Affordable luxury in White Rock

Amenities and amazing homes abound in White Rock, but the Avra Development Group is bringing something new to the area with Avra, its condominium development in uptown White Rock that combines curb appeal, location and high-end design in one gorgeous package.

"People have nothing but great things to say about Avra," says Vice-President and Director Chris Tsakumis. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive."The homes are move-in-ready and available for a quick possession, Tsakumis says.

"We've responded to the market's request for larger suites," he says, noting the availability of custom homes that are actually two floorplans combined together to make a single suite. These range from about 1,300 to over 1,600 square feet, which Tsakumis says has been particularly attractive to downsizers."These allow our downsizing clients to find something they're comfortable with," he says. "It's been received really positively."

Tsakumis says that residents don't have to give up some of their possessions when they purchase one of the custom floorplans, simply due to how spacious they are. There are three different custom plans available in the building, along with a penthouse floorplan. It's obvious that the developer has gone above and beyond with Avra, and is catering to buyers who are looking for a gorgeous seaside lifestyle and plenty of space to live or relax.

"No other community can offer something custom like this," Tsakumis says. "Avra is the only concrete high-rise community with brand-new extra-large two and three bedroom suites."The high-end features at Avra are definitely one of the biggest draws for buyers. Gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, beech or oak wood veneer cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances will suit any chef. Some homes include an integrated workstation; a convenient touch for those who work at home or study.

The bathrooms are soothing and luxurious, with their own elegant cabinets, marble slab countertops and backsplash and a bathtub fit for a spa. The Kuzco chrome-finish wall sconce puts everyone in the best light, and is complemented by the framed silver vanity mirror and sleek ceramic tile tub and shower surround."There's a great architectural vision and design here," Tsakumis says. "We are very confident in the product we've built. It's affordable luxury."

Avra is perfectly located to take advantage of the amenities on offer in White Rock. The building is moments away from shopping at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre and other local boutiques, as well as dining, services, leisure and recreation. You're also situated near excellent schools, including Semiahmoo Secondary with its International Baccalaureate program. That school has been a major draw for families looking for the best education for their children, Tsakumis says.

Perhaps best of all, you're just minutes from the White Rock waterfront. Because of this, the views from your new home and its floor-to-ceiling windows are simply incredible.Inside Avra itself, you'll find a fully furnished entertainment lounge with a full kitchen, a fitness centre,A China Stone Carving concept that would double as a quick charge station for gadgets. barbecue patio and guest suite, as well as several outdoor courtyards. A live-in resident manager is available as well, providing hotel-style service to each resident.

During the past six months, I have focused on a bucket list and personal pilgrimage that has taken me to some of the highest peaks and prettiest destinations in Colorado as a means of answering some of lifes tough questions.

One of the destinations on this list was Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. I had attempted to hike to the lake a few years back,What's the difference between Marble tiles and Porcelain Tiles? but I couldnt complete the trek.

I recently went back to finish the trail and see for myself what I had been told was a beautiful destination.

Considered one of the best trails in the park, this 8.4-mile hike wanders past waterfalls, lakes, high peaks and open meadows.Browse our Granite slabs collection from the granitetrade.net! After passing through three climate zones, the trail ends at Chasm Lake, a high alpine lake at the base of the east face of Longs Peak, which is a sheer 1,000-foot granite slab called the Diamond.

In addition to the views, the achievement of finishing the trail reinforced my desire to continue with my personal pilgrimage to see new and unfinished destinations in Colorado and around the world.

The trail to Chasm Lake starts at the Longs Peak Trailhead at 9,400 feet on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The beginning of the trail is a bit steep, as the switchbacks cross back and forth through a forest of spruce, fir and lodgepole pine.

There are a few destinations along the trail. At approximately a half-mile from the trailhead, hikers will reach the junction of the trails to Eugenia Mine, Storm Pass and Estes Cone.

At slightly more than 1 mile from the trailhead is the spur for the Goblins Forest backcountry campsite with six individual sites.

The trail passes along Alpine Brook, continues through Goblins Forest and crosses Larkspur Creek. Hikers cross Alpine Brook further up the trail via a footbridge. This section of Alpine Brook, with its water cascading down boulders and fallen timber into a high-country meadow, makes a great stop for taking long-exposure photos for a soft effect of the creeks water.

Just past Alpine Brook, at approximately 10,600 feet, the trail exits the forest into a subalpine zone dominated by krummholz. This German word meaning twisted wood describes the stunted and twisted wood of the trees in the transition zone between subalpine forest and alpine tundra.

Start looking for the hardy animals that prefer the high elevation of the subalpine and alpine zones: bighorn sheep and mountain goats on the high rocky ledges; white-tailed ptarmigan along the edges of willow fields; and pikas and yellow-bellied marmots in the talus slopes and rocky outcroppings.
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