From subtle to special

We all know you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Dismiss someone or something without taking the time to make an honest assessment and you can miss out on something special.

That’s all too easy to do with 124 Vanderbilt Dr., says RE/MAX Executives Realty’s Carla Arnason. "From the front, it looks quite unassuming, like most of the homes on either side of the street," she says of the 1,660 square foot lakefront bungalow. "However, once you step inside, you realize that subtle exterior hides a very special interior. The further back you go into the home, the better it gets."

That’s not to say that the front of the home is bland; in fact, it’s quite stylish. A front door with multi-coloured stained glass inserts and sidelights leads into a spacious, tiled foyer set next to a formal dining room on the left. It’s here that the home’s semi-open concept design begins.

Instead of leaving the foyer open to the dining room, a staggered wall with glass block inserts — wall heights vary from one-quarter to three-quarters — neatly separates the foyer from the dining room.

The design features found in the dining room serve as a precursor for what’s to come in the great room, Arnason says. "It’s a generous (11.25-foot by 18-foot) space that features a huge bay window and vaulted ceiling. Its natural light, volume and open-yet-defined look provide a hint about what you’re going to find at the back of the home."

A smartly angled landing with powder room and laundry/mudroom set off in a compact wing to the right provides stylish, functional access to an open, subtly-segmented great room notable for its pristine oak hardwoods.

Thanks to a two-level vaulted ceiling and a wealth of windows on the rear wall, the area exudes a light, airy feel. Because all three spaces — kitchen (at the front), dining area (directly behind the kitchen) and family room (to the right) — are well-proportioned and well-placed, space and flow is excellent.

"The kitchen is the heart of the home and a chef’s delight with its centre island with built-in six-burner gas range," Arnason notes. "There’s plenty of aisle space around the island, an abundance of off-white cabinetry, black granite countertops, black glass tile backsplash and a pantry for extra storage."

A one-third wall between the kitchen neatly separates it from the dinette area without interrupting light flow. "I absolutely love the dinette area," she says. "The vaulted ceiling above it looks great, a picture window behind it provides a beautiful view of the lake behind the home and a patio door next to the window provides access to a deck overlooking the water. A table for six easily fits easily."

The adjacent family room then finishes off the great room in dramatic, yet practical style. "It’s a spectacular space that features a soaring vaulted ceiling, floor-to-ceiling bay window and gorgeous double-sided gas fireplace. Even though it’s a big, bright space, it has a cosy feel to it. It’s perfect for enjoying the southwest-facing lake view with guests after dinner."

The main floor is then completed by an ultra-private master suite set well away from the main living area. "It’s a very private, relaxing space that features two distinct areas," Arnason says.

"At the front, there’s a doorway to the right that leads to a beautiful ensuite with corner jetted tub, vinyl tile (black/grey) marble-style floor, four-foot shower and white vanity with dual sinks."

Then, there’s the walk-in closet off the ensuite. "I would say it’s about the size of a small bedroom. Its sheer size and all its built-in storage makes for all kinds of space for clothing, footwear and accessories."

Meanwhile, a semi-open staircase provides access to a walk-out lower level.

Heading downstairs to the walk-out basement is a pleasure with the two-sided fireplace above and light cascading in from large, well-placed windows (and a patio door that leads out to a covered patio) on the rec room’s rear wall. "The basement is bright and livable with new carpeting, in-floor heat, a huge rec room, office (with French doors and separate entrance to the patio), three more spacious bedrooms and a four-piece bath. It’s a perfect space to spend time with your growing family or grandkids," Arnason says.

Offering more than 3,200 sq. ft. of total living space in a great location, the tidy bungalow has much to offer to a young, growing family — or empty nesters looking for a user-friendly bungalow in a prime location.

"It’s in a quiet, mature area close to a host of amenities including the U of M (less than 20 minutes), Kenaston strip and all kinds of other conveniences and attractions," she says.

"It’s been very well-maintained, offers quality finishes, key updates (kitchen), a naturally bright interior and a very functional layout. This home shows A-plus. It really needs to be seen firsthand to be appreciated."

lewys@mymts.net