For Karen Clark, a recently divorced single mother of two young children, Kianna, 7, and Brady, 4, the search for a new home was not just about downsizing—it was about finding the perfect fit for her family's evolving needs. After living in a 2,400-square-foot home in Dawson's Landing, Chestermere, which she had built with her former husband, Clark knew she wanted to stay in the area. She cherished the small-town atmosphere, the scenic lake views, and the abundance of nature and water-based activities that Chestermere offers.
A Journey to the Perfect Home
In November, Clark began her home search by exploring townhome models in Chestermere's Waterford community. However, she quickly realized that a townhome layout would not suit her family's lifestyle. After viewing several other options without success, her breakthrough came when she visited the newly unveiled show home parade in Bridgeport, a fresh community on Chestermere's west side, adjacent to Dawson's Creek.
The Moment of Realization
"I stepped into the Trico Homes show home—the Raeya—and I just knew. It felt like home. It had everything that I wanted," Clark recalls. The Raeya model, designed by Trico Homes, immediately captivated her with its open and bright layout, offering thoughtful adjustments that cater to various lifestyle needs. Marvin Ray Uy from Trico Homes highlights the model's popularity, noting it as one of their bestsellers due to its flexibility and functionality.
"There's a lot of flexibility in this home model, and that's one thing that people love about it. It's also very functional," Uy explains, emphasizing how families appreciate the design's adaptability.
Features That Make a Difference
Spanning just over 1,800 square feet, the Raeya is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom plan with an open-concept main floor. It includes a generous entryway, a flex room, and a powder room that can be converted into a main floor bedroom and full bathroom, ideal for hosting guests or accommodating aging parents. At the rear of the home, a large kitchen with a central island takes center stage, perfectly aligning with the family's busy routine.
"I can be cooking dinner and the kids can be playing in the living room, and I'll be able to watch them and cook," Clark shares. The main floor flex room was another significant draw, as Clark works a hybrid schedule—three days at home and two days in her downtown Calgary office. "I really needed a lovely space in the home to work, and the office will be big enough to have a few functions, so I can put some of the kids' toys in there, too," she adds.
Upstairs Comforts
Upstairs, the home boasts three spacious bedrooms, a separate laundry room—"not just a closet"—a feature that was crucial for Clark. Additionally, a generously sized bonus room provides extra space for relaxation or activities. Bridgeport itself offers a convenient community with easy access to Chestermere and Calgary's amenities, making it an attractive location for families seeking both tranquility and connectivity.
For Clark and her children, along with their two cats, Earl and Harvey, the move to the Raeya in Bridgeport has been a seamless transition. "It just felt like home," she concludes, underscoring how the model's design and the community's offerings have created an ideal living environment for her young family.
