Real estate riddle of the week: How can the splendidly outfitted bungalow and two-storey condo units of Marin Harbor represent both the hottest and coolest home-purchase value in Calgary?

Hottest, because the first phase of Marin Harbor units to hit the market were snapped up and sold out almost before the ink dried on the MLS handouts.

Coolest, because Marin Harbor is situated in the heart of Marda Loop, one of Calgary's most desirable neighbourhoods. Only minutes away from some of Calgary's most appealing boutiques, specialty shops, coffee stops, restaurants, taverns and clubs, Marda Loop has much to offer for those who enjoy the sights and sounds of Calgary's vibrant nightlife.

But no matter how active their social life, the youthful professionals who've already purchased dwellings at Marin Harbor wanted more than just a ticket to the utmost in urban pleasures.

They wanted a safe haven, a welcoming refuge, a place to hang their hats and their hearts – a real home. And they got even more than they bargained for.

The Marin Harbor project in the heart of Calgary’s Marda Loop offers quality, variety and affordability.

The homes of Marin Harbor (pronounced Ma-RIN, a la the upscale residential district near San Francisco) represent that rarest of real-estate value packs – affordability, almost endless variety and bottom-line quality . . . rolled into one.

"This project really does have everything," grinned Sheldon Zacharias, one of southwest Calgary's most highly-respected sales professionals. Mr. Zacharias and the Zacharias Home Selling Team have gladly assumed marketing responsibility for the Marin Harbor project.

"All the basic features have been extremely well thought out and well done," said Mr. Zacharias.

"Not to mention all the little extras – beautiful trim, wider baseboards, crown mouldings – all the features which give a home character and class."

The homes are arranged around a central courtyard and the developer has included lots of green space.

Buyers are welcome to choose from a generous variety of floor plans, unit shapes and sizes because the builder/developer – Kent Construction Services Ltd. – never likes to limit a home-buyer's horizons.

And Kent's semi-legendary standards of excellence will be met – or exceeded – in every single one of 48 units, to come available for occupancy through the summer and early fall.

Draw up your list of dream features and match them to those available throughout this to-die-for development:

* Gas fireplace and six appliances, standard within each unit.

* Floors and cabinets finely fashioned from your choice of elegant maple or oak. A minimum of 40-oz. carpet with luxurious thick underlay.

* Granite counter tops, ceramic tiles (linoleum wasn't even considered) and space, space and more space.

* Two-car and single-car garages, plus at least one deck, patio (or both) with every unit.

* Easy access to downtown (seven minutes by car or express bus). And residents are a mere two-minute stroll from the off-leash dog walk near secluded Sandy Beach.

Did we mention location, location, location?

Marin Harbor lies two blocks east of Garrison Woods, the award-winning residential gem that has drawn kudos from urban planners from coast to coast. The Kent Construction Services development can match virtually all the amenities enjoyed by Garrison Woods residents – but at affordable, almost entry-level prices. Unit prices at Marin Harbor start from $237,200 and top out at $323,000.

Prior to taking on the task of marketing Marin Harbor, Mr. Zacharias put the project under his own professional microscope. "We are fussy about which projects we take on and which developers we choose to work with," explained Mr. Zacharias, who works hand-in-hand with his son, Nathan, and who speaks with the authority of 23 years in the business.

"When the Zacharias sales team puts its name to a project, we take the responsibility seriously," he continued.

"But Marin Harbor is in the finest possible hands. Kent Construction Services Ltd. is one of the most reputable companies I've dealt with and they're outdoing themselves with this project."

Mr. Zacharias was bowled over by the sheer variety of options the builders can offer. Two-storey stack units from $237,200. Spacious two-storey units with three bedrooms and side-by-side two car garages. A seemingly limitless number of variations on a theme. Exquisite street presence and immaculate interiors.

But seeing is believing. The Marin Harbor website (marinharbor.com) remains under construction but one of Mr. Zacharias' team of sales professionals will be happy to introduce you to floor plans as well as design and pricing details.

Call 403.710.9464 or e-mail: info@marinharbor.com. You can also visit the sales centre at 1915 36 Ave. S.W., which is open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends (closed Fridays).

And come in from the cold. Find your safe haven in Marin Harbor.