If you have guests and family members coming to visit this summer, putting them up for the night can sometimes be a hassle.  But now visitors to Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County have a new and unique lodging option.

Welcome to “Rare Gem”, a bed and breakfast that offers much more than just a bed for the night plus breakfast! 

Located in a fully restored 1910 heritage home just ½ block from Stony Plain’s historic Main Street, Rare Gem pampers its guests in Victorian elegance and charm, along with every modern comfort and convenience.  From Rare Gem’s marketing brochure:

“Boutique accommodations, delicious breakfasts and hospitality of the finest character are yours to enjoy.  Complimentary welcome, tuck-in and wake-up trays are trademarks of our service.

“Guests will choose from our spacious second-floor executive rooms complete with ensuites or private bath.  The finest of linens, fireplaces, flat-screen cable televisions, wireless-internet access, air conditioning, fine appointments, privacy locks, bathrobes, toiletries and off-street parking assure your needs are met.

“The upper parlour, complete with an outdoor balcony, is yours to enjoy.

“All breakfasts are home-prepared, flavourful and nutritious using seasonal and local ingredients when available.  Special diets and strong allergies may be accommodated with prior notice.

“Breakfasts are served in the home’s formal dining room, the upper parlour, or weather permitting, on our covered veranda or in the private courtyard – the choice is yours!

Rare Gem, a smoke-free, adult-oriented residence, offers 3 guest rooms that can house 2 persons each, with a choice of twin, queen or king beds.  Prices range from $105 to $135 per night.

Guest Rooms

Stairway

Upper Hallway

Upper Parlour

Living Room

Dining Room

Veranda

Private Courtyard

But this B & B isn’t just for out-of-towners:

“Rare Gem also opens its doors to family, social and business private functions.  Call or make an appointment so that we may discuss your breakfast meeting, high-tea luncheon, celebratory reception, wine-tasting gathering, or a discreet or robust dinner.  We offer personalized menu planning, high-quality service, and an enchanting atmosphere both indoors and in our courtyard.  You will find us accommodating, delicious and attentive to every detail.”

Up to 80 people can be accommodated for a wide range of special events.  Think family reunions, wedding receptions, business retreats, meetings and celebrations of every description.

Want more information?  Genial hosts Shelley and Robert Twerdoclib are happy to oblige.  Contact details:

Rare Gem is located at 4915 – 53 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 1C5

Phone:  780-963-7431     Fax: 780-963-9984

Email:  raregem.stonyplain@gmail.com

Website:  www.bbcanada.com/raregem

Comments or questions about this article?  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

One of Edmonton’s nicknames is River City, and the River Valley Alliance is working hard to make that much more than a catchy phrase.

Haven’t heard of the River Valley Alliance?  If you are someone who enjoys spending time outdoors and who is concerned about preserving the natural beauty around us for generations to come, this is something you’ll want to learn about and get involved in.

The goal of the River Valley Alliance since 1996 has been to “Preserve, Protect and Enhance” the valley of the North Saskatchewan River.  Seven municipalities within the valley (Town of Devon, Parkland County, Leduc County, City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, Sturgeon County and City of Fort Saskatchewan) collaborate to create a continuous river valley park system connecting the 22+ parks and numerous trails in Alberta’s Capital Region, stretching all the way from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan.  The end product is a continuous span of 88 km, longer than any other urban park in North America. At 18,000 acres, it is also one of the largest, making it 22 times bigger than Central Park in New York City. 

The official River Valley Alliance brochure points out that “the River Valley is a defining symbol of Alberta’s Capital Region, a green corridor along the North Saskatchewan River that offers:

• a preserve for wildlife and native vegetation
• an escape to nature for residents and visitors
• opportunities for year round outdoor recreation, family fun and community events
• a place to connect to others and with yourself”

RVA’s main role is to coordinate planning and development along the river valley and to access financial and public support for the project.

