House of the Week: Renovated Family Home in Hintonburg for $895,000

In this new series, we scour the local real estate listings for interesting houses and condos, and take you for a tour of the place. We thought this place in trendy Hintonburg — rebuilt after a 2014 fire — would be a great place for a house concert.

Address: 104 Stirling Ave.
Neighbourhood: Hintonburg
Agent: Linda Williams, Royal LePage Team Realty
Price: $895,000

The Place
This former semi is now a single two-storey with four bedrooms and a huge porch to take in the streetlife. There is no basement; it’s built on bedrock, so all the living space is on the upper levels.

The History
An electrical fire in 2014 forced a gutting, renovation, and a re-think of this house that was built in 1907. The new open plan combines modern and rustic — and is great for parties. A wedding with seating for 30 was held in the backyard. The owner’s parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there, with more than 70 guests mingling in the house and yard.

The house has the character of an older home, including a welcoming porch.

Big Selling Point
Rustic touches include barn board, antique doors, and an original clawfoot tub. Modern comforts include a giant kitchen, lots of closet space, upper-level laundry, and a master en suite.

Possible Deal Breaker
In the coming months, hydrangeas will bloom, alongside the barberry bushes, boxwood, and roses. Also, it’s almost time to get the backyard pond ready for the season. So if you don’t have a green thumb the garden might require professional help.

There is a double-sided fireplace near the family room and formal dining area:

The kitchen opens into the living room:

The den has built-in shelving. It could be used as a guest room or home office:

Custom designed outdoor sheds are good for gardening tools, helpful when maintaining the perennial gardens in the front, side, and back yards:

The owner hired a local stage design artist to paint the staircase to the second floor. The goal was to reduce the new-build look and for a distinctive appearance that would endure over time and with use:

Two of the bedrooms have Juliet balconies that overlook the backyard. In the summer, in addition to nice airflow, you can hear the trickle of water from the pond.