for each type of cooking fuel.
A consistent temperature is
easier to maintain with gas, either
natural or propane, and many
homeowners opt to install a natural gas line so it’s “always there,”
says Cavallaro.
With propane, a tank can run
out during grilling. And it’s not as
Naz Cavallaro, resident chef for Broil King, says it’s easier to maintain a
constant temperature with natural or propane gas. T HE C ANA DIA N PR ES S
Set amid the rolling hills of Calgary’s northwest, Nolan Hill recalls British Isles character of days gone
by – right down to the castle-ruin entry features. Yet with abundant park space and nearby shopping,
schools and recreation, Nolan Hill offers a modern, family-friendly lifestyle that combines the best
of both worlds – old and new. Take Sarcee Trail 1 km north from Stoney Trail and follow the signs.
NOLANHILLUNITED.COM
new sales centres
new showhomes
townhomes
front garage
front garage
front garage
from the $300s
from the $450s
from the $475s
from the $600s
collection
zero lot line
efficient in winter because the gas
doesn’t burn off properly when it’s
too cold, Cavallaro adds.
On the other hand, a three-metre
hose for a natural gas hookup prohibits much relocation, whereas a
propane-fuelled barbecue can be
moved around the yard.
When it comes to charcoal grills,
many swear by the smoky taste they
offer — but patience is required.
Lighting charcoal isn’t difficult
but isn’t as quick as gas.
There are compressed paper
cubes, electrical lighters and electronic hair dryer-type blowers
available to start a charcoal grill.
Reader likes the ease of using a
charcoal chimney.
Never use lighter fluid, which
imparts an unpleasant flavour to
charcoal and food.
There are many styles of charcoal
grills, ranging from kettles and vertical barrel cookers to egg-shaped
kamados that are ceramic and hold
the temperature well.
“If I was going to invest, I would
invest in the best and look for a kamado cooker,” says Reader. “You
won’t be needing to buy another
grill or smoker for 10 years plus.”
move up
estate-style
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