Reinvent yourself at Stonebridge by the Bay in Wasaga Beach

Stonebridge by the Bay is the whole package — a community that, while helping to reinvent Wasaga Beach, gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself.

That's the vision for Stonebridge by the Bay, a complete pedestrian-friendly, active community that offers residents more than just a collection of houses. This is a place to call home year round, where you can let the 2.1 km of trails guide you to the commercial area or through the 22.75 acres of open space parkland, which includes a pond — nature is a partner at Stonebridge by the Bay.

Because Stonebridge works with nature, not against it, you'll also find naturalized areas, tree-lined boulevards (mature trees that you can enjoy now, not in 25 years). More than 250 trees have been planted so far. Many homes back on to parkland, for a sense of privacy.

Distinctive stone gates mark the entrance to Stonebridge by the Bay, which will consist of 353 homes — freehold bungalows and two-storey villas. The architecture takes its cues from 1920s Wasaga Beach, Cape Cod, other coastal communities, and American architect Robert Stern.

Inspired façades may feature, depending on the model, high-pitched roofs, maintenance-free Hardie board trim, bell lines, stone accents, columns, cedar-shake like trim, recessed walls, decorative trim, sidelights, transoms, covered balconies, covered porches, decorative windows, Juliet balconies, peaked dormers, and turrets.

Homes in Phase 1, which is 70 per cent sold out, range in size from 1,189 square-feet to 1,990 square-feet and start from $197,000. Homes in Phase 2 range in size from 1,009 square-feet to 1,676 square feet. This community is well under construction.

All homes at Stonebridge by the Bay will have 9-foot main floor ceilings, extended-height kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile in the foyer, kitchen, and bathrooms, and 40-oz or Berber broadloom.

Stonebridge by the Bay homes will also have ENERGY STAR features such as low E argon-filled windows, extra insulation, a high efficiency two-stage furnace, and a high-efficiency heat recovery ventilator.

Interiors have been designed to bring the beach inside. These open-concept plans may have coffered ceilings, combined living/dining rooms, breakfast bars, full master ensuites, deep walk-in closets, French doors, second floor study lofts, raised ceilings, main or second floor laundry areas, country kitchens, half-walls, garden doors, vaulted ceilings, and open-to-above areas (with loft option).

Your home exists beyond your front door, that's why Stonebridge extends your living space into a charming, well appointed enclave. The private Beach Club will feature a fireplace, full kitchens, expansive verandas, landscaped grounds, and more; it will be a great place to relax, entertain, and foster a sense of community. Owners will also have exclusive use of an outdoor pool area, complete with cabana.

This 95-acre neighbourhood — 12 years in the making — already has the Stonebridge Town Centre, which features restaurants, major retailers and a bank, with more amenities planned. All structures, from professional buildings, to streetlights, are designed to fit seamlessly into the community for a cohesive and inviting feel.

More plans for this unique neighbourhood include a new 20,000 square-foot Wasaga Beach Public Library, expected to include computers for public access, archival materials, meeting rooms, and children's programs. The library will be the cultural centre of of Stonebridge by the Bay, drawing residents from throughout Wasaga Beach. Stonebridge Building Group has great plans for this part of the neighbourhood, including a gazebo and summer in the park movies, a skating track, and cultural events. Creativity and energy will blossom here.

New connections and friendships are already blooming in this community, which keeps residents informed with the Stonebridge Times, our newsletter. Last December, the community hosted a family Christmas party, which featured a horse drawn sleigh ride, ice sculptors, fire dancers, games, prizes, Christmas carols, and a 20-foot Christmas tree lit by Mayor Cal Patterson.

Stonebridge by the Bay is a special neighbourhood that respects history and encourages creativity. To get a true sense of this community visit the presentation centre, located in the Stonebridge Town Centre, 291 Main St. S. and River Road West in Wasaga Beach. It's open Monday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Marijka Stasoff 1-877-420-0880 or 705-422-0880.