One of the downsides to looking for a solid starter home is that on a limited budget, you may not get the location you want.
In other words, young families or couples just starting out often have to buy their first home in a more remote part of the city to not only find an affordable home, but a home that offers more in terms of size and key updates.
However, there is an occasional anomaly in the world of starter homes, and it just so happens that one exists at 111 Borebank Street in north River Heights.
"I know it sounds like a cliche, but this home truly is a rare find," said Realty Executives First Choice's Eric Neumann. "The home's location is not only incredible, but it's priced very reasonably at $274,900. Best of all, it's been nicely updated, and features a functional floor plan."
Ah yes, the floor plan. Fact is, a high percentage of turn-of-the-century homes actually don't feature much in the way of a floor plan. Rather, all you get is a series of small rooms that make for a choppy, dark interior.
That's not the case with 111 Borebank, said Neumann.
"One of the things that makes this home stand out is that lots of natural light flows through it, and that's due to the floor plan," he said. "The main living area is very functional, with the kitchen opening up onto the dining room. There's also a four-season sunroom off the dining room that adds not only more usable space, but more natural light from the five windows that surround it."
The surprising part about the home's main living area is the amount of space - after all, the home is listed at 1,110 sq. ft.. The dining room is approximately eight feet wide by 10 feet long, the galley-style kitchen is 16 feet by 9 feet, and the sunroom is approximately eight feet deep by nine feet wide.
There are also windows on every wall, another rare feature in a turn-of-the-century vintage home.
"Not only is the kitchen/dining room area bright, but the kitchen has also been thoroughly updated," noted Neumann. "It has a wealth of espresso veneer cabinets (including a pantry with roll-out shelves) next to the fridge), granite countertops, an aluminum backsplash and newer stainless appliances, including a smooth top stove. There's also a useful eight-foot by seven-foot mudroom off the kitchen, as well."
As fetching and functional as both the kitchen and dining room are, it's the sunroom that really makes the area, he added.
"It can be used as a sitting area, play area or den that's connected to the main living area. It's an amazing space in its versatility, and all the light it allows to flow in."
Meanwhile, more utility can be found at the front of the home, where a 13-foot by 13-foot living room can be found to the right of the surprisingly spacious - and bright - foyer.
"It's surrounded by three windows, which make for a nice, bright space. The two windows on the front wall, like all the other windows in the home (except the original leaded glass/latticed transom window on the living room's far right wall) are newer. There's also a gas fireplace, the floors are original oak hardwoods, and there's even a little nook for a flat panel TV."
Head upstairs, and you find - as is most often the case - a compact landing with the main bath in the centre and two bedrooms off to either side. Unlike most homes of its vintage, however, 111 Borebank's two bedrooms are larger than normal; the master suite is 17 feet by 11 feet, while the second bedroom is 13 feet by 11 feet.
2Should a couple have two younger children, the second bedroom is large enough for two twin beds, or even a bunk bed set-up - with room left over for a dresser and armoire. While on the compact side, the main bath works fine with its classic clawfoot tub, raised, square ceramic sink, built-in shelving and (white) subway tile rear wall.
There's also livable space available downstairs, said Neumann.
"The basement is partially finished with a large room that could be used as a media room, exercise room or den. Ceiling height throughout is decent, and a nice dry basement that has plenty of storage space off the laundry area, which comes with a (newer) front load washer/dryer tandem.
With all its updates (including a newer electric system and updated plumbing), back yard with deck and patio and central location, 111 Borebank qualifies as a viable option for young families and couples.
"It's a solid, updated and reasonably-priced home in a great location that's just waiting for someone else to enjoy as much as the outgoing owners have," he said.
lewys@mts.net
