Drive to the end of Knappen Avenue, and there it is: an architectural gem sitting in stately fashion, four houses from the end of the street.
Doubtless, many folks have meandered by 43 Knappen, and given it nary a thought. That's a shame, because the brick and wood facade of the home -- formerly owned by horse trader James McDole -- hides an interior that looks much like it did when it was built 105 years ago.
"That's what grabbed me when I first walked into the house," says Sasha Dukic of RE/MAX Executives Realty. "It's something you don't see very often -- all the original details have been preserved. You know, it's hard to believe a house built in 1904 could be in this type of condition. Everyone had to do their part over the years to keep it in such good shape."
The home's current owner, Cliff Baldwin, says he knew the home was an architectural jewel when he bought it 11 years ago.
"Within an hour of finding the house, I put an offer down on it so no one else could get it, I liked it that much," he recalls, adding he's reluctantly selling because he wants to move back home to British Columbia where family and friends are.
"As soon as I saw it, I recognized that it was a historic design. I'd studied art for four years, so I immediately recognized the magnificence of the architecture and materials."
As well-maintained as the home was, that isn't to say there wasn't the need for some work to be done. Baldwin refaced the front of the home with new wooden siding to complement the brick exterior, which is still in incredible condition.
However, it was the interior on which he poured out the major portion his love for the stately two-and-a-half-storey home.
"Two of the biggest jobs were refinishing the floor and stairwell bannister," he says. "It took me three months to refinish the bannister a walnut colour, and I also refinished the (original) maple floor myself to a cherry colour that goes so well with the bannister. This property was worth all the effort and attention."
Just as the flooring in the living room and dining room -- which also have their original 12-inch baseboards, wrought-iron heat-register covers and door mouldings -- has stayed true to the home's original character, so too has the kitchen. The white cabinet doors and oak-trimmed Hollywood lighting on the ceiling are, according to Baldwin, also original features of the home's design.
"There's also dental moulding that runs around the kitchen ceiling," he says. "It's magnificent."
Dukic says one other original feature also stands out.
"If you have a close look at the window in the dining room, you'll see that it has stained glass at the top. It's incredible to think that that piece of glass is over a century old," he says. "And even though the home is 105 years old, it's quite contemporary -- ceilings on the main floor are 10 feet high, with huge windows, and the layout is quite open. The interior is bright, it's easy to get around, and you have all that character."
There are also a few pleasant surprises to take in upstairs: a curved wall by the bathroom (with its separate washroom and bath areas), a rare feature for a home in excess of a century old; three good-sized bedrooms, including a master bedroom with double closet and room to burn.
An artist/photographer by trade, Baldwin also put his own stamp on the home: textured walls and ceilings, dashes of purple on the walls, as well as a blue-motif bathroom with matching blue claw-foot tub.
"I also did the pillars and (closet) moulding in the master suite myself," he says. "Although some of the colours are unique, it's not a large task to paint them a less vibrant colour."
Speaking of unique, there's one last feature on the upper level that adds an extra dimension of living space to the home, adds Dukic.
"There's a 440-square-foot attic that's been wired and has fittings for water -- all it needs is insulation," he says. "The basement is in good shape, and is a good area for a workshop or storage. Apparently, the electrical was upgraded by the previous owners, and the plumbing appears sound. Structurally, the home is solid."
Baldwin says he will miss making 43 Knappen home.
"I've loved it here -- living here has been paradise. But it's time to move on. Whoever buys the home can enjoy it either as a family home, recording studio, business or even a condominium, as it has an R2 zoning classification," he says. "It's a great, quiet place to live in a strategic location that gives you quick access to almost any part of the city."
Dukic concurs.
"For the right buyer, this historic home could be a jewel in the making," he says.
Details
Year Built: 1904
Size: 1,843 sq. ft. (with another 435 sq. ft. in undeveloped attic)
Lot: 47' x 107'
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Price: $330,000
Contact: Sasha Dukic, RE/MAX Executives Realty @ 296-8282
