It isn't often a home that appeals to three different demographics comes up for sale.
That's the case with 115 Mardena Cres., a 1,716-square-foot bungalow in the quiet, natural south Winnipeg enclave of Van Hull Estates. Built by Randall Homes in 2008, it backs on to Henteleff Park, offering a private, tranquil setting.
It's also versatile, said Lifestyles Real Estate's Charlene Urbanski.
"Because it's a bungalow, space is abundant," she said. "There's over 1,700 square feet of space on the main level, and about 1,500 square feet of space downstairs. The way it's been laid out, it could be used to accommodate the needs of someone with a disability, an aging parent who's come to live with you, or even just a large, growing family."
A private wing to the left of the generous, tiled foyer contains a main-floor bedroom with a three-foot-wide doorway that's big enough for a wheelchair. Next to it is a three-piece bathroom with five-foot turning radius and a no-step-over shower.
"If you're dealing with a child with a handicap or a parent with mobility issues, it's an ideal area," said Urbanski. "The bedroom is right at grade, is easy to get in and out of, and is right next to a wheelchair-accessible bathroom. It's ideal for a granny suite or for a child who might be facing mobility challenges.
"It's next to a garage with a wheelchair ramp that makes it easy to transfer a person from a wheelchair into a vehicle waiting in a nice, warm garage."
The home lends itself to the needs of a growing family, or even empty nesters. The main-floor bedroom, which is next to the bathroom and the laundry room, could be used as a guest bedroom.
"One of the features I like most about it is where the master suite is situated. It's been placed away from the bedrooms and made all the more private by having a short hallway run off it (marked by a one-third wall to the right and stairwell railing to the left) between the family room and lower level stairwell," she said. "You're in your own world when you step inside."
The bedroom is spacious with a large window (and vaulted ceiling) that overlooks the backyard and mature forest at the rear of the home. A walk-in closet is equipped with lots of built-in storage.
Then, there's the ensuite: It has a bronze-hued tile floor, soaker tub and vanity with granite countertop.
Mere steps away (not too close to the bedroom, however) is the great room.
"I love the bright, open design," said Urbanski, noting that a vaulted ceiling amplifies the feeling of space and light. "The family room is a beautiful space with three windows (two either side, one above) surrounding a gas fireplace set in cultured stone. It's not only defined by the one-third wall by the master suite, but also by a one-third wall next to the dinette area and the fact its flooring is carpet rather than hardwoods."
Meanwhile, the kitchen/dinette area -- through which pristine natural (engineered) oak hardwoods run -- features a sound ergonomic design that places (as it should) the emphasis on flow between spaces. An angled island with double sink and eating nook for two provides tons of function without hampering the flow.
"The oak hardwoods are very warm, while the (black/brown) granite countertops and a tan/terra cotta tile backsplash complements the flooring beautifully," she said.
"There's tons of counter and storage space (with a corner pantry). The dinette area holds a table for four, and is next to a large window and door that leads to a deck and patio in the private, fenced backyard."
That exceptional layout continues downstairs in the form of 1,500 sq. ft.-plus of liveable space: A huge rec room, two bedrooms, an office, four-piece bath (with soaker tub) and even a kitchenette area with sink and fridge next to a potential eating nook that holds a table for four.
"I could see this being a prime spot for teenagers, or even for renters," Urbanski said. "You could put a stove in the kitchenette, and with the two bedrooms and bathroom, possibly rent it to university students, being so close to the University of Manitoba. This home's flexible design opens up all kinds of possibilities."
This type of opportunity doesn't come along every day, she added.
"Next-to-new bungalows in such a great location are few and far between."
lewys@mts.net
