A cosy, welcoming space centred around a gas fireplace, the family room looks out onto a spectacular four-season sunroom.
The sleek island kitchen is filled with style and function.
The four-season sunroom provides amazing backyard and river views.
The walk-out lower level holds a huge rec room with media area, wet bar, and games area, and a bedroom, bathroom and in-law suite.
About 40 years ago, a young couple bought a large riverfront lot on the northwest outskirts of Charleswood.
It wasn’t until 1994 when they finally built a home on the pristine parcel of land, says David De Leeuw of Royal LePage Prime Real Estate.
“Back then, it was quite a rustic area that used to have a road running through it,” he notes. “Initially, they were going to build a two-storey home to accommodate their family, but their kids grew up in the 12 years between buying the lot and building. With all the changes, they decided to build a walk-out bungalow.”
As it turned out, the home was appreciably ahead of its time.
“Great attention was paid to every aspect of its design. To begin with, it was built on piles to ensure structural integrity. Downstairs, the floor was comprised of structural wood rather than concrete, and the basement had a walkout feature as well as an extra-high ceiling,” says De Leeuw. “Those were not common features 30 years ago.”
Today, the 2,520 square-foot bungalow looks like something out of a storybook.
Clad in classic Manitoba tyndall stone that’s matched seamlessly by a classic cedar shake roof, it fits perfectly with its rustic surroundings — only it’s not out in the country.
“For some reason, not a lot of people know about this area. What you’re getting is a wonderfully designed, character-filled home on a fabulous river lot tucked away in a private little enclave that’s just minutes from city conveniences.”
Step inside, and you quickly realize that the home’s charm is matched by a logical layout that endows it with an exceptionally high level of livability.
“The layout is very family friendly,” says De Leeuw. “There’s a living room to the left of the foyer with a 10-foot ceiling and wood burning fireplace. Across the hall, there’s a formal dining room with a huge window. Well-placed windows bring in all kinds of natural light.”
Next comes the open-concept main living area, which — depending on which part of it you’re in — is functional, cosy, or flat out spectacular.
“The kitchen is a fabulous, functional space with an angled island that seats four, loads of contrasting white cabinets, a built-in oven and cooktop and tons of counter space. It opens perfectly onto a wonderful, inviting family room with a gas fireplace and spectacular view of the backyard through a huge window that looks out on to an amazing space behind it.”
Turns out, that space is a smashing four-season sunroom.
“It’s one of the highlights of the home,” he says. “A trio of skylights on its vaulted ceiling allow natural light to flood into it, while nine windows look out on to a backyard that’s essentially your own forest with paths that flow down to the river, with sitting areas along the way. There is also an elevated deck that overlooks the backyard.”
Meanwhile, a wing behind the family room is home to the primary bedroom, which possesses a placid, life-giving feel.
“It’s a wonderfully private space that offers a river/forest view and that has a door on its side wall that links it to the sunroom,” De Leeuw says. “The ensuite is a gorgeous, light-filled space that comes with a steam shower and jetted soaker tub. There’s also a large walk-in closet as well.”
The main floor is then finished off by a wing off the kitchen that holds an office, full bath, bedroom — and a mudroom with laundry area and door that links it to the attached double garage.
As if all that weren’t enough, there’s the huge, walk-out lower level.
“It isn’t your ordinary walk-out basement,” he says. “As might be expected, there’s a garden door that leads out to a wonderful patio area. The media area was placed next to a series of floor-to-ceiling windows to provide lots of natural light and a river view, and there’s also a wet bar and games area. There’s also another bedroom, as well as a bathroom with a Fiat shower.”
He adds that the lower level is completed by one final — and very novel — area.
“There’s a self-contained suite with a kitchen, sitting area, bedroom, and full bath. A large window on the main area’s rear wall lets in great light and views, and there’s a patio door that provides access to the backyard.”
De Leeuw says the forward-thinking home is a rare find.
“It’s a home that was built with quality and function in mind on a fabulous river lot in an incredible location. It’s a true gem that’s just waiting to be enjoyed by another family.”
lewys@mymts.net
The Details
Location: 173 Ridgedale Cres., Charleswood
Year Built: 1994
Style: bungalow
Size: 2,520 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 101’ x 360’
Bedrooms: five plus lower-level in-law suite
Bathrooms: four
Price: $1,500,000
Contact: David De Leeuw, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate, 204-791-5450