Make yourself at home

As exciting as it is to purchase a new home, there are two small but significant details that can add stress to the big occasion.

The first is that, in many cases, the home might need to be updated significantly in several areas.

That knowledge can create angst as you never know what you’re going to find when you start to tear out walls, pull down cabinets and rip out flooring.

Secondly, even if a home is move-in-ready, there are often elements that don’t line up precisely with personal preferences.

That’s not the case with the striking-looking home at 323 Kirkbridge Dr. in Richmond West, says Val Miller of Royal Dynamic Real Estate.

“This home has been beautifully cared for and updated by the longtime owners,” she says of the 2,100-square-foot, two-storey house. “It has great curb appeal that comes from a beautifully landscaped front yard, and an exterior that has been painted a rich green shade that blends perfectly with its lovely surroundings.”

A striking exterior creates expectations, which can sometimes lead to a letdown when you step inside a house to survey what’s on offer from the foyer on in.

But if anything, this home gets better — much better, says Miller.

“As soon as you step inside, you can see how much pride has been taken in the home. It feels like new and looks amazing.”

A lot of work was put into bringing it up to modern standards, she explains.

“When the owners bought the home, it was basically a time capsule of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Because of that, just about everything in the home, except maybe the windows, has been updated over the years.”

The outgoing owners have carefully and meticulously curated a home with a feel and flow that immediately puts you at ease — not something every home possesses.

Essentially, you feel like you could live here right from the get-go.

“I just love the cappuccino-stained hand scraped hardwoods — they’re pristine and draw you into the home with their warmth and texture,” Miller says. “When you look around, you see great pride of ownership. While the home certainly isn’t new, it has a new feel to it.”

Head left from the fabulous foyer and you enter a large, welcoming living room that — thanks to a six-foot-wide doorway — transitions effortlessly into a spacious formal dining room with a table that can easily seat eight or more.

Then you step into the adjacent kitchen, which is a sight to behold.

“It was totally remodelled with white cabinets, stainless appliances, a tile backsplash, lovely laminate countertops and a double granite composite sink,” notes Miller. “A sideboard replaced railing between the kitchen and family room to add function and maintain separation.”

Two other spaces — a lovely dinette area and a sunken family room — complement the kitchen perfectly.

“The dinette area behind the kitchen provides a wonderful backyard view and a sliding patio door that provides access to a large deck, as well as a huge patio area in the spectacular, beautifully landscaped backyard. And the sunken family room, which is centred around a gas fireplace, is an ideal space for relaxation or catching up with friends or family.”

Upstairs, there are two large secondary bedrooms, a remodelled main bath and a spacious primary bedroom that is preceded by a functional flex space that currently serves as a den.

“A double door entrance ushers you into the bedroom, which just hugs you with its warm, peaceful feel,” she says. “The remodelled ensuite is simply incredible with its soaker tub, walk-in shower, double vanity and gorgeous vinyl tile floor. There’s also a large walk-in closet, too.”

Finally, there’s the home’s fully finished lower level, which holds a fourth bedroom, full bath, rec room with media, exercise and games areas and ample storage.

“It caps everything off perfectly. The home offers three levels filled with great function and livability.”

Miller says 323 Kirkbridge lacks nothing and is in an outstanding location.

“It’s excellent, near parks, all levels of schools, shopping and transit. Overall, I would say it’s one of the most well-cared-for, well-loved homes I’ve been in. From the outside to the inside, the attention to detail is outstanding.”

lewys@mymts.net