Imagine this: it's mid-winter, and you're driving up a winding driveway amid mature pines and oaks coated by a delicate layer of hoar frost.
Then, you see it: a bungalow and guest house set in the midst of the forest -- with the Red River serving as a backdrop, the backyard sloping lazily down to the water's edge. Best of all, hardly a sound can be heard, and, well -- with such a wide lot -- your next door neighbour is nowhere to be seen.
In short, you're in a nature-filled world of your own. And this is only winter -- not summer in full bloom.
"The privacy factor is incredible here," says Century 21's Cole Castelane. "It's such a mature, natural setting with tons of wildlife -- foxes, deer, rabbits, you name it. At the same time, you're only minutes from the University of Manitoba and close to downtown Winnipeg, St. Vital, Pembina Highway and all the shopping and restaurants on Kenaston Boulevard."
Fortunately, the home in question (or, in this case, homes) fit in perfectly with the countrified surroundings. The primary home, a spacious bungalow, exudes a laid-back elegance that complements the natural setting that surrounds it: well-preserved parquet floors throughout, a semi open-concept layout that encourages good flow -- and a plethora of large windows that bring the stunning natural setting inside.
"Even though the home was built in 1972, it's still very bright and is quite open," he adds. "There's loads of natural light, the views are incredible and the layout really works well."
What Castelane is referring to the fact that the 38-year-old home has the versatility required to handle both the demands of entertaining and family life. The dining room -- plenty big at 18.5 feet by 11.5 feet -- opens up on to the living room and family room, which are divided neatly by a full-height wall.
With its wall of honey maple pantry cabinets (which frame a double Bosch convection oven), black granite counter tops, built-in stove top and spotless parquet floors, the remodelled kitchen's understated style fits in perfectly with the rest of the decor. Nothing is overdone so as to detract from the beauty that surrounds the home.
In fact, were you not minutes from a host of conveniences in the south of the city, the corner cultured stone fireplace in the living room and views framed by large windows in both rooms (there's also a screened-in room next to the family room for use in spring, summer and early fall) could well convince you were in lake country.
That rustic ambience carries on into the master suite, where two large corner windows capture more tree and water vistas. There's even a four-piece ensuite with jetted tub set in light grey ceramic tile -- and a vertically-oriented window by the tub through with you can gaze out at the soothing surroundings while in for a soak. His and her closets with two storage closets in between adds extra storage space to the room.
Next door is a guest house subtly united to the main home by a brief cement walkway that runs underneath an attached double carport. Turns out, it's no afterthought.
"I'd say it's pretty amazing," Castelane says. "It's got a big living room, it's own kitchen, four-piece bathroom, a large bedroom and storage. There are also nine windows, with several along the back wall to give you a great river view. It makes a great bachelor pad -- the former owners rented it out. Or, if you've got a teenager that wants their privacy, they could make it their own space."
Back in the main abode, the lower level provides another pleasant surprise: a fully-developed rec room. With walls on either side of the centre staircase (to make for an under-stair storage area), there's a games room with wet bar, pool table, table for two and computer station on one side, a media room on the other. A smaller room at the end of the rec room currently serves as an exercise room.
"Because it has a window, it could also be turned into a third bedroom," he notes. "And not only is the rec room cool, but doors by the wet bar take you into a huge mechanical/laundry/storage room. That's where the geothermal heat pump system is; the heating and cooling bills for the home are extremely low. This is a great space to have."
Make that two superb spaces on spectacular river property with gorgeous views all around, adds Castelane.
"Both homes are in a great setting and in great condition with a ton of upgrades," he says. "All you need to do is move in and enjoy solid comfort in a private, natural setting that's close to all city conveniences."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Address: 520 Christie Road, St. Vital
Year Built: 1972
Style: Bungalow with guest house
Size: 2,311 sq. ft. plus fully developed lower level
Lot: 254' x 465' mature, treed lot backing on to Red River
Bedrooms: 2 in home; 1 in guest house
Bathrooms: 2 (four-piece & three-piece)
Selling Price: $539,000
Taxes: $4,874.42 (Gross 2009)
Realtor: Cole Castelane, Century 21 Bachman & Associates @ 453-7653
