Set on almost an acre of land along the Red River in St. Vital, the house at 104 River Road is a mix of old and new that is nothing short of pure luxury.
From the moment you walk through the large, cherry wood double doors, the house evokes a sense of grandeur. The grand foyer features a sweeping custom, cherry wood staircase that accentuates the 28-foot ceiling and gleaming Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring. Two sets of french doors lead to the large dining room on one side and a stately, executive office that overlooks the expansive front yard on the other side.
But it's the back of the house that is most impressive. A massive great room with a 19-foot ceiling features a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that takes full advantage of the home's pristine location along the banks of the Red River near St. Vital Park. Set back on the property and overlooking Crescent Drive Park in Fort Garry on the opposite side of the river, the setting is one of complete seclusion.
"You feel like you are in a park here," says the owner, who wanted to maintain his privacy and did not want to be named. "The view is spectacular."
But it's not only the incredible view that makes the great room so impressive. It's the rich, floor-to-ceiling cherrywood walls, reminiscent of elegant old libraries, which are finished with custom cabinetry and woodwork. The focal point of the room is an oversized, commercial gas fireplace with a cherrywood mantle.
The light fixtures throughout the house are a contrast from new to old. The original owners wanted to capture an old-world charm in their new house. They hunted through antique stores to find most of the light fixtures for the house, from the dining room chandelier to the sconces above the fireplace in the great room.
"They wanted to replicate a home from the 1920s that had wood and character, but in a modern home," says the current owner. "And that's what they've done."
The old-world touches continue through the bowed eating area that overlooks a wall of windows facing the river. Cherrywood pillars enhance the rich feel of the entire area. Recessed lighting in every room provides just the right illumination. There are a total of 84 pot lights throughout the house, all of which have replaced and updated.
The kitchen is a gourmet's dream with a "Dacor" gas cooktop built into the granite island, the sub-zero fridge with cherrywood facing and a separate prep area with its own sink and garburator. Rich custom cherry cabinets are complemented by the Brazilian cherry floors and grey granite countertops. There's a huge island and breakfast bar with reams of cabinets and counter space surrounding it.
"This kitchen is perfect for entertaining," says the owner. "People always hang out in the kitchen."
The main floor also has another den or sunroom with french doors leading off the kitchen and a garden door to access the cedar deck and balconies off the tiered yard, which has been professionally landscaped. A walk-in closet in this room houses the security camera surveillance system, which has multiple screens, each with different views of the house and property.
Upstairs, the master suite is fit for a king. The huge room offers the ultimate in luxury. A two-person whirlpool tub is situated right in front of a bank of windows to take full advantage of the breathtaking river view and the backyard, which is illuminated by spotlights at night. French doors lead off the master suite to a loft area overlooking the great room below.
A three-sided gas fireplace with a cherry mantle and an oversized glass shower are just two of the lavish features in this retreat. The master ensuite features his and hers cherrywood vanities with granite counters. There's also a toilet and a bidet. A spacious walk-in closet offers ample storage space as well as a laundry chute. A second bedroom upstairs also has its own three-piece ensuite and walk-in closet.
And if that wasn't enough, the lower level features an additional 3,000 square feet of living space. That includes two more spacious bedrooms, a home gym and a full second kitchen for entertaining. Not to mention the indoor pool area that has a separate HRV system to regulate humidity levels. The pool room houses a full-size, in-ground pool overlooking the backyard and river, complete with hot tub and cedar sauna, as well as a two-piece bathroom.
As for why anyone would sell such a home, the current owner has a demanding career and shares custody of his son. When he does have free time, they spend as much time out at the cottage as they can.
"I'm never here," he says simply. "It's a lot of work for one person."
Custom built in 1997 by Malcolm Construction, the Tyndall-stone house is tucked behind a row of trees and set back on the property down a long driveway. The two-storey house boasts 4,808 square feet with another 3,000 square feet of living space on the lower level.
It is currently on the market, listed at $1.399 million with Nicole Milner of RE/MAX performance realty.
