Solid as a rock in Bruce Park

In 1912, a grand two-and-a-half storey home was built on the banks of the Assiniboine River at the end of Douglas Park Road in an area that’s now known as Bruce Park.

And while the home is now unquestionably part of the city Winnipeg, that wasn’t the case 110 years ago, says Max Bachman of Century 21 Bachman & Associates.

“Back then, it would have been on the outskirts of Winnipeg,” he notes. “It would have been considered a country home.”

Built of only the finest materials from a Red River brick exterior to a thick fir framework and oak, maple and fir flooring and window casings, the home was the ultimate turn-of-the century country estate.

Then, as the years went by, the majestic four-bedroom, three-bath home began to lose its luster. Sometime in the 1970s its charming brick exterior was sprayed white.

Meanwhile, its interior — the gorgeous oak flooring and ornate woodwork began to deteriorate. At some point, a French door entrance to its dining room was also walled off.

By the 1990s, the once-magnificent home was in desperate need of TLC.

Fortunately, its new owner — who bought the home in the late 90s — saw its potential and was determined to bring it back to its former glory.

“The bricks were actually turned around and re-used to restore the home’s original exterior,” says Bachman. “The French doors to the dining room were uncovered, and other original features were restored. For the most part, the flooring, door casings, moldings and window trim were all redone. All the work took the home back to its early-1900’s look.”

Today, the stately home is a true marvel, combining yesteryear character with contemporary design features that endow it with loads of modern function.

While the home is more than a century old, its floor plan is anything but dated.

A generous foyer connects directly to a transitional space with a dining room to its right and wide doorway to its rear that leads into a jaw-dropping living room that was designed by its current owner, who purchased the home in 2009.

“Seven south-facing windows on its rear wall look out over the river and let sunshine in all day long, while a vaulted, beamed ceiling adds character along with a wood burning fireplace set in a stone surround on a weathered wood feature wall,” says Bachman. “It’s an exceptional space.”

Meanwhile, the adjacent dining room — its French door entrance restored — is flooded with light that comes in through a pair of large openings that once served as windows in the home’s rear wall in its original incarnation.

With its elegant woodwork, gleaming oak hardwoods, stained glass window and classic chandelier, it’s well-suited to hosting dinner parties and is just steps from an adorable kitchen.

“It’s perfect for a gourmet with all its space, butcher block countertops, white cupboards, double wall oven, farmhouse sink, huge bay window and informal eating area. There’s also a built-in desk and doorway that leads to a side door.”

Take the original, hand-carved oak staircase up to the second floor, and you find a main bath with clawfoot tub and three oversized bedrooms, including a spectacular primary bedroom.

“Three large windows behind the bed look out over the river and let in lots of natural light,” he says. “Beautiful maple hardwoods give it character, while his/her walk-in closets, a three-piece ensuite with walk-in shower and farmhouse sink and ductless air conditioning add modern function.”

Yet another staircase leads up to a third floor that contains another special space.

“There’s a fourth bedroom with an office area that’s the outgoing owner’s favourite space because it’s up in the trees in a quiet spot that’s separated beautifully from the rest of the home,” Bachman says. “Back in the day, it was an overflow room for the family. Today, it would be a great bedroom for a teenager or guests.”

Finally, there’s the fully finished lower level, which comes with an incredible rec room.

“Again, it was designed by the outgoing owner. It offers a sun-filled rec room with wet bar, media area and studio that was completed in 2020. There’s also a four-piece bath, huge mechanical/laundry area and a meticulously-designed workshop.”

Bachman says the lovingly maintained home must be seen firsthand to be fully appreciated.

“Its location and design combine to give you a home that wraps a cottage-like feel, stately charm and modern function all up in one amazing package. It’s been meticulously maintained and deeply loved by its last two owners and is ready for a new owner who will love and enjoy it as much as they have.”

lewys@mymts.net

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