Resale Homes
Resale Homes
Aging gracefully
Choosing a home, to put it mildly, can be a daunting task.
On one side of the preference ledger, buyers desire a new, or newer home because it will be contemporary and require fewer updates than an older home. The downside to buying newer is that you'll be paying higher taxes and will be in a community that might not be as central (or mature) as you might like it to be.
The other side of that ledger entails purchasing an older home in an established, more central community. Only problem is, the home may well require extensive updates.
To buy new or old -- that, indeed, is the question.
Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate's Garry Parkes said he may have the solution to that quandary: an updated two-storey home found at 148 Elm St. in north River Heights.
The result of those renovations, which include a new kitchen and family room, is a masterful fusion of classic River Heights charm and modern amenities.
Take the home's hub, for example. The kitchen/family room area is as contemporary as you'll find anywhere, said Parkes.
"Its design is extremely functional -- there's a dual-sided peninsula that seats four to six, black/grey granite countertops, custom cherry cabinets, a built-in oven and gas cooktop and oak hardwood flooring that make for a space (which measures 10 feet by 17.2 feet) that's functional, and beautiful."
The function doesn't end there. Walk to the end of the kitchen, and you find a landing set two steps down. It not only contains built-in cherry storage cabinets, but also offers something very rare in vintage River Heights homes: a double-attached garage.
"At approximately 22 feet by 28 feet, it's a large garage that comes with an extra-high 18-foot-wide door, electric opener and storage area above the garage stall," he said. "Like a new home, you can park your car in the garage and bring your groceries directly into the kitchen, which has lots of cabinets and a pantry with pull-outs to store all your wares."
Then, the second part of the 12-year-old renovation adds even more function to the area: a family room set down one step from the kitchen, plus another bonus adjacent to the area, which measures in at an expansive 14.3 feet by 19 feet.
"There's a gas fireplace with built-in cherry wood entertainment centre, and a three-piece bay window that not only lets in tons of natural light, but creates extra room for a sectional or a sofa and chairs," said Parkes. "There's also a patio door that leads to a covered deck and private backyard that's ideal for grilling steaks and burgers. It's also a safe, fully fenced spot for kids to play in."
Head toward the front of the home, and a classic centre hall floor plan takes you to a dining room (to the left of the front entrance coming in) and a living room to the right. Turns out, there's more to the living room than meets the eye.
"The living room is an absolutely beautiful space with oak hardwoods, a wood-burning fireplace (set off by a cultured stone stack above, cappuccino maple mantel and built-in cabinets either side), coved ceiling and pot lights. There's also a (nine-foot by 15 foot) room off the living room that can be used as a sunroom, den or play room."
Immediately across the way is the (12.6 foot by 14.1 foot) formal dining room; then comes another unexpected feature heading back toward the kitchen/family room.
"It's a feature you don't often see in homes this old -- a two-piece bath," said Parkes. "If you're entertaining, your guests won't need to go upstairs to use the washroom."
Speaking of the home's second level, there's actually a level that precedes it, he added.
"There's actually a den/office off the first landing. It's a wonderful space that's surrounded by four windows and comes with oak hardwoods. At one time it was a bedroom, but it now makes a great den with all its natural light."
Next comes the full-fledged second level, which features three bedrooms and a three-piece bath.
"All three bedrooms are a good size, and feature large windows and good storage space," Parkes said. "At 12 feet by 13 feet, the master suite is a comfortable space with a large window, dressing/closet area, three-piece ensuite and warm earth tones on the walls."
The home's lower level also ranks as a pleasant surprise. With good ceiling height (not always the case in 86-year-old homes) and decent space, it offers a recreation/games room, laundry room and oversized bathroom that houses not only a shower, but wet sauna with cedar accents.
"This is a solid, straight, beautifully updated classic home in a mature, central location that close to everything," he said. "It's the best place to be in the city, and you can have the best of both worlds - original River Heights character with modern functionality."
lewys@mts.net
Resale Homes
Contemporary living
It's a quality that not all resale homes possess: pride of ownership.
