As communities go, St. Vital's River Pointe flies quite a long way beneath the real estate radar.
Positioned unobtrusively in a secluded area off River Road just south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard, it's something of a revelation when you first drive in. With its large lots, stands of pines, poplars and birches and proximity to the Red River, it's a mature little enclave whose quiet, elegant ambience appeals to those desiring to live a private, laid-back lifestyle characterized by a quiet elegance.
Because of the deep lots that populate the area, it's easy to drive by some rather spectacular homes. One such abode is 50 River Pointe Drive, a 4,608-square-foot, two-storey home (OK, mansion) tucked neatly away at the end of a long front drive framed in pristine fashion by pine and birch trees.
The house at the end of the interlocking stone driveway is something of an unexpected sight. With its textured terra cotta-hued exterior and clay roof tiles, it becomes apparent you've happened upon a home that's brought a bit of the Mediterranean to Manitoba.
"It was custom-designed for the outgoing owners by architect Lloyd Secter in 1998," said Century 21 Bachman & Associates' Cole Castelane. "You could say it's a bit of a hybrid design. The front features steps chiselled out of Manitoba Tyndall stone. From there, the home breaks out into what I would call a modern Mediterranean design."
That modern Mediterranean design is characterized by three things: space, natural light and a rich, stylish interior. At a touch over 4,600 sq. ft. on the main and upper levels, there's no denying this is a sprawling layout. Every space, from the gourmet kitchen to the dining room, family room and screened-in sun room is positively huge, with all kinds of room to move. This is a home that features exceptional flow from space to space.
Thanks to high ceilings and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the house is simply filled with light and with views of the lush surroundings from literally every room.
"It's a spectacular lot," he said. "It backs onto the park and river, so when you combine that with its southwest exposure, you feel like you're at a resort somewhere in the Mediterranean.
"There's an in-ground pool out back that's framed by a gorgeous, landscaped yard with raised gardens and trees (pines, birch and cedars) behind. You can have friends over for a barbecue by the pool on the interlocking stone patio and be in a private world of your own out there or in the screened-in sunroom off the dining room/sitting area."
Perhaps no space is more spectacular than the kitchen, which is full of imaginative yet functional design features, starting with the ceiling.
"To start off, it's a custom chef's kitchen by Cameo that comes with cherry cabinets -- on a curved front wall, no less -- along with granite countertops, a curved island with seating for six, and six windows plus patio door on the rear wall. The views and amount of natural light are incredible."
Looking up, there's the semi-vaulted Plexiglas ceiling.
"It's an awesome feature," Castelane said. "You almost feel like you're outside, with the ceiling above and all the windows that look out on to the backyard. The curved front wall really adds a touch of class, as do the high-end Sub-Zero and Frigidaire (stainless) appliances."
Another pair of classy design touches can be found on either side of the kitchen: a massive dining room on taupe-tan ceramic tile (with mocha-hued diamond inserts) and a huge family room.
"The dining room is really quite something, with all its windows, double doors to the sunroom and its focal point, a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace set in two-tone slate and tile," Castelane said. "With a sitting area by the sunroom, it's a great place to entertain. And the family room, with its six windows, wood-burning (slate/tile) fireplace and built-in entertainment unit, is a great spot to watch sports or a movie. The rear of the home's incredible. When everything's in bloom and the pool's running, it's a spectacular setting."
There's no disputing what the upper level's crown jewel is: a master suite steeped in luxury. Positioned privately off a 25-foot-long catwalk (off a stairway with skylight above), surrounded on either side by windows, the bedroom is prefaced by an incredible ensuite with six-foot Kohler jetted tub, separate shower, tan tile floor and unique vanity/walk-in closet area. There's even room for a love seat by a door that leads to a private balcony with an elevated vista of the backyard.
"The vanity is really cool -- it's curved and is made of a unique birch-eye maple," he said. "The walk-in closet wraps around a curved glass-block wall, and the bedroom is surrounded by six windows for more great views. It also has its own fireplace and entertainment unit."
Finally, the lower level. Its 2,108 sq. ft. of finished space encompasses a media area, games area, fifth bedroom, four-piece bath and full kitchen and takes the home's total square footage to more than 6,700 sq. ft..
"This is a rare, spectacular and well-designed home, with top-of-the-line materials throughout," Castelane said. "You can't beat the location -- it's so quiet and central. It's an amazing home ready for new owners to come in and enjoy."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 50 River Point Drive, St. Vital
Year built: 1998
Style: Two-storey
Size: 4,608 sq. ft.
Lot size: 350' deep; pie-shaped
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Taxes: $13,027.14 (gross 2011)
Price: $1,498,000
Contact: Cole Castelane, Century 21 Bachman & Associates @ 453-7653
