The Setting
Richardson House is strategically located close to the city centre, yet comfortably situated in one of the most desirable areas of Victoria, the quietly elegant Fairfield-Rockland corridor. And what an address! With some of the finest mansions in Victoria, and prestigious Government House just around the corner, the successful executive will feel this setting is perfectly suited to his needs. This area is a magnet for prosperous, well-educated professionals. Superior golf courses, tennis courts, beaches and the quaint Oak Bay village are but a short drive from the residence, and delightful Cook Street village with its many fashionable boutiques and trendy restaurants is within walking distance.
Richardson House: The Residence
The modern urban executive needs not only an address with cachet, but also an environment of the highest quality which reflects his own personality and matches that of his coterie of clients and friends.
The architects and designers have artfully retained the original, exquisite external characteristics and integrity of this 1922 faux Tudor-style mansion and converted it into three luxury apartments. You will experience the same sophisticated beauty of the original house, yet transformed into a residence of superior quality with exceptional building materials and upscale detailing. Steel beams separating the upper and lower floors, and double walls with state of the art acoustic baffling provide each suite with precision soundproofing and privacy.
This is not just an average reconstruction, or an ordinary restoration or conversion, it is a masterpiece of architecture which blends in with the character of the neighbourhood. This beautiful, traditional home has been raised from its original footings and reset on new, concrete foundations, compete with an ultra modern drainage system. The residence has been totally gutted down to the interior frame and reconstructed with the finest building materials available, while still retaining its classic lines. Engineered hardwood maple floors are found throughout this superb home. This is an amazingly creak free house!
The residence is smart-wired for high-definition multimedia interface, 21st Century technology for the high-tech exec. It will take care of his complete technological "want list", present and future, without the need for additional reconfiguration or structural modification.
Abundant off-street parking and superb landscaping - including two original fruit trees - provide the finishing touches to this blue ribbon residence.
The Eton
This sophisticated suite is the pièce de resistance, where high-level decisions are made and sophisticated dinner parties are the norm. At 1480 square feet, it is the size of a house in itself, and generates the atmosphere of the successful senior executive.
When one enters the front door, one is immediately struck by the thoughtful inclusion of a covered area over the door complete with sidewall window to protect guests or clients from stray gusts of wind and rain. The foyer is spacious enough to hold a wing back chair and table. The living room could be found in any Oak Bay mansion, yet the finish would surpass many. A sumptuous gas fireplace warms this very inviting living room, spacious enough for your grand piano and oak dining room suite. There is even an elegant powder room for the convenience of guests and clients.
Graham Kerr or Julia Child would murmur sounds of approval upon entering the kitchen: top of the line Kitchen Aid appliances and gas cook top with Broan hood, extensive granite countertops, and space - loads of space - this is a kitchen for virtuosic chefs.
And off the kitchen? An excellent covered porch with stairs leading down to the back garden and parking.
The two very spacious bedrooms, the master suite enhanced with a superb Juliet balcony, very spacious en suite with luxurious Moen fixtures and a huge stand-up shower finished with top of the line travertine tile, and the second bedroom with a full bathroom complete this exceptional executive home.
This residence combines proximity to the refined excitement of the city with the quiet relaxation of a private oasis in a coveted upscale residential neighbourhood. However, there is more than an investment in fine living in this highly desirable residence. The finite supply of homes with such a prestigious postal code easily translates into strong price appreciation over the short term and an excellent long-term return on capital for the wise investor. Opportunities of this distinction and caliber are a rarity indeed.
Offered at $554,900 CDN ($446,530 US, $349,108 EURO)
The Harrow
Situated next door to the superb Winchester Suite is the equally superlative Harrow Suite. Residents of this 1180 square foot home also enjoy the delightful amenity of an external patio with carriage light and convenient storage. However, one would never even realize there was a suite next door, as the acoustically insulated double walls mute most external sound. Upon entering this suite, one is immediately surprised by the spacious kitchen with acres of granite-topped seamless counter space - 14½ feet of chef's working space, greater than in most private homes. A gas fireplace, large windows and the finest finishing enhance this executive suite.
This magnificent living space comprises a stylish two-story configuration: the two bedrooms are up a short flight of stairs to a level just above the living room. This arrangement affords the suite extra privacy, as nobody lives above. The two bedrooms are separated by a full bathroom, and the master bedroom enjoys his and hers walk in closets, and a wonderful Maax soaker tub in the en suite. The suite is flooded with natural light from the many windows and skylights.
Offered at $459,900 CDN ($370,296 US, $289,340 EURO)
THIS PROPERTY HAS SOLD The Winchester
As you pass through the spacious summer patio to the front door of this lovely two-bedroom suite, you will be impressed from the moment you step inside. This impeccably appointed and professionally decorated executive home is of superior quality: engineered maple floors, and maple cabinets with cherry wood finish highlight this lovely suite. And with almost 930 square feet of living space, it is conveniently laid out on one level. Your eyes rove to the nine-foot ceilings and spacious kitchen with first-class Frigidaire appliances and thick granite counter tops. A beautiful gas fireplace and electric baseboard heaters provide more than adequate warmth. Modern, recessed ceiling lighting in the living room soften the evening light, and a remarkably huge window fills the suite with natural daylight.
The two full bathrooms have been fitted with superior quality Delta fixtures, and radiant heated tile floors have been installed in all the bathrooms to provide luxury and comfort.
The master bedroom, large enough for a king size bed and enhanced with a first-class en suite, California shutters, spacious double door closet completes the design of this excellent executive home. The second bedroom is similarly spacious and finished with precision and quality.
Offered at $399,900 CDN ($320,239 US, $243,289 EURO)
(An Investor's Dream with Quality new construction, and a Stellar location) Partially Fenced Yard, Landscaped, Patio, Sprinkler Underground, Storage Shed. Parking: Driveway, Uncovered.
Note: the currency conversion reflects approximate currency exchange rates at time of listing as at February 16, 2009.
All details and figures have been obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but are not warranted or guaranteed to be correct by Pemberton Holmes or its agents.