RVA’s brochure also suggests several ways each of us can get involved in this very worthy undertaking:

“Visit the river valley – share the experience with family and friends

Show your pride – tell people about this unique feature and RVA’s work

Participate – share your river valley stories, photos and videos

Donate – donate to RVA’s work through Canada Helps, corporate giving, or in-kind donations

Connect – contact us or subscribe online to RVA’s e-newsletter:

River Valley Alliance, P.O. Box 2359, Edmonton AB T5J 2R7

contact@rivervalley.ab.ca

www.rivervalley.ab.ca”

Thanks to the fine folks at River Valley Alliance for allowing me to quote from their brochure and use their content! 

Comments or questions about this article or about real estate near the river?  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Every once in a while, a home comes on the market that is so outstanding, it deserves to be highlighted in a special way.  If you are in the market for an acreage home in the Spruce Grove-Stony Plain-Edmonton region, this incredible property needs to be seen to be appreciated.44, 53305 Range Road 273, Parkland County is a 4-bedroom (2 up, 2 down), 1,991 sq ft custom-designed bungalow (built in 2006) situated on a 1.14 acre lot in the prestigious subdivision of Atim Creek Springs 12 minutes west of Edmonton.  Adjectives like stunning, gorgeous, breathtaking, incredible sound like clichés but in this case every one of them fits!  There is nothing lacking in either the superb finishing of the home or the spectacular landscaping of the park-like lot. 

Here are just a few of the features of this home that make it extraordinary:

Kitchen and Dining Areas:

Beautiful kitchen with tons of space, pot drawers, pecan-colored cabinets, glass-doored pantry, granite counter tops, breakfast bar

Stainless steel appliances

Dual-fuel stove, gas cooktop, gas convection oven

Beautiful backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, subtle above-cabinet lighting

Garden door to deck from dinette; 3-zone audio system in kitchen, basement and deck

3-sided gas fireplace separates dinette from living room

Intimate alcove formal dining room can seat 12-14 people; hardwood floor

Master Suite:

Huge main floor master bedroom (more than 18’x13’)

Large walk-in closet

Luxurious master bath has 2-sided gas fireplace, Bain Ultra Air Deep 2-person bathtub, rain shower, 4-piece body spray and hand wand in shower, his/hers sinks

Flooring, Finishing, Comfort Features

Extensive use of ceramic tile, hardwood

Beautiful earth-tone colors throughout

11’ ceilings in entryway and living room, 9’ everywhere else including basement

In-floor heating in main floor ceramic tiles and throughout basement

Air conditioning

Security system

Low E windows and screens

Low-flow dual flush toilets in all 3 bathrooms

Main floor laundry room with upper cabinets, full-size sink with spray

Bench and large coat closet in mudroom access off garage

3700 gallon cistern; septic system to code

Easy Living Features in Basement:

Entertainment/media room (18’x30’) with grand entertainment unit and surround sound, plus games room or exercise room

Large wet bar with full-size fridge and sink, under-counter lighting

Basement bath has private shower with rain shower and hand wand, 2 sinks, ample storage in 2 banks of drawers and 2 very large upper mirrored cabinets

2 large bedrooms

Huge utility room with craft table and storage

 Yard, Lot, Exterior Amenities:

Very private, beautifully landscaped natural treed lot with native and planted evergreen and seedlings

Loaded with trees, shrubs, perennials

Lovely greenhouse, raised herb garden

Stone walkways, fire pit, large stone patio, wood deck with maintenance-free decking

6-person hot tub and pergola

Huge shed and ½ shed for storage

Exposed aggregate walkway to front entry and stairs

4000 sq ft asphalt driveway and extra long RV parking

Fully fenced chain link with double gate for vehicle access to back yard

Cedar and lattice fence on neighbor side

Garage:

1200 sq ft insulated triple attached garage with 2 large windows for lots of light

Natural gas to garage; hot and cold water taps and floor drain

You’ll have difficult decisions to make about where to spend your time.  Do you whip up stellar meals in the gourmet’s delight kitchen?  Host elegant dinner parties in the formal dining room?  Have your friends over to watch sporting events and enjoy the hospitality of the wet bar in the magnificent downstairs entertainment room?  Soak up the beauty and serenity of the glorious backyard from the deck or patio, or in the hot tub under the pergola?  This home truly has everything you could ask for – the perfect place for family living and entertaining.

I would love to show you this wonderful home, or any other property in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or Edmonton region.  Please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.