Updated classic

Consider for a moment a home built over 100 years ago in Winnipeg.

In most instances, people tend to visualize the same thing: a quaint-looking home with an interior that falls short of living up to modern standards for one reason or another. One of those reasons may be that dwellings a century or more older can often be quite spartan in their overall design.

For some reason, home designers of the era showed an oft-shocking indifference to comfort, and hence, overall functionality. Consequently, such houses tended to lack flow and be somewhat dull inside, design-wise.

Individual spaces — from living rooms to kitchens, bedrooms to bathrooms — tended to be small in size. Moreover, storage space was in short supply. As a result, when families looking for a move-up home often cross older homes off their list due to an overall lack of space and versatility.

Thankfully, Eric Neumann of Real Broker says his new listing at 158 Aubrey St. in Wolseley doesn’t fit that mould in the slightest.

“This lovingly maintained home blows expectations out of the water the moment step inside,” he says of the 1,350-sq.-ft., one-and-three-quarter-storey residence, which was built in 1923.

“Of course, it has character. But it also has a level of functionality to it you don’t often see in homes this old.”

Neumann says the home’s construction, positioning and size immediately set it apart from other abodes in the immediate area.

“Originally, this area was known as Happyland Park, an amusement park between Aubrey Street and Dominion Street (and from Portage Avenue to the Assiniboine River) which opened in 1906,” he says. “However, the park was forced to close in 1914 due to financial issues. The cool thing about this home is that, along with other homes in the area, it has a concrete, not a stone foundation. That’s a key feature.”

Another key feature can be seen clearly on the home’s north-facing wall.

“From the kitchen into the living room, four piano windows combine to fill the main living area with sunlight,” says Neumann. “That wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the house next door, which is on a 50-foot-wide lot. That extra space allows sunlight to come in from that side.”

Then, there’s the home’s size, which comes into play on both the main and second floors.

“Most homes of this type in Wolseley are about 1,200-sq.-ft. in size, while this home is 1,350 sq. ft. That allowed for larger spaces both here on the main floor and upstairs,” says Neumann.

Add in the fact the home has been thoughtfully updated and you have one functional and character-filled abode.

“Take the main living area,” says Neumann. “Unlike so many Wolseley classics, it’s a bright, open-concept space that’s naturally bright and extremely easy to move around in. The amount of natural light is impressive — that comes from the fact the area is surrounded by windows.”

Two spaces stand out, he says.

“As amazing as the living room/dining area is, spaces to its right and left really take it to another level. First, there’s a four-season sunroom to its right that’s just a gorgeous, peaceful space. “

Next comes the kitchen across the way.

“At some point, it was updated to open onto the dining room and living room,” says Neumann. “It’s roomy, bright and totally modern, and opens onto another great space — a large mudroom with a window, sink, locker and loads of storage space. You can enter easily with kids, sports stuff or pets and have plenty of room to move and store all your stuff.”

Head upstairs and the home’s extra square footage continues to yield dividends. A quick look around reveals four well-placed spaces that are a good deal larger than expected.

“The main bath is a really good size, while all three bedrooms are very spacious, including the primary bedroom,” Neumann says. “It’s a lovely space with its large window, vaulted ceiling and a large walk-in closet, which is a rare feature in homes this age. Kids will also have plenty of room to spread out in the spacious secondary bedrooms.”

Outside, there’s a private, fenced backyard and a newer oversized single detached garage.

Add a full, totally functional lower level into the mix, and you have a home that’s ready and waiting for a young family to start making memories in.

“You’re on a coveted block next to Aubrey Park with river access just steps away, and you’re also close to a host of amenities in a mature, walkable area,” says Neumann. “This home offers an ideal blend of character, community and modern convenience and is perfect for a young, growing family.”

lewys@mymts.net