Custom comfort

Drive down Redwood Avenue between Arlington and McPhillips streets, and you’ll happen upon an interesting sight.

There, in the middle of a tidy little pocket of homes in Shaughnessy Heights, is an outlier standing out from the other more traditional-looking homes that surround it.

Clad in cedar and featuring a linear top roof line with a sharply sloping roof below, it looks nothing like its neighbouring dwellings, which all have traditional peaked rooflines.

There’s a reason the cool-looking dwelling looks so different, says Dan Benger of Royal LePage Alliance.

“The original home, which was built in 1957, was demolished, and then this home was built in 1984 by a fine builder, John Zurawsky, who had come to Canada from Poland,” he says. “The home was meticulously rebuilt from the ground up. Absolutely no corners were cut in its construction and design.”

Twelve years later, the home’s foundation was re-done as well.

“To make it even more sound, its basement was excavated and rebuilt, ensuring the foundation was exceptionally solid,” adds Benger. “So, while many homes in this area are over 100 years old, this home’s foundation is just 28 years old, while its main and upper levels are 41 years old.”

To say the least, the home’s interior — like its exterior — is unlike any in the neighbourhood.

Bright, airy and richly finished, it’s the antithesis of the staid, traditional designs that occupy either side of the quiet street.

“When you step inside, you’re greeted by a huge family room with a soaring and amazing pine-lined vaulted ceiling,” Benger says. “Large windows on either side of the front door flood it with natural light, while gorgeous cappuccino-maple hardwoods add warmth.”

Then, there’s a sleek staircase to the right of the front door that leads to a spectacular space on the abode’s second level.

“Upstairs, a massive loft bedroom awaits,” says Benger. “The vaulted ceiling gives it a wonderful feeling of space, two large windows let in tons of natural light and a pair of double closets provide ample storage space. The cappuccino hardwoods were carried upstairs for good measure.”

Wander back downstairs through the inviting living room, and a trio of particularly pleasant surprises await at the rear of the home.

The first is a tastefully remodelled peninsula kitchen.

“It’s just bursting with style and character with re-stained espresso-oak cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, beautiful laminate countertops and a double sink.

“It’s very functional and modern.”

Benger notes the space next to it — a sumptuous main bathroom — builds on the kitchen’s luxurious yet practical design.

“Like the kitchen, it was meticulously remodelled by the current owner,” he says. “Its focal point is a gorgeous walk-in shower with sliding tempered-glass doors, a two-tone tile surround, tile floor and beautiful glass-vessel sink. It has a very luxurious, custom feel to it.”

The rear of the home is then finished off by one last indoor space, which then connects to an equally appealing outdoor area.

“There’s a huge four-season sunroom at the very back of the home,” Benger notes. “It’s fully piled and is a wonderfully bright space with five windows on its rear wall letting in tons of natural light. It also features a tile floor and high ceiling.”

Plus, it leads out to a surprisingly large backyard.

“This lot is deeper than normal, compared to many in the area, at 131-feet deep. That allowed for a big, maintenance-free backyard with a generous patio area and a sidewalk that takes you out to an oversized single garage with a separate shop area,” Benger says.

Finally, there’s the home’s re-engineered lower level, which deftly pairs functionality with a dash of resort-like flair.

“Walk downstairs, and you’ll discover a bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and flex area that comes with a portable sauna and tanning bed, both of which can be included in the sale price of the home,” he says.

Benger says quality is the calling card of this unique, well-built residence.

“The overall quality of construction is exceptional; no corners were cut anywhere. With its vaulted ceilings, beautiful finishes and upgrades, this home is very livable and surprisingly luxurious.”

lewys@mymts.net