Parents will love the privacy of the loft-style primary bedroom.
An open-riser staircase off the cosy living room with built-in shelving provides access to the home’s primary bedroom.
The roomy, updated kitchen has two-tone cabinets, a tile backsplash, stainless range and dishwasher and a double sink with mod faucet.
The private, fenced backyard has a deck, firepit and room to garden.
Homebuyers looking for a starter home often probably look at real estate listings and idly wonder if $300,000 gets you much anymore.
It’s a valid question.
At that price point, the reality is that a home might require numerous upgrades to endow it with modern function and style.
Colin McTavish of the new brokerage firm Real Broker says he and colleague Eric Neumann just listed a one-and-a-half storey home at 522 Craig St. in Wolseley that has much to offer for just under that magical $300,000 mark.
“It goes without saying that this home is at a great price point to get into Wolseley for around $300,000,” he says of the 1,160 sq. ft. single-family residence. “It has a lot to offer for the price.”
Neumann concurs.
“I would say it’s perfect for first-time buyers looking for a home that has character and offers a good use of space. And unlike many homes at this price point, it’s truly move-in-ready.”
McTavish says the 114-year-old home is a winner, right from the get-go.
“Everything about it is so intentional, which is a credit to the owners, who’ve been here for about eight years — the home has been really well taken care of. You can see that at the front of the home. It’s been freshly painted, has a beautiful new front deck that’s great for morning coffee, along with a cute sidewalk leading up to the front deck. It has incredible curb appeal.”
Step inside, and the home’s layout — unlike many from the early 1900s – impresses.
“It offers an open-concept floor plan,” notes Neumann. “The main living area features high ceilings, lots of big windows, durable laminate plank flooring, a cosy living room with an ornamental brick fireplace with open shelving, and a spacious dining area. It’s easy to see yourself entertaining.”
The main living area also comes with a cool design feature.
“A striking open staircase separates the living room from the dining room, giving the area an upscale feel,” says Neumann. “It leads upstairs to a spacious loft-style primary bedroom that offers a walk-in closet and sitting area. It’s a wonderful space that parents will love.”
Descend the quietly spectacular staircase and turn left, and you find yourself in a good-sized kitchen just steps from the dining area.
“It’s not the type of kitchen you’d expect in a home this old,” says McTavish. “First, it’s quite a bit larger than you’d expect, with lots of room to move and create. It’s also been beautifully updated with two-tone white and dark cabinets, marble style laminate countertops and a tile backsplash. It’s a modern, function filled space.”
A hallway behind the staircase leads to four spaces.
“It just continues the great use of space in the home,” McTavish says. “There’s a good-sized main bath that’s been updated with a cork floor, newer vanity and a soaker tub/shower combo with an easy-care vinyl surround. There’s also a cool little mudroom off the back door that adds a nice touch of function to the home.”
There are the other two spaces, as well.
“First of all, there’s a smaller bedroom to the rear of the second bedroom that’s currently being used as an office,” Neumann says. “It’s a wonderful naturally bright space that has a patio door that leads out to a gorgeous, fenced backyard with a back deck and green space with plenty of room for kids and pets to play, a well as parents to have a garden.”
The second bedroom is just as impressive.
“It’s a good-sized bedroom that is filled with natural light, and has a nice cosy feel to it,” says McTavish. “Any kid would love the bedroom with all its space and access to the office, which offers all kinds of storage space.”
Unlike many more-than-a-100-year-old homes, 522 Craig’s lower level also offers all kinds of extra living space.
“It not only adds bonus living space with a rec room, but also comes with plenty of storage space courtesy of built-in shelving,” adds Neumann. “There’s also a mechanical room with laundry area, a workshop and more storage space. Very few homes this old offer three levels of function.”
Last – but certainly not least — there’s the home’s location.
“Not only are you on a quiet, mature street, but you’re close to shops, parks, transit and more, in a beautiful, very walkable neighbourhood,” says Neumann. “This home is a move-in-ready gem that’s ready for a young family to start making memories in.”
Location: 522 Craig St., Wolseley
Year Built: 1911
Style: one-and-a-half storey
Size: 1,160 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: two
Bathrooms: one
Price: $299,900
Contact: Eric Neumann, Real Broker, 204-996-6386 or Colin McTavish, Real Broker, 204-888-204-8554
