This week, we tour 4-bedroom near Dow’s Lake that’s classic on the exterior, and completely modern inside.

Address: 1 Frederick Pl.
Neighbourhood: Dow’s Lake
Agent: Ian Hassell, Remax Hallmark Realty Group
Price: $1,150,000

The history
When this 1950s house was on the market last summer, onlookers looked at the lot size and braced for a teardown of the original, to be replaced by a new four-unit dwelling of some kind. But architect Christopher Simmonds visited the site, saw that the house was structurally-sound, and envisioned a different future: a facelift to the original and a new house at the back, facing Cambridge. He split the lot, renovated the existing house, and drew up plans for another house; those drawings and the empty lot are listed separately.

The place
The bright open-plan main floor includes many high end features, including a nine-foot-long quartz island, walnut cabinetry,  and a sunroom that leads to a large private deck. The master bedroom has walk-through closets and a bright modern bathroom with glass shower. (On a more practical note, it also boasts a new roof and electrical system.)

Here’s the formal living room — note the bay window:

The open-concept kitchen and dining area:

Kitchen, with a view to the front of the house. (Check out that waterfall island!)

And the modern galley kitchen, with views to the sunroom:

The sunroom leads to the deck and, to the right, to a private courtyard area:

Let’s pause to enjoy the sunny (very private) deck:

Big selling point(s)
The location. This house offers the best of the old — it blends in perfectly with its single-detached neighbours — and the new: its layout, finishings, and updated electrical means it’s move-in ready. That deck is pretty sweet too.

The hallway and stairs to the upstairs, with bedrooms to the right, full bathroom at the end:

Here’s the master bedroom:

And the master ensuite:

Possible deal breaker
You never know what the future holds when it comes to an empty lot. Check out Simmonds’ plans for the new home at 556 Cambridge. 

By the numbers
2,000 square feet (not including basement)
48-by-83-foot lot
3 bathrooms
4 bedrooms
2 parking spaces