To put it mildly, buying a resale home is never a simple matter.
That's because so many different factors have to be considered -- and then judged in their entirety -- before deciding to buy. When it comes to a resale home, it's rare for all those elements -- location, square footage, layout, styling and a host of other small but important details -- to line up in a row.
However, there is the rare occasion when it can be argued a home is the complete package, or as close as humanly possible to it. We present for your consideration 79 Westwater Drive, a 2,266-square-foot bungalow with walk-out basement, situated on a prime lakefront lot in scenic Royalwood.
Royal LePage Top Producers' Michael Leclerc said the lot, measuring a huge (for inside city limits) 65 feet wide by 191 feet deep, is likely one of the best-positioned parcels in all Royalwood.
"The sunsets are simply spectacular with the western exposure," he said. "It's not difficult to imagine sitting outside on the covered deck, enjoying the sun setting over the lake. Tempered-glass panels define the deck, yet provide an unobstructed view. With no neighbours directly across from you, you're in a world of your own."
By the look of its front elevation, you're also in a home that's different from most.
"It's also a home that has nice curb appeal," Leclerc said. "Unlike most of the homes in the area, you're not looking right into the garage. The triple garage was positioned off to the side; that makes for a nice, clean-looking elevation."
The home's interior exhibits the same attention to detail. The floor plan is exceedingly logical. A 12.5-foot by 12-foot dining room to the left of the grand foyer is demarcated by a tile floor. The dining room's space, and its entrance with linear, three-tone pillars and white bevelled ceiling, are a precursor to the wow factor found in the great-room area.
"The area is open, yet nicely segmented," Leclerc said. "And style is everywhere, starting with a pillared entrance that leads into the great room and a cutout with beautiful wooden slats on the front wall over the stairs that acts as a divider, yet gives you a glimpse of the living room."
All three spaces, from the living room to the eat-in kitchen and adjacent dinette area, are linked yet separate entities. Each has its fair share of the wow factor.
"I love the living room," Leclerc said. "It's a dramatic space with large windows to allow plenty of natural lighting and great lake views.
"Its focal point is a gorgeous Tyndall stone and maple gas fireplace that fills the far right-hand wall. That's complemented by a coffered ceiling above that adds even more style. The ceiling is also 12-feet-high, which makes a big space feel even bigger."
Space and style characterize the kitchen, which at 23.5 feet by 13.3 feet is the perfect size for a family or to create gourmet meals when entertaining.
"It's an elegant, functional space with an abundance of custom (colonial) maple cabinetry, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar (for three), tile backsplash and granite countertops," he said. "When the sun's out, it, like the living room, is a bright space, and relaxing at night when the pot lights above bring out the warm walnut hardwoods. The spacious dinette area also offers stunning water vistas."
Stunning vistas are also plentiful downstairs, where a walk-out lower level with 1,800 sq. ft. of liveable space takes the home's utility up another notch or three.
"What can you say? It just goes on and on," Leclerc said. "A bank of three windows in the sitting/media area provide great lake views out back, and there's also a play area. To the rear, there's a separate home theatre, while there's also an exercise area (by another large window), too."
Two large bedrooms, both with double closets, one with a water view, a large, four-piece bath and loads of storage space round out a lower level as bright as most homes' main levels.
"The wall of windows makes for natural lighting and fabulous views of the lake and backyard, where a patio awaits," he added. "A structural wood floor also makes the basement a nice, warm space."
Several notable features grace the main level. There are two more large bedrooms, a four-piece bath with soaker tub and a handy main-floor laundry room that affords access to the attached triple garage. But it's the luxurious master suite that steals the show.
"It's absolutely gorgeous with its tray ceiling, water view and all its space," Leclerc said. "The ensuite is spectacular with its tile floor, six-foot jetted tub, five-foot shower and colonial vanity. It's a private space where you can go to rejuvenate yourself."
Built in 2004, the home is in pristine condition throughout and comes with extra features such as central vacuum, high-efficiency furnace (heating costs are only $100 per month on budget) HRV and alarm system.
"To sum it up, I'd say it's a home that's stylish but sensible," Leclerc said. "It's a warm, comfortable family home with an excellent layout in a natural setting that encourages staying active through hiking, biking or playing hockey out back in the winter."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 79 Westwater Drive, Royalwood
Year built: 2004
Style: Bungalow
Size: 2,266 sq. ft. with walk-out basement
Lot size: 65' x 191'
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Taxes: $10,809.24 (gross 2011)
Price: $984,900
Contact: Michael Leclerc, Royal LePage Top Producers @ 792-6453
