by Greg Snow

Cape Cod is roughly a two-hour drive from Boston, way down in Massachusetts. But that hasn’t stopped IONA Developments from trying to capture a little of the white-picket fence spirit of Cape Cod right here in Mississauga. Their development of Bent Oak in Meadowvale consists of 29 fully detached, three-bedroom condominium homes in a community “with Cape Cod ambience,” according to the brochure.

Single detached condominiums, although not unheard of, are somewhat rare in a housing concept dominated by townhouses and apartments.

IONA representatives say that going condominium instead of freehold cuts 20 per cent off the price of serviced lot and will save about $200 a year on municipal taxes. Homeowners will be cutting their own grass and planting their own gardens, but a $17-a-month maintenance fee (guaranteed until 1980) will cover the cost of maintaining the common areas and shoveling the snow from the internal streets.Depending on which of four models is selected and the lot on which it sits, prices range from $64,900 to $69,900.

A minimum down payment of $3,500 is required and the homes will carry for $500 a month (principal, interest, taxes and maintenance fees included) for the first year.
Real carrying costs are approximately $612 per month but for the first 12 months, IONA will rebate any amount over the $500.

Bent Oak homes feature all-wood exterior treated in earth tone stains guaranteed not to blister, crack or peel for the life of the house. Each home comes fully landscaped (including garden) with an attached garage. Inside, the homes are highlighted by a wood burning fire place and family room. In three of the four models, the family room is situated on the ground floor, while in the other it is on the second floor, which although is attractive, may have its use limited because of the proximity to bedrooms.

The homes offer an average 1,450 square feet of living space, with a considerably larger-than-average master bedroom, a four piece bathroom and a two piece “powder” room. The kitchen comes equipped with two appliances and is large enough to comfortably hold a kitchen table.

The 29 homes circle a parkette with a children’s playground. Bent Oak is located just off Montevideo Road in Meadowvale.