The Willows continues to evolve with the addition of its final, most ambitious neighbourhood yet: Westhills at the Willows. Construction on the first residences in the community is slated to begin later this summer.
Twenty years ago, the Willows debuted as Saskatoon’s original golf course community and welcomed its first residents. The master-planned community gained acclaim for its one-of-a-kind estate homes and luxury condominiums surrounding the championship golf course, which opened for play in 1991.
“Westhills at the Willows is the final phase of the overall Willows master-planned community,” says Brad Zurevinski, general manager of Dream Unlimited’s Saskatoon land division.
Homes at the Willows are thoughtfully integrated into the golf course’s spectacular landscaping, distinguished by gentle, rolling hills and majestic trees.To accommodate the Westhills expansion, Dream’s concept plan included a reconfiguration of the 27-hole layout to an 18-hole premium course.
“Renowned Canadian golf course architect Doug Carrick is the steward of our golf course redesign. Doug has worked on 10 of Canada’s top 100 golf courses,” says Zurevinski.
“The project will involve a reconstruction and reconfiguration of the ‘Bridges and Lakes’ holes on the west side of the Willows. We’re also updating and upgrading the ‘Xena’ holes adjacent to the existing residential area, to make sure the entire course plays and feels like a connected Doug Carrick 18-hole course.”
The reconfigured holes will include new greens, tees and bunkers, several new fairways and upgraded irrigation systems. The clubhouse will also be reimagined, inside and out.
Zurevinski says an exciting suite of new amenities will “transform the Willows Club into more than just golf.”
The addition of pickleball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, fitness areas for yoga and Pilates, walking trails and unique children’s play structures will add variety to the active lifestyles sought after by residents of the Willows.
“In talking with potential and current homebuyers, this is definitely something this group is looking for. They are telling us that having other amenities that complement the golf course is something they really value,” says Zurevinski.
The first phase of Westhills at the Willows features 29 residential lots; 16 are currently sold.
“It’s an interesting demographic that we’re seeing, including younger families with children. Some are coming from other cities into Saskatoon and have highlighted the Willows as a place they’d like to live. We also have a few existing residents of the Willows who have expressed interest in the new development,” says Zurevinski.
“Many of these companies are members of our original builder group here at the Willows. They have an established track record of creating great quality homes for residents in this market, and offer outstanding warranties and high customer service ratings,” says Zurevinski.
Kelli Miller, marketing manager with Dream, agrees.
“Each company in our builder group is passionate about what they do. They all build custom homes, but each offers something different and unique. You’ll definitely be able to find a qualified and trusted builder within our group who will suit your personality and style.”
Architectural controls will ensure that homes constructed in the new community will match the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Approved architectural styles include Modern Prairie, Prairie School, Victorian, English Tudor, and Craftsman.
“We’re also focusing the neighbourhood around a wellness theme, with an emphasis on healthy homes. We’re encouraging our builders to be up to date on the latest advancements to protect the air quality within, including HEPA whole-home filtration and low-VOC requirements,” says Zurevinski.
Builders are also encouraged to design homes with large dramatic windows that draw natural light indoors, as well as front porches and rear decks that take full advantage of the sun.
Residential construction activity at Westhills at the Willows is anticipated to begin in August, once roads in the new area are complete.
“We expect several home starts to begin right after that happens, because there are buyers who already have their home plans ready to go and the builders are looking to start as soon as possible,” says Zurevinski.
Residential lots at Westhills at the Willows are available through companies in the designated builder group.
“Homebuyers can contact their selected builder to look at the lots that are available,” says Zurevinski.