DeSantis Homes has a new townhome project in the works and it’s revolutionary! Coming to the small community of Winona just off the QEW between Stoney Creek and Grimsby, Livingway Urban Towns is a community of 454 stacked one and two-bedroom towns with optional third bedroom/den, inspired by the Dutch urban planning concept, Woonerf.
If you’ve not heard the term before, it’s because the concept is relatively new to North America. In fact, Livingway will be the first community of its kind in the stretch between Halton and Niagara.
The term Woonerf means “living street,” and Woonerf communities are where streets come to life – with people, not traffic. In lieu of private garages and street parking, Livingway has a five-acre underground parking lot that is accessed discreetly from the periphery of the community. With the exception of a cobblestone fire route, there are no actual thoroughfares in the centre of the community, so residents of all ages can enjoy a safe and relaxing pedestrian experience.
At the heart of Livingway’s eight-acre site is a beautifully landscaped park with lawns, trees, and lots of raised beds. Tables and chairs scattered throughout the area encourage people to stop and mingle, as do the large play structure, communal barbecues, and splash pad, which converts into a skating rink come winter. A pavilion offers a shady reprieve, as well as a great location for birthday parties. There’s also a community garden.
Livingway really is about quality of life, and greener living. Here, there’s no need to be car-dependent. If you do need a vehicle, though, consider taking the sustainable route by borrowing your wheels of choice through the on-site Car Share program, which offers cars, scooters, and bikes – all-electric, of course.
For convenient shopping, Winona Crossing, which is practically on your doorstep, has an LCBO, Costco, Metro, Starbucks, pet store, dollar store, and health store, as well as a gym, pet groomer, tons of restaurants, and more. Plus, the ground floor of all towns surrounding the community will accommodate 31 commercial/retail units. You’re also close to downtown Hamilton, and the Confederation Go Station, currently offering bus service with train service anticipated for 2023.
As for access to nature, there are tons of parks around, and the waterfront, less than a kilometre away, makes a great destination for daily dog walks, as does the landscaped path system that runs the edge of the property. Upgrades are also in the works to give pedestrians and cyclists direct access to Wilson Park and Winona Park. And of course, the fact that you’re on the edge of wine country here gives you endless options when it comes to scenic outings. Delivering fantastic value, the Livingway allows you to enjoy comfortable, two-storey living in a beautifully landscaped environment without having to manage the upkeep. As for those who have their sights on a condominium mid-rise or high-rise, Livingway may have you rethinking your next move. Like a condo building, it delivers comfort, convenience, and a great sense of community, but it also delivers that unmistakable feeling of pride one gets when crossing the threshold from the outdoors into one’s own home.
When you take a look at the layouts of these townhomes, you may notice their simplicity. Make no mistake; achieving this level of simplicity without compromising the flow of these open-concept plans was a complicated process. Efficiently designed to maximize functionality, each home features two storeys of comfortable, practical living space that includes a convenient, main-floor powder room, as well as a bathroom on the second-floor, as well as stackable laundry. Thanks to oversized windows, the homes are nice and bright. And with waterproof vinyl plank flooring throughout the ground floor and upper hallway, they’re durable enough to withstand the antics of even the most rambunctious toddler.
Style-wise, Livingway towns are modern inside and out Kitchens feature high-quality stainless steel appliances and homeowners get to choose from nine predetermined contemporary colour and cabinetry combinations. All units offer outdoor space. The lower units have patios, while the uppers boast rooftop terraces, and some have small balconies. All patios, terraces, and balconies have contemporary glass railing systems.
On the outside, homes feature various combinations of brick, stone, stucco, and pops of durable wood-look siding designed to mimic rich, natural wood. Not all exteriors are alike, though. Rather, a variety of curated exterior packages have been applied in a thoughtful manner so as to create a streetscape that delivers harmony without monotony. Overall, the architecture at Livingway is striking but not overpowering, aligning perfectly with its design inspiration – Woonerf. Here, you won’t just reap the value of your physical home. You’ll reap the value of the broader environment. An environment that promotes community living for an elevated quality of life.
