On the map: ‘Somewhere outside the city that’s a little more relaxed’ 

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In the Barrie-area town of Innisfil, Rosehaven Homes is positioning Simcoe Woods as a change of scenery for buyers seeking more square footage and easy access to nature without giving up convenience. 

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“Many of our buyers are looking to take value out of the home they have closer to the city and still buy a large residence up by Lake Simcoe,” says Roberto Yangosian, Rosehaven’s marketing director. “They want somewhere outside the city that’s a little more relaxed.” 

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Located at Innisfil Beach Road and Webster Boulevard, the 84-home community includes 20-foot freehold townhomes and loft townhomes, along with 33- and 39-foot detached homes ranging from 1,849 to 3,216 square feet. Occupancy is expected to begin in August 2027. 

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Although the development offers a broad mix of housing types, early interest has leaned toward the larger homes, Yangosian says. “That demand reflects the range of buyers considering a move to Innisfil, including multigenerational households that need additional bedrooms, condo owners looking to move into low-rise housing, and older homeowners who want to unlock equity from a GTA property without sacrificing living space.” 

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According to Yangosian, many prospective purchasers are downsizers in only the loosest sense of the word: They may be leaving a larger or more expensive home closer to Toronto, but they still want enough room for visiting children, grandchildren and hobbies. 

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For households seeking additional flexibility, Rosehaven is offering its Dualhaven model, a dual-dwelling home with a completed lower-level residence. The separate unit has its own entrance and independently controlled heating and cooling, making it suitable for extended family members or potential rental income.  

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Rosehaven has also adjusted some plans in response to feedback from buyers who wanted parking for two vehicles but did not necessarily want to move up to a wider 39-foot lot. On suitable 33-foot lots, tandem garages can accommodate two cars parked one behind the other. 

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Inside, Simcoe Woods is intended to offer a level of finish that Yangosian says is frequently treated as optional elsewhere. Depending on the model, standard features include nine-foot smooth ceilings on the main floor, raised coffered ceilings in primary bedrooms, seven-foot interior doors, and gas fireplaces. 

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Kitchens come with extended upper cabinetry, crown moulding, full-depth refrigerator uppers and stone countertops. Primary ensuites may include five-foot freestanding tubs, frameless glass showers, mosaic shower floors and tiled walls extending to the ceiling.  

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Energy efficiency is another component of the offering. Each house is evaluated through the Home Energy Rating System by a certified third-party rater, both before construction and near completion. The homes are designed to exceed current Ontario Building Code requirements and include high-efficiency furnaces, energy-recovery ventilators and drain-water heat-recovery systems. A 200-amp electrical service and rough-in for a future electric-vehicle charger are also standard.