Todd Lewys / Free Press
A gas fireplace with elegant marble surround serves as the focal point of the stylish formal living room.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
With its proximity to the kitchen and formal dining room and patio door that connects to a big backyard deck, the family room is perfect for entertaining.
The updated kitchen’s utility matches its good looks.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The expansive primary bedroom is a private, tranquil retreat.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Few Tuxedo-area homes come equipped with a main-floor mud/laundry room that connects to an attached garage.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The crown jewel of the finished lower level is a fabulous media area with projector and screen included in the home’s overall purchase price.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
Spa-like amenities await in the luxurious ensuite.
As cherished an area as Tuxedo is with its mix of grand homes and expansive, mature lots, homebuyers often have one objection about the way many of the homes are designed.
That quibble is the stately homes often lack flow — both in terms of light and the navigability through and between spaces.
This is certainly not the case with a stately two-storey home found at 34 Birkenhead Ave., says Garrett Parker of Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate.
“I think the first thing that hits you about this home is how wide-open it is,” he says of the 3,511-sq.-ft. residence, which was built in 1966. “When the outgoing owners got the home, it was quite chopped up and dark. They did a wonderful job of opening the home up to improve flow from space to space.”
First impressions of the home’s interior are very favourable. A tiled, subtly sunken foyer leads into a landing area that’s reminiscent of many River Heights classics, which feature centre hall plans off of which key spaces run to the left and right.
However, in this case, the landing area is perhaps twice as wide, making for free, easy entry into the immaculate home.
“Flow throughout the home is excellent,” says Parker. “Even better, every space on the main floor and upstairs is very generous, and comes with a huge window, or windows. Natural light comes inside from everywhere.”
Most importantly, the home unfolds in logical, user-friendly fashion.
Step through a wide doorway to the right of the elegant foyer, and you find yourself in a generous formal dining room that measures an impressive 13-by-17 feet.
“With room for eight or more guests at the dining table, it’s ideal for hosting large gatherings,” Parker says. “Not only is it a very generous space, but it also has a huge window on its front wall that lets in an absolute ton of natural light.”
From there, another pleasingly wide doorway leads into the kitchen, which bears little resemblance to so many kitchens in dated Tuxedo classics.
“It was recently updated with an 11-foot quartz island with built-in cooktop and a breakfast bar that seats four,” says Parker.
“There are also loads of espresso-toned cabinets, a pantry, quartz countertops, display cabinets with glass centres and a peninsula with sink and eating nook for two that opens beautifully onto a banquette eating area behind.”
Parker says there’s another space off the kitchen that’s rare in 50-year-old Tuxedo homes.
“A doorway at the back of the kitchen actually leads to a mud/laundry room that connects to the attached garage — a space that few if any homes in the area have,” he says. “Again, it’s very generous, and comes with a laundry area, centre island with storage and a big window that lets in more light.”
Next comes the family room, which is something of a revelation.
“Thanks to all the space between the kitchen and banquette area, it’s easy to access,” Parker says. “It’s perfect for entertaining, with a patio door that opens onto a deck and a generous, fenced backyard with mature trees.”
The main floor’s final space — a formal living room set to the left of the landing — is a beauty.
“It’s centred around a gas fireplace with a gorgeous marble surround that gives it an elegant, refined feel. A huge bay window on its front wall floods it with natural light for good measure,” says Parker.
Head upstairs via a wide, elegant staircase, and the home’s generous square footage again comes into play.
“Much like the main floor, you come up to a wide landing that provides tons of room to move, something families will love,” says Parker.
“Two of the bedrooms share a beautiful Jack-and-Jill bath, while the third bedroom can be used as a guest room, office, gym or hobby room. There’s also another gorgeous three-piece bath with walk-in shower.”
Finally, there’s the gigantic — and privately positioned — primary bedroom.
“What can you say? It’s an absolutely amazing space,” Parker says. “A massive window on its front wall provides a great view of the mature trees in front of the home, and there’s a large walk-in closet that offers loads of storage space.
“The well-appointed ensuite offers a soaker tub and walk-in shower that share the same tile feature wall and a heated tile floor.”
Meander downstairs, and you find a rec room with movie theatre, wet bar and more.
“Set on a prime corner lot in a quiet area overlooking green space, this is a functional, updated and character-filled home that’s close to everything and perfect for a large family,” Parker says.
lewys@mymts.net
Details
Location: 34 Birkenhead Ave., Tuxedo
Year Built: 1966
Style: two-storey
Size: 3,511 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: four
Bathrooms: three full, two powder rooms
Price: $1,195,000
Contact: Chris Pennycook, Garrett Parker or Val Miller, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, 204-989-5000
