Simcoe Woods sits within an established area with schools, shopping and parks already in place

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In the Barrie-area town of Innisfil, Rosehaven Homes is positioning Simcoe Woods as a change of scenery for buyers seeking more square footage and easy access to nature without giving up convenience. 

“Many of our buyers are looking to take value out of the home they have closer to the city and still buy a large residence up by Lake Simcoe,” says Roberto Yangosian, Rosehaven’s marketing director. “They want somewhere outside the city that’s a little more relaxed.” 

Located at Innisfil Beach Road and Webster Boulevard, the 84-home community includes 20-foot freehold townhomes and loft townhomes, along with 33- and 39-foot detached homes ranging from 1,849 to 3,216 square feet. Occupancy is expected to begin in August 2027. 

Although the development offers a broad mix of housing types, early interest has leaned toward the larger homes, Yangosian says. “That demand reflects the range of buyers considering a move to Innisfil, including multigenerational households that need additional bedrooms, condo owners looking to move into low-rise housing, and older homeowners who want to unlock equity from a GTA property without sacrificing living space.” 

According to Yangosian, many prospective purchasers are downsizers in only the loosest sense of the word: They may be leaving a larger or more expensive home closer to Toronto, but they still want enough room for visiting children, grandchildren and hobbies. 

For households seeking additional flexibility, Rosehaven is offering its Dualhaven model, a dual-dwelling home with a completed lower-level residence. The separate unit has its own entrance and independently controlled heating and cooling, making it suitable for extended family members or potential rental income.  

Rosehaven has also adjusted some plans in response to feedback from buyers who wanted parking for two vehicles but did not necessarily want to move up to a wider 39-foot lot. On suitable 33-foot lots, tandem garages can accommodate two cars parked one behind the other. 

Inside, Simcoe Woods is intended to offer a level of finish that Yangosian says is frequently treated as optional elsewhere. Depending on the model, standard features include nine-foot smooth ceilings on the main floor, raised coffered ceilings in primary bedrooms, seven-foot interior doors, and gas fireplaces. 

Kitchens come with extended upper cabinetry, crown moulding, full-depth refrigerator uppers and stone countertops. Primary ensuites may include five-foot freestanding tubs, frameless glass showers, mosaic shower floors and tiled walls extending to the ceiling.  

Energy efficiency is another component of the offering. Each house is evaluated through the Home Energy Rating System by a certified third-party rater, both before construction and near completion. The homes are designed to exceed current Ontario Building Code requirements and include high-efficiency furnaces, energy-recovery ventilators and drain-water heat-recovery systems. A 200-amp electrical service and rough-in for a future electric-vehicle charger are also standard. 

The community’s appeal, however, is closely tied to what surrounds it. Simcoe Woods sits within an established area with schools, shopping and parks already in place, rather than in an isolated subdivision waiting for amenities to arrive. 

“You have a nature-protected forest around the community,” Yangosian says. “We’re close to parks and a lot of the amenities offered in more urban communities, but here you still have nature as well.” 

Lake Simcoe is a five-minute drive away, with Innisfil home to 47 kilometres of shoreline and 258 kilometres of trails. Nearby recreational options include Innisfil Beach Park, the Trans Canada Trail, Friday Harbour Resort and several golf courses. Highway 400 provides access toward the GTA, while the proposed Innisfil GO Station would eventually connect the town to the Barrie rail line. 

For Rosehaven, the combination reflects why buyers continue to look beyond the GTA during a cautious housing market. “They want all the amenities,” Yangosian says, “but they want something that’s not as busy as the city.” 

From the $700,000s. For more information, visit rosehavenhomes.com. 

Three things 

Edwards Farm is a family-run farm store offering locally raised, free-range meats, fresh eggs and local pantry foods. Operating since 2001, it emphasizes responsible animal care and helping customers “know where your food comes from.” 1574 9 Line, Innisfil 

Harbour House Tap & Kitchen offers waterfront dining on fresh seasonal dishes, craft cocktails and locally sourced ingredients. There’s also live entertainment, special events, catering and winter dining domes. 727 Harbour St., Lefroy 

Innisfil Town Square features a refrigerated skating trail, splash pad, playground, fire pit, trails and stage for events and live entertainment. Opened in 2023, it also offers accessible pathways, seating, washrooms and a concession area. 971 Innisfil Beach Rd.