The moment you walk into 57 Lannoo Dr. in Assiniboine Woods, that quality is obvious, said REMAX Professionals' David De Leeuw.
"The owners of this home are really fussy and meticulous, and that nature is definitely reflected in the condition of this home," he said. "No matter what room you're in, pride of ownership is very apparent. Even though this home was built in 1994, it literally feels brand-new inside."
Built by Jaymor Homes two decades ago, the 2,574-square-foot, two-storey design -- which is surrounded by towering trees and the Assiniboine River -- feels very contemporary.
The centrepiece of that layout is a great room area that was a forerunner of today's modern great room designs, said De Leeuw.
"It's a wonderful, open plan that offers exceptional flow from the family room right through into the kitchen. It's a plan that was modified several years back, where the rear wall was bumped out and floor-to-ceiling windows (along with a pair of skylights) were installed."
The result of that renovation is nothing short of incredible. Not only is the family room filled with loads of natural light -- nine-foot ceilings also make a bright, spacious area feel that much more welcoming -- but the wall of windows essentially brings the outdoors indoors.
"All the glass on the back wall makes for panoramic views out to the beautiful backyard and the Assiniboine River beyond," he said.
"The view is absolutely incredible. You get a wall of green forest in the summer that frames the river, and a golf course view (St. Charles Golf & Country Club) in the winter. The home was deliberately oriented toward the river to take advantage of the view."
The backyard is a perfect spot to spend time in during the summer.
"There's extensive decking, a hot tub and all kinds of room to relax which makes this home just an incredible summer house," De Leeuw said. "You can spend time out back relaxing with family or friends on the deck or in the hot tub, enjoying a view that sees the river curve away gently on either side of the home."
Back inside, the island kitchen -- which features white oak cabinets with oak trim, beige and black granite countertops is a stylish, functional space with built-in cooktop, a double oven, built-in desk and a double sink with a river view that comes courtesy of a huge three-part window.
Meanwhile, the family room, with it oak hardwoods, oak cabinetry and wood-burning fireplace (set smartly in a black tile surround) adds warmth and character to the home's meticulously maintained main living area.
"It's an area ideal for entertaining," said De Leeuw. "And an area that will undoubtedly deliver great meals, memorable family times - and great views. It's a large, beautifully finished space that's as contemporary as most of today's great room designs."
The main floor also offers another feature that's rare for a home built two decades ago.
"There's also a main-floor laundry room with window, sink and cabinets, which is across from a walk-in storage closet and door that offers access to the double-attached garage," he said.
"The main floor is then finished off by a spacious dining room/living room combination surrounded by huge windows. The circular floor plan works extremely well, and is ideal for entertaining."
The second level contains three bedrooms -- the two secondary bedrooms are oversized with double closets -- a spacious main bath (with travertine tile floor and vanity with corian countertop), and the master suite.
"When you walk in, your blood pressure immediately drops," said De Leeuw.
"The taupe colour palette, along with the treetop views, is very calming, and it's exceptional width gives you all kinds of room to move and place furniture. A huge walk-in closet with built-in storage provides all kinds of well-organized space to store clothing and accessories."
Then there's the ensuite.
"With it's corner jetted tub (set in white tile with two oak-trimmed corner windows above), five-foot shower and extra-large vanity with corian countertop, it's a true retreat," he said. "Everything in it is absolutely pristine."
Descend to the home's lower level, and there's another 1,000-plus square feet of livable space that spreads out in the form of a media area, games area, play area, full bath and a den/bedroom.
"The great thing about the basement is that the ceiling is higher than normal at 81/2 feet," said De Leeuw.
"Best of all, it has the space that a family needs to provide an additional level of separation. There's space for everyone in this home; you'll never feel jammed together living here."
He added that 57 Lannoo represents a great opportunity for a growing family to enjoy a well-designed home in a superb location.
"This is a very well-built and beautifully finished home that offers something for everyone in the family," he concluded.
lewys@mts.net
