A hidden gem in Old St. Vital is the Winnipeg Free Press

As the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving.

That's not to say that 45 Handyside Avenue—a stunning one-and-a-half-story home built in 1949—doesn't grab your attention when you first lay eyes on it.

While it looks neat and tidy like many of the homes on the street, it has an air of beauty that suggests there's more to the 1,130-square-foot residence than meets the eye.

For a moment, when you enter the house, you wonder if your intuition was right.

Given its classic center hall plan that places the dining room to the left of the cozy foyer and the bedroom to the right, you'll be amazed by the home's natural light and functional floor plan.

However, you will find yourself wanting more.

According to the home's listing agent, Charlene Urbanski of Lifestyles Real Estate, that desire fades when you move to the back of the home.

“The deeper you go into the house, the more you realize it's a very well-maintained and beautifully updated home,” she says. “The deeper you go into it, the better.”

Basically, some homes come pre-loaded with the wow factor.

Not so with the back-loading 45 Handyside, which consistently builds in style and character from space to space.

A home's subtle wow factor starts in the kitchen, says Urbanski.

“It was remodeled in 2019 with new cabinets and counter tops, and stainless appliances including a stunning induction/convection range, LG refrigerator and dishwasher were installed in 2022. It also has tiled flooring, tiled splash backs and two windows to let in the natural light. space, which is a good size for a house built in the forties.”

He adds that both spaces to the right of the kitchen are special.

“The main floor bathroom, located at the end of the hallway near the kitchen, was completely renovated in 2023. It has heated tile floors, a beautiful tile surround steam shower, new vanity and a high quality Toto toilet. It's just an amazing space.”

In addition, the bedroom next to the bathroom is more than just a bedroom.

“Right now it's being used as a living room,” says Urbanski. “But it could easily be turned into a bedroom. Either way, it has a patio door on the back wall that leads to a beautiful backyard deck with a pergola. It's a great place to have coffee in the morning.”

Then, as you walk through the stylish kitchen to access the lower level staircase at the back of the house, you'll realize that space has been added to the very back of the house.

“This is a four season sunroom, with underfloor heating installed in 2020. It has a vaulted ceiling and is surrounded by windows, as well as a patio door leading to a landscaped courtyard with a brick patio and deck. . The owners use it as a guest room. I have to say it's my favorite place in the house.”

That's saying a lot considering what's waiting downstairs.

Not only was the lower level of the house completely finished, but the space was put to very good use.

“Families love it,” she says. “The first thing you see is the newly carpeted lounge. It offers a spacious media area and a wet bar with a refrigerator.

There's a lot in the deceptively large area.

“You also get an office area off the lounge as well as a fourth bedroom which is currently being used as a second office. There is also a beautiful four-piece bath and a laundry room with a Samsung steam washer and dryer installed in 2022.”

Urbanski adds that the surrounding community is just as wonderful as the tastefully updated home.

“Moving home owners love living here because it's such a close-knit, family-friendly community with parties and festivals. They even had bands come and serenade them at the door.”

The location of the house is also ideal for a young family, he adds.

“You are close to schools, Egerton Road footpaths, Windsor Park Golf Course, St Vital's outdoor swimming pool on De Meurons Street, as well as playgrounds, public transport, shops and all amenities. This is a well-maintained and beautifully updated home in a wonderful, characterful neighborhood.”

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