The restoration of this beautiful, one-and-a-half-storey home at 919 Palmerston Ave. was truly a labour of love. Believing that she would live out her life in this quiet, picturesque Wolseley neighbourhood, the young owner began an extensive renovation that spanned over eight years.
But, ironically, it was also love that would take her away from her dream house. A few years ago, she met the RCMP officer who would become the love of her life. Now her fiancé has been transferred to Alberta, and the house she put so much of her time and energy into is up for sale.
"She's heartbroken about leaving," RE/MAX realtor Anita Turner said of the owner. "She really did think she was going to live here for a long, long time, and raise children here. It truly was her dream house. She put everything into it."
Due to the owner's passion, the 1,566-square-foot dwelling offers potential buyers the best of both worlds. While it has all the character of a home built in 1926, it has been upgraded to offer every modern convenience.
The hardwood floors were completely refinished, the kitchen upgraded, and the electrical and plumbing systems redone. The Polar windows and doors are new, as is the home's siding and roof. Central air-conditioning, a built-in vacuum, and a state-of-the-art alarm system were installed.
The charm of the home begins in its front yard, which is well-known and appreciated by the neighbourhood. Its owner has been nominated for several landscaping awards, but even the most inept gardener will appreciate the fact that it is almost no-maintenance. Interlocking bricks and pavers eliminate the need for lawn mowing and weeding, so there is time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous perennials during the summer. A graceful arbour decorates the entrance to the yard and welcomes the visitor. A stately evergreen provides both shade and privacy.
The backyard offers a private escape with a pressure-treated wood fence and stone deck. There is an insulated, two-car garage.
The main-floor living area has been updated into a modern open concept design that is ideal for entertaining. The dining room flows into the living room. Even on the gloomiest days, these rooms are flooded with light from the large windows. The restored oak flooring gleams, and in the living room, a wood-burning fireplace with a red tile hearth adds a cosy touch. All of the decorative mouldings are original to the home, as is the tray ceiling.
Conveniently located just off the dining room, the kitchen has been designed to accommodate the most ambitious gourmet chef. Only the best natural materials were used to upgrade this space, including maple cabinetry, granite countertops and backsplash, and a matching island on wheels that can be easily moved into the dining room for formal meals. All of the kitchen's hardware is finished in brushed stainless steel, and the combination of the dark granite, blond maple and gleaming silver make for a rich, pleasing lustre.
The main-floor bathroom was remodelled with striking details. A teal glass vessel sink is particularly stunning, as is the bath's ceramic subway tile surround, in shades of teal and aqua. The design continues the clean, minimalist look of the rest of the home.
A large, well-lit dressing room just off the master bedroom is every fashionista's dream come true. The spacious closets are newly outfitted with gorgeous wooden doors and professional closet-organizing systems that are included with the home.
Gleaming hardwood stairs, set off by the home's original wrought-iron banister, lead the way to two additional bedrooms with quaint dormer ceilings. Both bedrooms offer additional storage space, including a second substantial walk-in closet.
In the cheery finished basement hides one of the home's most enchanting features: the original wood-burning pot-bellied stove, which is still in working condition. This nicely sized rec room has parquet flooring, a two-piece bath with a pedestal sink, a large pantry and a separate storage closet, along with a fourth bedroom.
919 Palmerston Ave. is listed with Anita Turner and Ted Czarnecki of RE/MAX for $379,900.
