Refined livability

There are times when luxury homes can be a bit puzzling in terms of how they were designed.

One of three things can happen when you walk in.

First off, a dwelling’s entrance, while functional, may be somewhat bland and disappointing. Then again, an entrance could be over-the-top in its design, offering lots of wow factor but little usability.

The entrance to an 1,898-sq.-ft. bungalow found at 43 Blacksmith Rd. in Oak Bluff West falls into a third category, says Viktoria Fazekas of Re/Max Executives Realty, with its well-considered design making a statement in a more subtle, elegant way.

“It makes an impression the moment you step inside,” she says, noting the abode was meticulously built in 2014 by Paradigm Custom Homes. “You’re welcomed in by a wide foyer with a high ceiling. It then opens beautifully onto a stunning open staircase with raindrop glass surround that provides an open-to-below view, a feature that’s rare in bungalows.”

Next stop is a main living area filled with natural light, texture and warm, subtle style.

“The first thing you notice is how naturally bright it is,” Fazekas says. “All the natural light comes from huge windows across the back of the main living area; they just flood it with natural light.”

At the same time, the finishes ensure all that light isn’t overpowering.

“I absolutely love the upgraded hand-scraped hardwoods,” Fazekas says. “They work beautifully with the cappuccino-tone cabinetry and island to inject warmth and texture into the area to give it a nice cosy feel. Taupe quartz countertops and an earthy glass-tile backsplash in the kitchen — which has a walk-through pantry leading into a laundry room — go perfectly with the cabinets.”

Fazekas says both the dining area and great room are subtly spectacular spaces.

“The dining area sits in its own beautifully angled area next to four windows and a patio door leading out to a huge composite deck in the backyard that offers a hot tub and barbecue area; there’s also a fire pit area, too.”

Then, there’s the great room, which is replete with high-end features and finishes.

“It’s defined magnificently by a tray ceiling that adds character and ceiling height,” Fazekas says. “Three huge, floor-to-ceiling windows let in light and provide a view of the amazing backyard, and a gas fireplace set in a dramatic floor-to-ceiling quartzite stone surround serves as the focal point.”

Because the bungalow is nearly 1,900-sq.-ft. in size, there was room to get creative with its design. That’s exactly the case here, says Fazekas.

“There’s a bedroom to the left of the foyer that is currently being used as an office,” she says. “The other secondary bedroom was placed with a full bath and the primary suite in a perfectly situated private wing.”

Checking in at an impressive 15 feet by almost 17 feet, the primary bedroom, like every other space in the home, is functional and subtly elegant, Fazekas says.

“Two huge windows let in loads of natural light, while a patio door provides deck access. There’s a large walk-in closet that can be closed off by a barn door, and a beautiful ensuite that offers a tile floor, tiled walk-in shower with rain shower head, and a cappuccino-tone vanity with raised rectangular sink and tile backsplash that provides an extra element of texture.”

Finally, there’s the home’s massive — and fully-finished — lower level, which features a magnificent layout.

“It was actually finished by the builder, so the floor plan is awesome,” says Fazekas. “There’s a media area with fireplace, workout space and games area next to three huge windows. It’s completed by two more large bedrooms with walk-in closets and a full bath.”

She says the home’s location is also nothing short of sensational.

“You feel like you’re out in the country, yet you’re 10 minutes from Costco and the Kenaston strip. Not only that, but you can get to most areas of the city in 15 to 20 minutes. The home is in like-new condition, with everything in place for you to enjoy. It’s also close to a school and park, so you can raise a family here, and then age in place. It’s an exceptional home.”

lewys@mymts.net