For the past two years, people had to use technology and their imaginations to virtually view the lottery grand prize show homes presented by the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon.

With pandemic restrictions lifted, this year’s lottery home is open for in-person viewing. The inviting $1.5 million show home is located at 1125 13th Street East in Varsity View.

“We haven’t been able to have the public tour the lottery homes for the past two years, so we’re excited to be able to open up this year’s lottery home for viewing,” says Mark Kindrachuk, owner of On the Mark Custom Home Builders.

This is the fifth consecutive home designed and constructed for the Kinsmen lottery by Oxbow Architecture and On the Mark. All five have been infill homes, setting the Kinsmen lottery apart from other home lotteries in the city.

“The infill homes have done really well for the Kinsmen,” says Kindrachuk. “This is the third home we’ve built for them in Varsity View, out of the five. They have all been unique and different in their own ways. I think this is one of my favourites, but I say that every year.”

This year’s lottery home is a modern oasis, offering 3,800 square feet of living space on three floors, with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

“We call this a Modern Wedge house design. When you’re standing outside looking at the house, it’s in the shape of a wedge. It’s very unassuming from the outside. When people walk inside, they’re very surprised,” says Kindrachuk.

“You have to be open to design possibilities whenever you design an infill home. This one has a fairly modern look from the outside, but the pine accents on the home harmonize with the tree canopy of the neighbourhood. We want to design these homes so they fit in with the neighbourhood, but also so they’re not like every other home that you see.”

There’s a lot to explore in the home, beginning with the expansive sunroom-style foyer with full-length south-facing windows and floor-to-ceiling built-in closets.

The home’s main floor is bright and open, with a soaring 18-foot high vaulted ceiling. A large skylight emphasizes the feeling of spaciousness.

On The Mark always makes wood the star of their lottery homes. This year, white oak is in the spotlight.

“All of the wood has a natural finish. We built a custom table for the dining room from white oak to complement the matte finish engineered white oak floors that extend throughout the main and second floors. All of the custom built-ins and millwork were done by Boreal Woodworkers, a division of our company,” says Kindrachuk.

A large galley-style kitchen is the hub of the main floor, graced with beautiful floor-to-ceiling cabinets.

“People always comment on the abundance of built-in cabinetry and storage in the lottery homes we have built,” says Kindrachuk.

The quartz-topped island offers a unique curved profile that is ideal for food prep and entertaining guests who are lounging steps away in the living room.

Double-stacked windows in the living room overlook the custom deck, creating the feeling of indoor-outdoor living.

“We built a roof system around the deck. It’s open, allowing you to experience the sky and the tree canopy, while still having some privacy and protection,” says Kindrachuk.

The lottery home is unique in locating the principal bedroom on the main floor. Designed as a private retreat for the future owners, the bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and large windows overlooking the backyard. An open concept walk-in closet is adjacent to an ensuite bath loaded with luxury touches.

A floating oak staircase leads to the second floor. “We love the connection the open staircase creates in the home. You can literally see from the front to the back of the house,” says Kindrachuk.

At the top of the stairs is a family hangout space which Kindrachuk calls a snug. “That’s a British term. It’s a small, cosy space where you can snuggle up and read a book. It’s a great play area for kids, or a spot where parents can relax with a glass of wine.”

Two children’s bedrooms are located on this floor, along with an adjacent full bathroom and another play area.

There are more fun and games in the home’s finished lower level, including a family room, games area and a bar. “We also have a fourth bedroom, another bathroom, a large storage room and a workout room which could be a fifth bedroom,” says Kindrachuk.

The Kinsmen Lottery show home comes fully furnished, along with a cash prize of $15,000. Over 50 per cent of the tickets are now sold.

Funds raised by the lottery enable the Kinsmen Club to fulfil its mandate to serve the community’s greatest need.

“We consider ourselves fortunate to help the Kinsmen Club, and support their efforts to serve the community. The home lotteries have been very successful for the past five years and we’re excited to do it again this year,” says Kindrachuk.

The Kinsmen grand prize show home is open for viewing Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more details, visit kinsmenhomelottery.com.

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