Wolseley home brimming with character

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This article was published 23/03/2019 (2384 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s only one way to describe this home, says Eric Neumann of Realty Executives First Choice.

“It’s like a Crescentwood classic was dropped into Wolseley,” he says of the 2,928-sq.-ft., 21/2-storey home, which is situated on an oversized, pie-shaped lot. “Even though it needs a bit of love, it’s an above-average Wolseley home that’s loaded with character and historic features.”

The history Neumann speaks of stems from the fact the stately abode was once home to a wealthy family near the turn of the 20th century.

“There’s actually a bell on the floor of the living room that the owners once used to call servants for service,” he says. “There’s also a separate entrance out back that servants probably used to come and go. The home’s top floor has two bedrooms and plumbing, which means there’s a good chance it was the servants’ quarters.”

Turns out, there’s another telltale sign that 150 Canora was once home to an elite family: the magnificent woodwork that runs throughout the home.

That immaculate oak woodwork starts in an antechamber that precedes the home’s foyer.

Although a compact space, it serves as a spectacular prelude to the home with its ornate oak coat closet, intricate oak woodwork, latticed piano window and doorway featuring beautiful oak trim and a transom window above to let in light from the front door.

Neumann says more wonderful woodwork awaits in the adjacent foyer.

“Step inside, and there’s an original oak staircase with hand-carved oak bannister to the right. To the left, there’s a doorway that leads to the formal dining room that can be closed off by a pair of well-preserved original pocket doors. The other woodwork — door trim, high baseboards and wainscotting — is also in wonderful shape.”

Take the aforementioned doorway in to the formal dining room, and the woodwork — original oak hardwoods, piano windows with ornate oak casings, door trim and oak doors with their rich wood grain — envelops you in a warmth that emanates from the quality of the wood and the craftsmanship that brought it to life.

At the same time, the floor plan flows remarkably well, something of an anomaly for a turn-of-the century home.

Another double-wide, oak-trimmed doorway provides seamless access to a cosy living room that features a wall lined with piano windows. Then, a third doorway on the living room’s right-hand wall leads into — of all things — a functional, eat-in kitchen.

“The great thing about this home is how functional its layout is,” Neumann says. “Both the dining room and living room are great spaces, and so is the kitchen. There’s plenty of cabinet and counter space, a built-in desk, room for a table for two to four, and there’s even a double sink next to a large window. It’s a perfect base to entertain from.”

Plenty more function can be found on the home’s second and third floors, he adds.

“The second floor is where the opportunity to turn the home into a duplex comes in. There’s a second kitchen next to a large bedroom that right now is being used as the master suite. Another great feature is a huge three-season sunroom that offers nice views of the mature neighbourhood below.”

Another well-preserved oak staircase then leads up to the third floor, which holds two more bedrooms.

“One bedroom comes with a smaller space next to it that could possibly be made into an ensuite bath because it has plumbing,” Neumann says. “The two bedrooms could be part of a duplex arrangement, or could serve as bedrooms for teens wanting their own private space.”

Last but not least is the home’s basement, which is actually habitable — something that isn’t a given in homes that are more than a century old.

“The ceiling is a good height, there’s the potential for two bedrooms — the windows have to be checked for proper egress — plus there’s a media-room area, bathroom and laundry room. There’s potential for the basement to be made into a basement suite. Or, it could be another spot that teenagers could call their own.”

Whether the home is turned into a duplex by a savvy investor or bought by a family to enjoy all the charm and function it possesses, this is a rare home that’s loaded with potential, Neumann says.

“Not only are you getting nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of space plus a usable basement and double garage with mezzanine for $419,900, but you’re also getting into an amazing area,” he says. “The warmth, character and function that this home offers is incredible. It’s ready and waiting for someone to come and turn it into the type of home they want it to be.”

lewys@mymts.net