Think of a home built way back in 1896, and a couple of thoughts immediately spring to mind.
First, the home in question is likely to contain some very interesting period features, such as ornate woodwork rarely seen in today's modern homes. The second is that, being so ancient -- way back when, the term R Value was an unknown -- the home may well cost a fortune to heat in the dead of a Manitoba winter.
In particular, does one of the oldest residences in the Armstrong Point area -- a venerable, three-storey, 4,240-sq.-ft. abode -- have as much function as it does form?
Pat Stecy, sales agent for RE/MAX Realty Professionals, says the answer for 69 East Gate is an emphatic yes.
"This is a beautifully maintained and extensively upgraded home," she says. "The outgoing owners haven't compromised the character of the home -- the updates performed were done with an eye toward keeping that character intact.
"They made extensive upgrades to the heating, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as roof coverings, insulation and the kitchen. In all, over $260,000 was spent on upgrades and renovations, all which are documented."
The result is an historic home that is chock-full of old-time character, yet has enough modern amenities and technological features to make it a more-than-viable place to hang your hat.
If original oak floors, ornate wooden trim on doors and windows and an original, hand-carved wooden bannister on stairs to the home's second level is your thing, then 69 East Gate will resonate. After all, it's hard to find original parquet foyers, a dining room with textured maroon wainscotting, six-panel oak doors or a sunroom with six original windows around its periphery.
"You should just see it on a sunny day -- it's beautiful how all the sunlight just flows in," Stecy says. "And the dining room is great for large family gatherings."
Right off the dining room, accessed via an extra-high, wide entrance, is the renovated kitchen.
"The servants' staircase was taken out to widen the kitchen," she says. "That allowed for a huge butcher-block island to be placed in the centre. Gorgeous new white cabinets with glass centres and grey soapstone countertops were also installed, along with white tile and stainless appliances. "The look fits in well with the rest of the decor."
Other features also call you back to a time when homes were as much art as they were places to live: latticed windows, transom windows over doors to encourage the flow of natural light, even three rooms with woodburning fireplaces. Meanwhile, the second floor sports a series of interconnected bedrooms that surround the vast parquet landing.
All bedrooms are large and practical with plenty of storage space, something of an anomaly for a home of this vintage.
"Even the closets are big and deep, which is a bit unusual for a home that's over 100 years old," Stecy notes. "There's even a built-in armoire/dresser in the master bedroom. There's also a second-floor laundry room as well as an exercise room overlooking the river that can be used in the spring, summer and early fall, as it's not insulated."
As if there were not enough space, style and function happening on the first two floors, the fully developed third floor (which used to the the maid's quarters way back when) takes 69 East Gate's functionality to an entirely new level.
"The main portion of the third floor is now the family room," Stecy explains. "There are large windows all around, and the area also incorporates a play area, bedroom and bathroom into the design. It's a very bright, spacious area that adds extra utility to the home. It would be a great media room, or a place where a teenager could have their own space."
In all, time has not passed 69 East Gate by in the least. In fact, the retained character provides a welcome and warm link to an age when craftsmanship was celebrated, while necessary modern features have been inserted in such a way as to keep this abundant character intact.
"The layout, while not open-concept, also flows extremely well," Stecy sasy. "And the energy package the owners invested in will make it a very energy-efficient home.
"It's also located on a beautiful, treed lot close to downtown and the best the city has to offer. If you're looking for a home that offers the best of old and new design concepts, it's a must-see."
DETAILS
Address: 69 East Gate, Wolseley (Armstrong Point)
Year Built: 1896
Style: Three-storey
Size: 4,240 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 114' x 290'
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3.5
Selling Price: $749,900
Contact: Pat Stecy, RE/MAX Professionals, 477-0500
Website: www.69eastgate.com
