While not looking, or thinking about a new home, Jennifer and Mike Santry were intrigued by what Harmony had to offer. While browsing the newspaper, Mike discovered Harmony and the blended family decided to tour Harmony as part of a favourite family hobby of “open housing”. So, the thought of checking out this new lake community that offered larger lots (and garages) on a whim was not unusual, but this time around proved to be worth the drive.
Mike and Jennifer, with their daughters Alessa and Molly, drove out to Harmony and when they got there discovered a hidden gem, and seriously started to entertain the idea of moving to a new community. “We saw the Discovery Centre and we were all impressed by what it had to offer, we loved the history of the area, the thoughtful development, and frankly, Peter Donovan made the sale that day. It was a Sunday, and at 4 p.m. during closing, he let us in and sold us on an Augusta home that same day.”
Currently residing in an established lake community by Fish Creek Park, the Santry’s have enjoyed what their current community has to offer, however are looking forward to new amenities and the adventures that await them in Harmony. Even Maggie, the family’s four-legged member is eager to take in the expansive dog park!
A big factor in the decision making process was their commute time to work, in their current South Calgary community it was sometimes over an hour to the office. As working professionals, both Jennifer and Mike are both based out of downtown. As everyone transitions back to the office, their daughters too will transition with school and activities. Their older daughter Alessa is starting Mount Royal University in the fall and the new drive will be quite easy. Driving home to views of open skies and mountains is openly embraced as “it’s just a different type of commute—it’s a stress relief as you leave the city limits, it is just fantastic to feel like you have arrived.”
With family time spent around open fires, cycling, casual hikes, and get-togethers, the Santry’s are very excited to get established. The vision of Harmony fits so well with their current lifestyle and allows them to expand on hobbies old and new. Their daughters love the idea of hosting friends over and enjoying mini staycations with all that their new home and community will offer. The kids have been able to go on walks with their dog and enjoy integrated paths, “But out here that’s just expanding so much more so with 12km of paved path already, the mountains so close by, and throw in the obvious enjoyment of the lake right here we can’t go wrong. We are looking forward to paddleboarding, buying a kayak, swimming, and cycling — frankly, you cannot do all of this anywhere else.”
What really solidified the Santry’s decision to move to Harmony was “the thoughtfulness that went into the development of the community. We like that it is a master-planned area, the sustainability in the choices, the amenities, and the increased value in our home as it matures and more people move here. Having a golf course nearby with two lakes, the Discovery Centre, the future Groupe Nordik Global Wellness Spa, and even the dog park with the painted tires shows the little details that are taken care of. Your home really stands apart.”
The Santry’s are building a customized version of the Nelson by Augusta Fine Homes on a lot that backs onto Harmony Lake with a private dock. They have expansive views upstairs and down with a walk-out basement leading to their backyard oasis. The option to customize allowed them to add special features to their new home such as the dog/bike wash in the garage as well as an added shower outside. This house is about entertaining, and all the decisions were made around hosting and making guests feel welcome. The process was very organic, and the sales manager, Peter Donovan, has a level of experience that truly has the customer’s needs first and foremost at bay. Their designer Steve was always willing to see how they could make the Santry’s wishes come true. With possession coming up in Spring 2022, Mike is eagerly waiting for that first jump off the dock.
