Although it might be a cliché, the saying, "they don't build them like they used to" sometimes hits the mark dead-on.
In the case of 20 Stranmillis Ave. -- a converted bungalow built way back in 1924 -- the saying isn't a cliche, it's the simple truth.
You might even accuse 20 Stranmillis of being magically transported from River Heights, where a dazzling variety of character homes with an abundance of wooden trim, floors and stairs exist in contrast to each other on streets lined with ancient elms and oaks.
Right from its exterior, where stately trees frame the 85-year-old home's medium-brown stucco shell -- shielding a courtyard-like backyard from scrutiny out front -- you'd swear the venerable home was a River Heights transplant. In southeast St.Vital, no less.
"If you look down the street, this home is very different from any others -- it's very distinctive," says Century 21's Cole Castelane. "This is a very unique home in so many ways."
For starters, there's a quaint porch with enough room to place a table so you can enjoy morning tea or coffee while watching traffic and pedestrians meander by out front. In effect, it's a prelude to what's to come -- an interior ambience that harkens back to days when character and craftmanship were king.
"The first thing you notice about the home is that it's a very comfortable place, what I call a feel-good home. It not only has a ton of unique character, but it's also so structurally solid. Most importantly, all the owners maintained the original character," he says.
Make no mistake about it, 20 Stranmillis has loads of character -- that is, provided wood is your thing.
It's everywhere. From original oak hardwoods that were refinished to perfection three years ago, to a dark oak crown moulding that frames the ceiling in the compact (yet functional) living room/dining room area. Then there are the original dark oak casings that frame all the windows, dark oak trim around doorframes and (original) dark oak doors with high door knobs that come up to about chest height.
"When you think about it, it's amazing that those original features have been retained," Castelane says. "They're what make the home."
Meanwhile, the kitchen provides a modern touch with custom grey cement counter tops, which feature a curved eating nook for three adjacent to a large window that provides a peek of the private backyard. There's also a built-in phone desk and a wooden pantry built in to the wall over the stairwell that leads to the finished lower level.
More original wood trim merges seamlessly with a cool blue/green/patterned backsplash that adds colour, yet blends nicely with the reddish-brown oak cabinets and newer stainless appliances.
"There's also a neat little back porch behind another original door that takes you out to the backyard, something you don't find on many homes these days," he adds. "This house is full of cool little features."
Another of those features is a study with staircase that takes you up to the loft-like master bedroom.
"We're not sure who did it, but one of the previous owners converted the attic into a bedroom," Castelane explains, adding that the home is still registered as a bungalow.
"With its fir floors, big window and separate ensuite (that features multi-coloured slate flooring, dark oak vanity with curved cement counter top, jetted tub and track lighting) it's a very relaxing spot to retire to at the end of the day."
One last surprise can be found downstairs: a basement with room for a sitting/television area, computer desk, fourth bedroom -- and tons of storage.
"It's pretty unusual for a home of this vintage. There's enough ceiling height for a decent rec room. I'm well over six feet tall, and I can still stand up straight. It's also got large windows, tons of storage and is high and dry. This is a unique, cosy and solid home that offers loads of character from top to bottom," he says.
DETAILS
20 Stranmillis Avenue
Address: 20 Stranmillis Ave., St. Vital
Size: 1,224 sq. ft. with finished lower level
Year built: 1924
Style: Bungalow with detached garage
Lot Size: 50 feet x 102 feet
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Price: $229,900
Contact: Cole Castelane, Century 21 Bachman & Associates, 453-7653
