Affordable and adaptable

When it comes to ranking oxymorons, the term, “move-in-ready starter home” has to be close to the top of the list, or at least in the top five.

That’s because it’s very rare to find a starter abode that’s truly in move-in-ready condition.

However, there are exceptions.

A character-filled one-and-three-quarter-storey home found at 635 Ashburn St., in the city’s West End is as close to turn-key as you’ll find, says Eric Neumann of Real Brokers.

“This home is basically move-in-ready — there’s a bathroom downstairs, but the rest of the lower level is undeveloped,” he says of the tidy 1,123-sq.-ft., residence, which was built in 1910. “It’s a blank slate ready for you to do what you want with it. Overall, this is a very charming home.”

That charm comes to the fore immediately in the form of a quaint, enclosed front porch that protects the front of the home from blustery winter winds and serves as a three-season sitting area (though it was surprisingly comfortable on an unseasonably cold March morning).

From there, the pristine porch opens neatly onto a roomy foyer that’s notable for three design features, says Neumann.

“Step inside and you’ll find stunning cappuccino hardwood flooring and impressive 10-foot ceilings that give the main floor a bright, spacious feel. There’s also an amazing staircase to the side that catches your eye with its cappuccino steps, white risers and gorgeous handrails.”

One of the best features of the well-kept home is its floor plan.

Unlike many homes of its vintage, it flows exceptionally well from the foyer on in. This is no dark, chopped up — or minimalist — early 1900s design.

“What I really like about it is how the living room, dining area and kitchen all flow so easily together,” Neumann says. “That creates a great space for everyday living or hosting family and friends.”

In fact, that layout — which is uncommon for a home that’s 116 years old — has a wonderful, modern feel to it that comes from the orderly layout.

For starters, a cleverly placed doorway between the foyer and the kitchen makes it ridiculously easy to move back and forth between the two spaces when entertaining. Likewise, a wide doorway between the living room and dining area promotes smooth flow between the two spaces.

Those practical design features notwithstanding, it all starts with the kitchen, says Neumann.

“It features granite countertops, a tile backsplash, brick feature wall, lots of cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and a window that brings extra light in,” he says. “There’s also a door to its rear that leads to a mudroom with a tile floor and room for lots of storage for the kids’ stuff and sports equipment. The back door leads out to a nice-sized backyard with updated fence and deck.”

Stride into the dining area and you can hardly believe what you see.

The dining room is 11-by-12-feet, providing more than enough room for a table than can seat six to eight guests. Moreover, a large window on its rear wall bathes it in natural light.

Then, there’s the living room.

“There’s lots of room for furniture and a TV as it’s a very good size at 12.2-by-12.3 feet,” Neumann says. “It’s just a wonderful modern space that’s filled with style and functionality.”

Take the handsome staircase up to the top floor, and you find more utility and timeless styling.

Not only are there ornate 10-inch baseboards (as there are on the main floor), but five panelled doors were retained along with their throwback brass doorknobs.

The main bath then builds on that yesteryear look.

“A beautiful claw-foot tub serves as the focal point of the lovely, relaxing space, which was updated with a vinyl-tile floor, newer vanity and water-saving toilet,” Neumann says. “There’s also a window behind the tub that lets in more natural light.”

Meanwhile, two big secondary bedrooms and a large primary bedroom complete the top floor.

“Like the other bedrooms, it comes with maple hardwoods. Its paint colour gives it a restful feel, it has a walk-in closet and is conveniently located next to the bathroom,” Neumann says.

Neumann says families will fall in love with the functional, character-filled home at first sight.

“Its character and charm are hard to beat along with a great location on a beautiful treed street that’s walking distance from schools, parks, restaurants, public transit and more.”

lewys@mymts.net