Buying a home in River Heights has its pros and cons.
One one hand, you're buying into a home that offers classic, yesteryear styling in a mature, central location that's second to none. On the other hand -- in most cases -- you're buying into an older home that might be 75 to 100 years old. Consequently, extensive upgrading may be required throughout the home, some of it of the it-can't-wait variety.
Thankfully, there is the occasional home that while a bona fide River Heights classic, is in move-in-and-enjoy condition thanks to extensive renovations. A 2,032-square-foot home on the river at 1239 Wellington Cres. is one such home, said Century 21 Bachman & Associates' Glen Williams.
"The outgoing owner performed extensive upgrades and improvements to the home over the past five years that came to over $200,000," he said. "Some of the key areas include the roof, which was redone with Metro Roman Tile metal roofing, a blending of stone and steel that provides the timeless look of Mediterranean tile without the weight. It also has a lifetime warranty, so it's an area of the home you won't have to worry about at all."
Set well back on a deep, riverfront lot, 1239 Wellington offers a distinct front elevation with a front porch that just beckons you to pull up a chair and have coffee and a croissant on a warm summer morning.
"You can start enjoying the home in what I call its outdoor living room," said Williams. "It's framed by four statuesque columns and capped by the red tile roof. From there, you can sit back and enjoy the colourful, manicured flower beds, or discreetly observe the streetscape out front. From there, you enter an elegant foyer that has heated tile flooring. It opens onto a bright, open-concept great room that incorporates a host of gorgeous finishes."
As fetching as the main living area is -- it was once a traditional, highly segmented space that offered poor flow, both in terms of movement and light -- the feature that first catches your eye is the home's rear wall, which is filled with glass (including a huge bay window in the living room) -- and a huge four-season library/sunroom surrounded by 10 windows.
"It's simply an amazing space -- sitting back here looking out over the river, you don't know you're in the city. And at 18 feet (5.4 metres) by 13 feet (3.9 metres), it's big enough to put in furniture, a desk and a TV, and still have loads of room left over (as is now the case)," said Williams. "It also has a door to an interlocking stone patio, where you can head outside to enjoy the view and natural surroundings right out your back door."
The setting inside the home is no less impressive. Rare African rosewood hardwoods, with their unique reddish-brown hue, run through the living room, dining room and kitchen, lending an elegant warmth to each space.
Meanwhile, decorative Corinthian-style columns and a tray ceiling demarcate the great room from the dining room. The focal point of the living room -- aside from the river view -- is a wood-burning fireplace with columns and faux finish surround; arched display cabinets either side of the fireplace add an extra touch of style and elegance to the area. A large south-facing picture window lets in even more natural light, while brown faux finished walls add texture and warmth.
Because the main living area was opened up, flow is exceptional from space to space. Both the living room and dining room are plenty spacious, while the kitchen -- which was redone five years ago -- is an ergonomic marvel.
"It has a built-in island with raised granite bar that neatly separates it from the dining room," he added. "It features granite counter tops and an abundance of cabinets stained a beautiful blend of antique white and rich dark oak. There's a wall of pantry cabinets, as well as lighted upper display cabinets and neat little cabinets either side of the Jenn-Air cooktop. There's utility to every nook and cranny of this kitchen, and all kinds of style. It's gorgeous and practical."
The home's upper level -- which features more of the elegant rosewood in its hallway -- is characterized by light, space and, of course, the omnipresent river view.
"I love how the staircase has corner windows in the landing area -- they let in all kinds of light. There are then three bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom (with rosewood flooring) -- two of the bedrooms have river views, including one with a door leading to a balcony that overlooks the river; the other has a built-in desk and shelving."
Last but not least is the expansive master suite.
"It's huge with not only a river view through a big window on its back wall, but a south-facing window (with wide window seat) that lets in tons of sunlight. There are also his/her closets, which offer tons of storage space. Right now, there's not an ensuite, but there's enough room at the front of the bedroom to put one in, while keeping the river view at the rear," said Williams.
A finished lower level with guest suite/rec room, three-piece bathroom and mechanical/storage room that houses a five-year-old high-efficiency furnace and newer hot-water tank then completes the home in efficient style.
"This home is a great opportunity. It's in like-new condition, and its central location, Wellington Crescent on the river, is as nice as it gets. It's a contemporary River Heights classic that you can just move into and enjoy."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 1239 Wellington Cres., North River Heights
Year built: 1949
Style: Two-storey
Size: 2,032 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 50' x 246'
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Taxes: $6,816.00 (Gross 2011)
Price: $749,900
Contact: Glen Williams, Century 21 Bachman & Associates @ 453-765
