WHEN you buy a resale home -- especially one built in the 1920s -- you're not always sure what you're getting.
After all, a home 80-plus years old could have a lot of issues: the wiring (knob and tube), foundation (porous stone), insulation (none or little behind the walls) and a host of other potential problems.
Well, that's not the case with 428 McLeod Ave. Built in 1923, the 89-year-old, North Kildonan-area home was lovingly renovated by a young couple -- they're 29 and 30 years old, respectively -- who admit to being old souls with a love of the character that 1920's-era homes exude.
Glen McAngus, the agent for Stephen and Sarah Michaluk, said he's never seen a renovation the likes of the one performed on 428 McLeod, a 2,300-square-foot., two-storey home.
"I've never seen a renovation done with so much thought and care as this one," he said. "They literally took this home down to the studs and rebuilt it. It's basically a brand-new home. Yet, Stephen and Sarah did a great job of retaining features that tie in the home's 1920s vintage."
As important as the decorative features are, structural features are of equal, if not greater, importance. Turns out, 428 McLeod is solid from the ground up, thanks to the addition of an ICF (insulated concrete form) lower level.
"The whole basement is new," said Sarah. "We went with and ICF basement because it's warmer and quieter than a regular concrete basement. There's also a new (Lennox) high-efficiency furnace and newer windows throughout the home. When we stripped the walls down, there wasn't any insulation at all in them, and we also found out that the wiring was knob and tube. The home has been reinsulated and rewired, so those aren't issues, either."
Unlike most 1920s-era homes, the basement features a high ceiling (eight-plus feet) and oversized windows on opposite walls. Combine that with an open-concept design and there's over 1,000 sq. ft. of livable space to enjoy, with the centrepiece being the media area.
"Basically, Stephen designed the whole rec room around the media area. He mounted a high-definition projection screen on a bulkhead and put a plug right by it to plug the projector in to. He then put in a surround-sound system. It's a great spot to watch a movie, play video games or watch sports," said Sarah. "There's also a wet bar, three-piece bathroom, another room and lots of storage."
While the home's lower level is brand spanking new, its main level features a fusion of old and new design themes. Well-preserved original fir hardwoods greet you in the generous foyer, running through the bedrooms on either side, then down the hallway and into a handy main-floor laundry/mudroom (with access to the attached two-car garage).
The rear portion of the home -- about three-quarters of it is new, spanning back from the large, low-silled window that was placed over a huge, white ceramic double sink -- is thoroughly modern in its design. With an open-concept great room area surrounded by large windows plus dual sliding doors that lead to a deck, pool and huge backyard, flow between the family room, kitchen and dining area (which was placed by the deck doors and several windows) trumps that of most 1920's-era homes.
With a 10-foot island (with built-in cooktop), corner pantry, country white cabinets, black granite countertops with a smart textured antiqued finish and multi-hued glass tile backsplash -- engineered oak hardwoods run through the kitchen, family room and dining area -- the kitchen is thoroughly modern in style and function.
Meanwhile, the family room is big and bright, with its focal point being a wood-burning fireplace set in tan tile and stylishly surrounded by a white mantel and trim. The white built-in entertainment centre beautifully complements the fireplace, while six-inch baseboards and vintage light fixtures stay in step with the home's original character. A clawfoot tub in the three-piece bathromm off the kitchen -- bought for $50 off Kijiji and then refinished -- also takes you back in time.
"We did our best to keep the character of the home," said Sarah. "While we wanted to bring it into the 21st century, we also wanted to keep its character, so we worked hard at getting the blend between the old and new features just right."
Upstairs, a multifaceted loft-style master bedroom caps off the home with its style, utility and another unique but practical throwback feature.
"I don't know how many homes come with a wood-burning stove in the master suite, but this one does," said McAngus. "It also comes with a four-season sunroom (at the rear), huge walk-in closet and a beautiful ensuite that's a fusion of old and new with its fir floor, six-foot soaker tub, four-foot shower and espresso maple vanity. The view of the huge backyard with all the mature oaks and golf course in the background is pretty nice, too."
It is with mixed emotions the Michaluks will be moving from a home they invested so much time in renewing.
"We actually just finished doing the basement in mid-April," said Sarah. "Renovating this home was a labour of love, but it's time for us to move on. Hopefully, another family can come in and enjoy all the character and style it has to offer."
The chances of that are very good, added McAngus.
"Stephen and Sarah did an incredible job. It's basically a brand-new home," he said. "It's been modernized, yet has all kinds of yesteryear character. It gives you the best of both worlds."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 428 McLeod Ave., North Kildonan
Year built: 1923; Renovated 2008/2009
Style: Two-storey
Size: 2,300 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 59' x 232'
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Taxes: $5,388.08 (gross 2011)
Price: $449,900
Contact: Glen McAngus, Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate @ 989-6900
