By Tracy Hanes
RHYME AND REASON
Acorn’s Limerick Point Proves The Fan Favourite
An intimate luxury home development in a rare location surrounded by nature was the winner of OHBA’s 2019 People’s Choice Award. The public voted online August 14-23 for their favourite project from the list of the top finalists in Project of the Year Low-Rise and Project of the Year Mid- / High-Rise awards categories.
Acorn Homes’ Limerick Point in Richmond Hill, an enclave of 19 Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired homes set atop a knoll and bordering the Oak Ridges Moraine, garnered the most votes.
“We are super happy about the award,” says Zsuzsanna Deak, marketing manager for Acorn Homes. “We put a lot of attention into the homes; we put a lot of thinking into our designs and we introduce innovation. Winning this award is very humbling and makes us proud.”
The company takes no shortcuts, she says, whether it’s the design or building process, and endeavours to build long-term relationships with purchasers. Acorn was also able to forge positive relationships with homeowners in the area and gain their support for the development.
Much of the moraine, with its woodland, wetlands and kettle lakes, is protected, allowing residents of Limerick Point to enjoy the natural setting for generations. The homes also offer spectacular views of the countryside. Backyards face protected land, so nature and wildlife will be virtually at the doorstep.
The residences, starting from $2 million, boast custom-home-level design with unique geometry, upscale features and lavish interiors. Exterior features include Longboard aluminum panelling with Shadow Stone and Ledgestone accents and cedar planks that blend architecture with nature.
“The designs are very upscale and timeless,” says Deak. “When we created the vision, we wanted homes that will still look amazing 10 years from now.”
Interior highlights include custom modern kitchens with upscale Caesarstone quartz or granite countertops, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and 10-foot ground-floor ceilings. All homes are Energy Star-qualified and have rough-ins for EV chargers in the garages.
Acorn Homes’ marketing efforts resounded with potential buyers. A hardcover brochure using magazine-quality photography, beautiful renderings including pencil sketches and engaging writing gave potential buyers, agents and brokers a sense of the Limerick Point lifestyle.
Another successful marketing initiative was the Limerick Point Block Party, a live food truck and informational event at the sales office that used digital advertising and social media to attract prospective buyers. Attendees could enjoy delicious food from local businesses and meet with an interior designer and other team members, as well as view a video and sales material.
Graziani Corazza Biase, a firm that has traditionally focused on the high-rise market, was recruited to design the model home. The Winslow House will feature a gourmet kitchen with high-end appointments such as a marble serving table, stunning entryway and generous living spaces. Modern design elements include 5.5” flat stock baseboards and casings, a 50” electric fireplace, custom family room fireplace wall, a dramatic staircase wall feature and a basement wine cellar with a freestanding bar.
“This firm has had great success in the high-rise market,” says Deak. “We love their style and we like to think outside the box and try different things.” Congratulations to Acorn Homes, OHBA’s 2019 People’s Choice Award winner.
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