Built to last

One of the most desirable qualities in a neighbourhood, aside from convenient location, is that it offers a palpable feeling of peace.

Yet, many desirable neighbourhoods within Winnipeg — River Heights, River Park South and Linden Woods, to name just a few — really aren’t that peaceful. That’s because they see significant traffic, which creates a sense of busyness that can be disconcerting. While you will get used to it eventually, it’s something you would gladly live without.

There are select few neighbourhoods around the city that are true enclaves, areas in which street traffic is mostly local and moves at a leisurely place.

Riverview is one of those neighbourhoods.

Located on the east side of Osborne Street, just north of the St. Vital Bridge, it’s an area which, for some reason, flies under the radar of many homebuyers. That is, until they venture in to look at a home and fall in love with its quiet, tree-lined streets and eclectic collection of houses.

One of those homes is a 77-year-old, two-storey that sits on a majestic lot at 259 Churchill Dr.

“This is a super rare family home that has received a good number of updates over the past six years,” Rachel Burns of Century 21 Bachman & Associates says of the 1,886 sq. ft. residence. “Not only that, but its location is simply amazing.”

The setting shines for three reasons, she explains.

“First, it offers breathtaking river and parkway views. Second, it provides rare front drive access to an attached, insulated double garage. Finally, there’s the backyard.”

Which, is essentially, a private park.

“The reason for that is that it’s 180 feet deep,” says Burns. “It’s massive, is fenced, and comes with an oversized backyard deck, custom shed, lots of mature trees and plenty of room for the kids to play in complete safety. You can also enjoy five kilometres of riverside walkways that are just steps away. They lead to destinations such the Forks and the iconic Bridge Drive-In.”

The lovingly maintained home is just as fetching as its surroundings. Step inside, and you’re immediately surrounded by yesteryear character and charm that blend seamlessly with contemporary function.

“Like most homes from the late ’40s, it features a centre hall floor plan. In this case, there’s a dining room and kitchen to the left, and a living room to the right,” says Burns.

And while many older homes lack modern flow and function, that isn’t the case here, she notes.

“When you enter the landing area from the enclosed foyer, the first thing you notice is that the dining room opens beautifully onto the kitchen,” she says. “The wide entrance into the kitchen makes it easy to move between the two spaces when entertaining. It also (offers) improved light flow. The elegant dining room features beautiful bay windows and flows perfectly into the kitchen.”

Then, there’s the elegant living room across the way.

“As you walk over you can’t help but appreciate the gorgeous hardwoods, which were refinished in 2024 — they run through the landing area and dining room, and can be found upstairs in the landing, hallway and one bedroom. The expansive living room is a perfect place to relax or visit in with its cosy electric fireplace.”

Ascend a vintage staircase edged by a classic, wrought-iron banister with ornate spindles and you’ll arrive at a well-ordered upper level that offers all kinds of family friendly function.

“This home is perfect for growing families for many reasons, but one of the primary reasons is that it offers four bedrooms upstairs — three generous secondary bedrooms and an exceptional primary bedroom,” Burns says.

As advertised, the primary bedroom truly is a special space.

“It starts off with a spacious bonus den,” she says.

“That makes for a very private bedroom that offers a three-piece ensuite and views of the river, which you can also see from the den. There’s also an updated four-piece bath, and one of the secondary bedrooms is like a primary bedroom.”

Downstairs, there’s a rec room, three-piece bath, laundry area and plenty of storage space.

“It finishes the home off perfectly. All the big-ticket items are done, such as the fence (2020), furnace and air conditioning (2022), main floor windows and hardwoods (2024) and deck (2025). You’re also steps from schools, community gardens and a community centre. It’s the ideal family home.”

lewys@mymts.net