Belgravia is calling you home.

If you’re in the market for a home that features appealing inner-city location, distinctive characteristics, classic and traditional styling and prime investment potential, Belgravia has rolled out the red carpet for you.

Belgravia is a truly exceptional Edmonton neighbourhood of 56 single-family lots in an enviable location on Saskatchewan Drive.

And a word to the wise: don’t delay your visit to the sales centre – 46 of these premium lots have already been snapped up.

Gay Erickson says community input has been a critical part of the Belgravia development.

This gorgeous property, the pride of Edmonton real estate developer Westcorp Inc., is sprouting up in an established neighbourhood in the midst of towering trees at the end of Saskatchewan Drive South.

“The key things that set Belgravia apart from the residential real estate crowd are its extraordinary location and a unique development process,” says Westcorp’s Gay Erickson.

After purchasing the land from longtime owner WCB, Westcorp immediately engaged the community in a comprehensive consultation process.

“The result was a unique set of guidelines designed to preserve the integrity of the neighbourhood,” Erickson explains.

“Having the highest esthetic and building standards is crucial, but equally important is individuality. There will be no cookie-cutter here.”

Belgravia is following in the tradition of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in the centre of the city – areas like Glenora. This development will feature unique styles that complement each other and create a highly appealing character.

“The community also told us to keep the garages where they belong - in the back with access from the rear lane only,” adds Erickson. “No one wants a sea of garages greeting visitors.

“What the visitor will find is an eclectic grouping of homes, built to specific period styles with thought given to how each home affects its neighbours and the subdivision as a whole.”

Mariah Consulting reviews each plan, looking for compliance and ensuring the specific elements appear in each design.

Belgravia’s lots feature mature landscaping and privacy and are in close proximity to popular Whyte Avenue, some of Canada's most promising medical and teaching facilities at the University of Alberta, the city’s expansive park system and fabulous running paths.

This is an area of the city that is in huge demand in a hot residential real estate market.

“Investing in a beautiful home in such a prestigious neighbourhood makes a lot of sense,” says Erickson.

And the fact the U of A has plans to invest millions of dollars annually over the next decade bodes well for local real estate value.

Belgravia isn’t just an investment that makes sense at a time when investors have been fleeing other investments such as the stock market.

You should also think of it as an investment in lifestyle. Mirroring the eclectic blend of classic and traditionally styled homes, Belgravia lots are attracting a great mix of families.

“New families are please to find the location is near excellent elementary schools,” says Erickson.

“Established families love the privacy, location and proximity to the university for work and eduction.

“And the retired and semi-retired see the investment value and enjoy the views, parks and serenity.”

The homes, meanwhile, feature a diverse range of period styles and architectural elements: the Craftsman, Colonial, Tudor and Prairie or Ranch.

The lots range in price from $175,000 to $325,000. Once the lot is purchased, the owners have their homes built to spec on an individual basis. Belgravia homes will reflect stylistic definition identifiable to a period original.

But the following descriptions are just some of the options available:

* CRAFTSMAN: The Craftsman style includes bungalows, one-and-a-half-storey and two-storey designs with low-pitched side gable roofs and wide overhangs. Dormers and inset gables are finished in shakes, exposed beams or angle braces. Windows have a vertical orientation with double hung or divided panes with grills in the upper sash. The lower sash is plain. A major element of the Craftsman style are partial or full-width verandas. Craftsman homes may be finished in smooth stucco, brick, siding or shakes. Suitable colours include deep earth tones accented by heavy white trims.

* COLONIAL: The Colonial style includes one-and-a-half-storey, two-storey and bungalow designs with a simple rectangular footprint.

The main floor is typically a side gable or hip roof with minimal overhang. Dormers and front facing gables are clad in the same material as the walls add interest. Windows are aligned and symmetrically balanced and strictly vertical in orientation.

The main body of the Colonial home is commonly clad in horizontal siding or brick. Colours suited to the Colonial style are light neutrals (white and cream) for siding with red or darker tones for brick exteriors.

* TUDOR: Tudor style homes are typically two-storey models asymmetrical in elevation with side gables dominated by one or more front gables that intersect. Heavy vertical timber details define the gable ends. Chimneys are detailed and often prominent, usually finished in brick or stone. Window and trims are dark in colour.

The Tudor home is clad in stucco of lighter earth tone shades with dark brown or black fascia and timber trims.

* PRAIRIE: The Prairie style bungalow is characterized by a low sloping and simple hip or side gable roof with wide overhangs and deep fascias. The footprint is often L-shaped.

The design is horizontal in presentation with simplified forms. Prairie-style homes may be finished in smooth stucco or flat brick and are often outlined with contrasting wood trim. Colours suited to the Prairie style are mid to dark earth tones with monotone trims.

Other features of the Belgravia homes are minimum two-car garages and walkout basements.

For more information about Belgravia or other Westcorp properties, call 780.431.3311, visit www.westcorp.net or e-mail Westcorp at Belgravia_lots@westcorp.net