In an ideal world, every home built would feature a floor plan with a purpose.
Sadly, that isn't always the case. A home listed at over 2,000 sq. ft. might feel small and unwieldy due to an ill-conceived floor plan. On the other hand, a smaller home -- say in the 1,600-sq.-ft. range -- might possess considerably more utility due to a well-conceived layout.
Consequently, while 3 Acton Place -- a four-level split design -- measures in at "only" 1,609 sq. ft., it feels much larger than its listed square footage.
"This home is one of the most popular split-level designs in the area due to the excellent layout," said Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate's Sheila Jensen. "It's a very surprising home. When you see the square footage, it sounds like it might be on the smaller side. Once you're inside and have a look around, it feels much bigger because of all the separate spaces."
The key to the home's effective design lies in the fact each of its four levels are well-proportioned. On the main level, there's plenty of room for a big eat-in kitchen, a dining room that holds a table for six and a good-sized living room. Upstairs -- thanks to a landing area that takes up minimal space -- there's a four-piece bath flanked on either side by a huge master suite and big second bedroom.
As functional as those two levels are, it's the two lower-level spaces that come as a very pleasant discovery.
"The two levels downstairs are very surprising," she said. "You see the first level (a family room) right away. But it's only when you get down into that area that you see the other lower level."
Set several steps below is a media room (all of 22 feet by 16.5 feet; the family room is a generous 17.6 feet by 15.5 feet) with a door off it that leads to a big laundry/mechanical room with storage area in behind. The family room features a Tyndall stone (wood-burning) fireplace and oak hardwoods, while the media room has a good-sized nook ideal for a compact office/study area.
The two separate areas are a major bonus for families looking to spend some time apart after a enjoying a heaping helping of togetherness, said Jensen.
"While all the space is surprising, the best surprise it the spaces provide so much separation. Parents can be upstairs visiting in the living room while the kids are downstairs in the family room watching TV, doing homework or spending some time with their friends. This is a great home for a growing family."
It's also a home grown-ups will appreciate, especially on the main level. Although the home was built 28 years ago, the main floor's design open and contemporary. An eat-in kitchen is deftly divided from the dining room/living room area by a (dark) oak-capped one-third wall (formerly a full wall); the adjacent dining room, meanwhile, holds a table for six next to a large window.
A living room with huge picture window and oak hardwoods (it's plenty big at 12.2 feet by 11.75 feet) finishes off the upper level next to a long foyer with double-mirrored coat closet to the left and a door to the right that provides garage access.
"Two things stand out here," said Jensen. "First, there's tons of natural light that flows into the area through all the huge windows that surround it. Second, flow is excellent due to the open-concept floor plan. This is a very inviting home."
It's also a home that's very contemporary thanks to updates that include a grey colour palette (newly painted), dark-stained oak cabinets, new vinyl flooring and pristine oak hardwoods that run through the dining room and living room. The kitchen is particularly functional with room for a table for four, a door to a backyard patio, tons of cabinet space -- and ample room to move.
Not only has the kitchen been updated, but so, too, have both bathrooms, she added.
"They're both gorgeous with their ceramic tile detail. The bathroom in the lower level (next to a handy third bedroom off the family room) is beautiful with its (five-foot) tile shower and tile floor, while the four-piece bath upstairs has a (six-foot) jetted tub, more ceramic tile detail and a natural maple vanity with storage tower. It's next to the master bedroom, so it's almost like having an ensuite."
The master suite itself is big (15 feet by 12 feet) and exceptionally bright thanks to two huge corner windows that let in all kinds of daylight. There's not only plenty of room for a king-size bed and furniture, but there's ample storage courtesy of two massive his/her closets. The home's second bedroom (on the other side of the bathroom) is well-proportioned at 11 feet by 10.5 feet.
In all, 3 Acton is a home that has a lot going for it, said Jensen.
"It's not only in move-in condition, but it's also on a quiet cul-de-sac in a great, friendly neighbourhood. The home is freshly painted with newer carpeting and light fixtures, and the shingles, eaves, fascia and soffit were done in 2008, with exterior paint done in 2012. It's a stunning, well-cared-for home ready for a family to enjoy."
lewys@mts.net
DETAILS
Location: 3 Acton Place, River Park South
Year Built: 1985
Size: 1,609 sq. ft.
Style: Four-level split
Lot Size: 49’ x 109’
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Taxes: $3,499.78 (Gross 2012)
Price: $324,900
Contact: Sheila Jensen, Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate @ (204) 989-5000
