Modern renovation freshens up bungalow

Every now and then, one house will catch your attention as you’re walking (or driving) down a street. For some reason, it just has a special quality that draws you in for a closer look.

That’s the case with 75 Buckle Dr. The moment you cast your gaze upon it, the descriptor that comes immediately to mind is "fresh." And it looks just that, with its combination light grey vinyl and dark brick exterior, which is complemented nicely by a front window with white brick facade beneath, white front door and white-trimmed windows.

That said, looks can be deceiving, as a home can look fresh on the outside and be dated inside. That isn’t the case with this house, said RE/MAX Performance Realty’s Suzanne Mariani.

"If you’re looking for a home that looks like a new show home, but that doesn’t come with the price tag new homes come with, this could be the home for you," she said of the 974 square-foot bungalow, which was built in 1974. "It’s been remodelled from top to bottom and is in turnkey condition."

The area where the makeover is most evident is the home’s main living area. Prior to the renovation, a wall separated the kitchen from the living room. Today, the area — like most of today’s new home designs — features a user-friendly, open-concept floor plan.

"The moment you walk in the door, you’re greeted by a a wide-open area that’s filled with natural light. There’s a large picture window in the living room that lets in loads of natural light, and there’s also an oversized window over the kitchen sink — a great feature."

While the contemporary floor plan is a welcome feature, what’s more important is that the remodelling was done with keen attention to detail. That detail was then supplemented by high-quality finishes, Mariani said. "Everything you see is high-quality, from the high-end laminate plank (cappuccino) flooring, to the white thermofoil cabinets in the kitchen and the gorgeous square pot lights that were installed in the ceiling above — there’s even track lighting over the (stainless steel) sink in the kitchen. There are also new stainless steel appliances (Frigidaire range and fridge, Samsung dishwasher), and all the windows are newer. I also love the black tile backsplash in the kitchen."

She added that the open-concept layout has greatly increased the main living area’s function level. "You now have a modern, open kitchen where two chefs can work side-by-side without a problem, a dining area for four to six (possibly more) and a large living room that’s perfect for entertaining or spending time at home with your family. It’s a functional, modern — and warm — area."

The adjacent bedroom wing, it turns out, is just as functional as the great room. Not only are there three bedrooms — quite a feat for a home that measures in at under 1,000 sq. ft. — but all three bedrooms are a good size at 12.8 x 11.8 feet, 11 x 11.8 feet and 11.6 x 12.5 feet (the latter being the master suite).

Not only that, but the bathroom — like the rest of the home — has been thoroughly redone. No 1970s vintage bathroom here: there’s a deep soaker tub (with non-slip floor) surrounded by a classy white tile backsplash, white thermofoil vanity with soft-close drawers and white cultured marble sink, and grey paint that goes beautifully with the white backsplash, tub and vanity. "There’s also a door on its side wall that links it to the master suite, making for a cheater en suite," Mariani said. "The master suite is a beautiful space with its new (taupe) carpeting, big window and ample storage space."

Meanwhile, the house’s lower level offers another 600-plus sq. ft. of livable space in the form of a huge 26 x 11.3-foot rec room, three-piece bath, spacious laundry/storage/mechanical room, (big) dedicated storage room — and den/bedroom. "It’s a cozy, spacious area with its new carpeting and lots of space for a media room and games/play area. The den/bedroom is tucked away off to the side of the rec room with a closet, while the three-piece bath has been remodelled with a vinyl plank floor, corner shower, curved (grey) vanity with (black) tile backsplash and white sink, and low-flush toilet."

The list of upgrades doesn’t end there, Mariani said. "The attic has been insulated to a level of R50, there’s a newer high-efficiency furnace, two new storm doors and even the ducts have been cleaned. This is a truly turnkey home."

Another of the house’s strengths is its location. Not only is it on a quiet street lined with mature trees, but it’s also close to shopping and services at Park West Shopping Centre (Roblin and Dale boulevards), Unicity on Portage Avenue West (short hop around the Perimeter), the Kenaston strip and other amenities, parks and public transit.

"It’s also a rare property in that it’s a (59 x 120-foot) corner lot with driveway off the side yard that’s tucked away, and that has lots of room for a garage," she said. "Net taxes are low (at $2,713.12), especially for such a beautifully updated family home in an established, mature community. It’s ready and waiting for a young family (or, possibly, an empty-nest couple) to enjoy all it has to offer."

lewys@mymts.net