Fine dining

While a 24-year-old home isn’t old, you can be assured it was built at a time when home layout was in flux.

A house of that vintage was envisioned when traditional home design was transitioning to modern home design, with chopped up, darker homes giving way to brighter, open-concept ones.

Of course, change doesn’t always happen quickly, which could very well make for a house that’s caught between styles, with an awkward, quirky floor plan.

That absolutely isn’t the case with the splendid executive-style bungalow found at 33 Breland Bay in Royalwood, says Jennifer Queen of RE/MAX Professionals.

“This is originally a former gold award-winning home,” she says of the well-kept 1,871 sq. ft. residence. “It’s a wonderful design. While it’s not like the open-concept designs that are so popular today, it flows very well from space to space. And there’s just so much natural light.”

That bright, free-flowing ambiance starts at the front of the house.

A spacious, tiled foyer with soaring ceiling — which is drenched in natural light on sunny days — makes it a pleasure to step inside.

Then, a wide, arched doorway to the right leads into a stunning formal dining room.

“It’s an ideal space for hosting formal dinners,” says Queen. “A huge picture window on its rear wall lets in tons of natural light and showcases lovely tree views in the front yard. It also has a vaulted ceiling with an elegant chandelier that adds a touch of class, as does the gorgeous hardwood flooring, which runs through most of the spaces on the main floor.”

Another wide doorway on the left-hand wall provides seamless access to a spacious, beautifully finished peninsula-style kitchen.

“There’s just so much room to work in it,” she says. “There’s just so much counter space, the maple cabinets are beautiful, and it even has a convenient corner pantry. It’s close to the dining room, making it perfect for hosting or cooking up delicious meals for the family.”

A pair of special spaces behind the kitchen add style and function to the home’s rear section.

“The first space you see is a sunroom-like space that’s surrounded by windows. It’s a great space to unwind in or visit with guests. It also has a garden door that leads out to a large, fenced backyard and two-tier deck, where you can entertain to your heart’s delight in the summer.”

To the left of the lovely sunroom is a jaw-dropping great room.

“As wonderful as all the spaces on the main floor are — each has its own special appeal — I think the great room really caps everything off,” Queen says. “Its vaulted ceiling allowed for the fireplace to be surrounded by three angled windows up high and two huge windows on either side. The windows look amazing and just bring in so much natural light.”

The home also comes with another feature rarely found in homes built in 2001, Queen says.

“A wing to the left of the foyer not only has two bedrooms, but a mudroom that comes with a laundry area and a door that provides access to the insulated 22-foot by 22-foot garage. There’s no need to go downstairs to do the laundry. That’s a great feature.”

Another great feature is the private primary bedroom, which is a thoroughly magnificent space.

“Again, it comes with a vaulted ceiling that gives it a spacious, airy feel,” she notes. “A pair of large windows on its rear wall lets in natural light and views of the backyard, and there’s also a big walk-in closet. The ensuite is a private, spa-like space that offers a jetted soaker tub to relax in, and a separate walk-in shower.”

The home’s lower level also delivers more than you bargained for, which in this case is a great discovery.

“Because the home is nearly 1,900 sq. ft., the basement is massive,” says Queen. “It starts off with huge, beautifully finished rec room with media area and a games/flex area. A pair of cool, angled windows lets in lots of natural light.”

And that’s just the beginning.

“The only way to put it is that the basement just keeps on going, it’s so big. Walk through a doorway on the side wall, and you walk into a huge, undeveloped area that you could put two bedrooms and a bathroom or (an) exercise room in. It could even be an in-law suite. There’s so much untapped potential.”

Situated on a quiet bay, the home is also in a prime location close to the Bois-des-Esprits trails and parks, and is just minutes from shopping and services on St. Anne’s Road.

“It represents a rare opportunity to own a forward-designed, quality-built home in one of Winnipeg’s finest neighbourhoods,” Queen concludes.

lewys@mymts.net