Different -- in all of the right ways

It’s a Wolseley classic — with a twist.

While 87 Canora St. certainly has the design features that make turn-of-the-century homes so popular among buyers, this home isn’t an entirely typical design. Several rather unique design features make it stand apart from other homes in the area, Realty Executives First Choice’s Eric Neumann says.

"While it has the features that people normally associate with homes in Wolseley — such as a centre hall floor plan and beautiful woodwork — this one is a bit different," Neumann says. "It has all the gorgeous woodwork you’d expect, but its floor plan and amenities aren’t the same as most homes you’ll see in the area. Its exterior is also different. And when I say different, I mean it in a good way.

"Let’s start with the 2 1/2-storey home’s exterior, which features a classic, enclosed front porch that so many people find charming. That charm subtly obscures an important exterior feature," Neumann says. "It has a low-maintenance brick exterior that’s in fabulous shape. That’s an important difference, as a high percentage of homes in Wolseley have wooden plank exteriors that need to be painted every five years or so to keep them in good shape. It makes for one less thing to worry about."

Step inside — the enclosed front porch leads to an anteroom that precedes a wide front landing — and you find a centre-hall floor plan that differs from the norm.

"I really like this layout," Neumann says. "Unlike most centre-hall floor plans, this one features a separate living room and dining room — the majority have a living room/dining room that’s separated in the centre by pocket doors."

In this case, the living room was placed to the left of the front landing, with the dining room and kitchen set off to the right. Meanwhile, the classic oak staircase and all that ornate, hand-crafted oak that Wolseley-area homes are famous for — floors, door trim and awesome 10-inch-high oak baseboards — welcome visitors in warm Wolseley style.

Neumann notes that while the layout isn’t totally classic, it’s extremely functional. "There’s a doorway off the dining room that takes you directly into the kitchen, which is a great feature for entertaining. At the same time, the dining room is spacious and has all the woodwork you’d expect, including a gorgeous beamed ceiling."

The doorway, it turns out, leads directly into a kitchen that measures in at a generous 12.5 feet by 12.2 feet — huge for a home built 105 years ago.

"Not only is the kitchen a good size, but it’s an eat-in kitchen that features a built-in table, plenty of cabinet and counter space, two windows and a door off its rear that leads to a bonus room with full foundation under it that can be used either as a four-season mudroom or sunroom," he says. "There aren’t many homes in the area that offer a dining room/kitchen configuration that’s so functional."

Positioned directly across from the dining room, the living room is not only larger than normal (20.6 feet by 11.6 feet), but, like the kitchen, also comes equipped with a bonus room. "A wide entrance with original oak pocket doors takes you inside a nice, roomy space that features a built-in (oak) storage unit, oak hardwoods — and gorgeous French doors (with leaded glass transom window above) that lead into a three-season sunroom that can be used as an office or play area."

Just like the main floor, 87 Canora’s second and third floors are also unique. The second floor holds two good-sized bedrooms, main bath with classic clawfoot tub with separate water closet and a space that could be used as an office, kitchen or second floor sunroom.

The third floor holds two large bedrooms separated by a spacious kitchenette area. "There are two ways you could use the home — in a traditional manner (as it has been by its owners of 62 years), or as a duplex," Neumann says. "The kitchen on the second floor could be left as is, or the space could be turned into a sunroom, even an office. The top floor could also remain just as it is, or could easily be turned into a classic loft, master suite or even a rec room."

He adds that the 2,210-square-foot home offers one other unique — and very functional — design feature downstairs.

"There’s actually a door (fronted by steps) that leads up into the home’s attached garage — a rare and very handy feature. The basement also offers tons of storage, another bathroom and a workshop."

Neumann says although the home needs some updating, it possesses several intangibles which make it a rare find, notably its location, lot and more.

"It’s on a quiet street close to parks and recreation, perfect for a young family. The lot is very generous at 40 feet wide, making for good-sized back and front yards. You also get an attached garage, low-maintenance brick exterior, a great main floor layout and tons of flexibility on the second and third floors. It can be your dream home, or be a used as a duplex. The possibilities are endless."

lewys@mymts.net