Opportunity knocking in Charleswood

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This article was published 22/01/2022 (1701 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Over the past 18 months, sales of new homes have skyrocketed due to demand brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, the demand is still so high that those wanting to build new are facing wait times of a year, or considerably more.

At the same time, inventory for resale homes is still abnormally low. That leaves both growing families and downsizers in a bind.

Their options limited, both demographics are struggling to find a home that’s better suited to their new lifestyle.

Natasha Kouk of Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate says she just listed a next-to-new home, a suddenly available option that will lift the spirits of families and empty nesters.

“A young family had this home built for them by Artista Homes in 2021,” she says of the 1,630 sq. ft. raised bungalow. “They’d planned to make it their dream home, but a job opportunity came up in another province that couldn’t be refused.”

Kouk says the custom-built bungalow comes with many built-in advantages.

“First and foremost, it’s move-in-ready. The front and back yards are fully landscaped, and all the appliances and window coverings are included. Second, you don’t have to wait a year or more to have a home built. It’s also loaded with extras that only come with custom built homes.”

Those extras include a basement with structural wood floor, a 22-foot by 22-foot attached double garage with workshop area and hot and cold water (courtesy of no-freeze pipes), a 60-gallon hot water tank, 200-amp panel and high-efficient furnace with HRV.

Just as important, the quality of the home’s layout and finishes is impeccable.

A generous foyer bordered by a one-third tempered glass wall with maple trim leads angles left into a bright, open-concept main living area that contains three integrated, yet well-defined spaces: an island kitchen to the left, family room to the right and dining area to the left.

Meanwhile, a 10-foot ceiling endows the area with a wonderful sense of volume while allowing for extra-high windows that allow even more natural light to flow inside.

Medium brown engineered oak hardwoods then infuse the area with a texture and warmth that gives the voluminous area an inviting, cozy feel.

Then there are the tasteful, well-spotted finishes that add style and character to the eminently inhabitable great room, says Kouk.

“In the kitchen, you get a wonderful combination of off-white quartz countertops and two-tone white and walnut thermofoil cabinetry. A light gray tile backsplash and stainless appliances finish it off nicely, while a corner pantry and mud/laundry room on either side add storage and function.”

The family room, which opens beautifully onto both the kitchen and dining area, then caps off the great room in understated style.

“A simple entertainment unit with a linear electric fireplace and TV nook above fits the space perfectly. There’s lots of room for furniture, and plenty of room to move around within the space.”

She adds that the placement and design of the home’s bedroom wing is also notable.

“It was placed well away from the main living area to the right of the foyer and can be closed off by a sliding barn door,” Kouk says. “It’s a very private, well-designed area.”

Featuring nine-foot ceilings throughout, the two secondary bedrooms were placed next to the four-piece bath, while the primary bedroom was situated at the end of the hall.

“It’s a private, restful space,” she says. “Its ensuite, which comes with an integrated walk-in closet, is a beautifully finished space that offers a white vanity with quartz countertop and dual sinks, tile floor, a deep soaker tub next to a large window and a gorgeous walk-in shower.”

Finally, there’s the home’s massive lower level.

“It’s a beautiful area — so wide open with a nine-foot ceiling and large, upgraded windows surrounding it. The walls are insulated, and it gives you about another 1,500 sq. ft. of livable space to develop to meet your needs.”

The like-new raised bungalow is a true find, says Kouk.

“Everything has been done for you — just bring your furniture and move in. There’s no reason to build new when you can find a home like this.”

lewys@mymts.net