What a charmer

When you’re looking for a starter home, it’s easy to write off a smaller house due to the possibility of space constraints.

That’s totally understandable, because when it comes to a home that’s 700 square feet or smaller, either it’s livable or it’s not.

Mike Leclerc of Royal LePage Top Producers says the 642 sq. ft. house he just listed at 421 Centennial Street in River Heights fits easily into the former category.

“This home’s floor plan is simply fabulous,” he says. “Even though it’s under 650 sq. ft., all the available space is very well used, and the home has also been thought out extremely well. It’s a very functional home.”

That function starts in the living room/dining room, which checks in at an impressive 13.6 feet by 11.6 feet.

“It offers gleaming maple hardwoods, plenty of natural light and ample room for furniture and a dining table,” Leclerc says of the cosy space, which looks out onto a lovely collection of mature trees that line the boulevard in front of the charming home. “Pride of ownership is clearly evident in this meticulously maintained and upgraded home. A spot of dust would get lonely here.”

Although the home dates back to 1948 — which makes it 77 years old — it has an easy living feel to it that isn’t always associated with homes of that vintage (or modest square footage).

Then, there are the upgrades, starting with the kitchen, which is conveniently located to the left of the inviting living/dining room.

“For starters, its interior is u-shaped, which provides plenty of room to move around,” he says. “At the same time, it’s been nicely updated with a host of custom white cabinets with pull-out storage, a tile backsplash, laminate countertops, a beautiful hood fan and quality appliances,” Leclerc says. “It also has two windows that let in lots of natural light.”

The side door next to the kitchen opens onto a big, private backyard that yields several very pleasant surprises, he adds.

“Right off the bat, there’s a spacious 12-foot by 20-foot deck that you can barbecue and relax on in total privacy. The backyard, which is fenced and surrounded by towering, mature trees, also comes with a double detached garage that’s a mechanic’s dream. It’s insulated, heated, has an electrical panel for a 220-volt heater, plus a workshop area with shelving and cabinets.”

The backyard has an added benefit, as well.

“There’s essentially no back lane, as what would normally be a lane serves as a front street for a condo project across the way. That feature makes the area around the garage more secure,” Leclerc says.

Back inside the spotless home, the layout really maximizes the living space.

“An arched doorway leads to a very well-designed bedroom wing,” he notes. “There are two bedrooms, both of which are a good size. The primary bedroom is 11.3 feet by nearly 10 feet, and the second bedroom is 10.3 feet by about eight feet. Again, the use of space is impressive.”

The wing also has a full bath that’s not only larger than expected, but far more modern.

“It was updated with new vanity, lighting, tile backsplash, vinyl soaker tub/shower unit, low-flush toilet and contemporary flooring. It rounds out a very functional bedroom wing perfectly.”

Head downstairs, and the pleasant surprises continue: there’s a fully developed lower level with plenty of room for family living.

“There’s a spacious rec room with a suspended acoustical tile ceiling and wide plank floor and ornamental fireplace, as well as an office/flex area, two-piece bath, laundry room and utility room. It adds about 500 square feet of livable space to the home, nearly doubling its livable square footage,” says Leclerc.

Additional home upgrades include PVC windows, metal doors, a newer front storm door, recent roof shingles, central air and a sump pump.

The home’s location is pretty amazing, too, Leclerc says.

“First, the home is in a mid-block location, which insulates it from noise. And because it’s between Grosvenor Avenue and Corydon Avenue, it’s close to restaurants, shops, services, and, of course, Academy Road and the Kenaston strip. Schools, parks and transit are also close by.”

The home is special in every way, he says.

“It’s the cosiest, most minty home on the block. It represents an awesome opportunity for a single person, single parent or young family to live in a great neighbourhood in a turnkey, beautifully updated home that has so much to offer.”

lewys@mymts.net