23 Marlborough Avenue : Sezlik.com

23 Marlborough Avenue, Sandy Hill

$1,390,000

Exquisite taste and astute craft ready this refined Sandy Hill home for gracious international-style living. Delight in the advantages of Ottawa's eminently liveable pre-confederation neighbourhood in an endlessly rewarding environment blending elite design with enduring tradition. »cont'd

In the social landscape of Ottawa, the grand residences of historic Sandy Hill are integral to the texture of a uniquely cosmopolitan community –a neighbourhood that's both English and French, and serves equally as the preserve of diplomats and everyday home to leading professionals, students and artists -- all who love the area's ease, sociability and historic charm.

From the street there's dignity to this refined 1930's era residence -- a feeling established by the restrained brick facade and projecting stone entryway, set beneath the boughs of a sheltering oak. Notice the 3 pane triptych windows –a theme throughout. Designers added panache with a new interlock path, deco coach lights and a curving garden wall to soften rectilinear details.

Pass through the entrance with its deep side-light windows. You'll catch the understated glamour in the carefully matched pattern of gleaming marble flooring, and elegant deco style interior glass door. Details inspire: well matched hardware, recessed lighting, and a soft palette of colours, all selected with a designer's eye. There's a reception closet here and a clever powder room, tucked out of sight up a half landing.

From a broad passage in the front hall the sweeping formal living room invites. This space is made for grand-scale entertaining, with hand plastered crown moldings, and natural hardwood floors, anchored by a low-key gas hearth. From the living room enter an expansive formal dining room – light and beautiful, certain to impress social gatherings large or intimate.

The gorgeous kitchen showcases a rare design sensibility, perfectly capturing a refined 'new-modern' aesthetic. Cabinetry is light American Sycamore veneer, distinguished by a near-iridescent cross grain. A triptych of windows floods light across the earth toned mosaic back splash set above cream quartzstone counters. It's a beautifully equipped space that seems destined for a design magazine cover, yet certain to be a pleasure to cook in and a magnet for social life.

Open to the kitchen the family room feels relaxed and contemporary with grand windows, cathedral ceilings, built in kitchen office and light from two sides. A sliding door leads to a cedar deck and sunny circular patio in fenced, hedged and very private yard.

Up the vintage stairway elegant simplicity prevails in great proportions, fine materials and a restrained palette. Discover a contemplative office, with hardwood floors and storage closet. A designers attention touches every detail from custom doors, crafted to match the original deco theme, to communications-ready wiring.

Hardwood and natural light set a relaxed mood in the classic master bedroom, with large double closet and signature triptych windows, looking out through the leafy oak. The ensuite is a feast of design savvy with deep-form tub, heated 'honed porcelain' floors, custom cabinetry and glazed walk-in shower with rain shower, custom mirror.

The second bedroom is also large and well proportioned with hardwood, a double closet and views of the green yards below. It's served by pure and perfect main bath with bright twin windows, custom cabinetry, soft honed porcelain flooring and glass-enclosed walk-in with rain-shower and hand held.

The basement defies stereotypes with a light and luxurious space treatment. A guest bedroom is bright and spacious with abundant storage closets, recessed lighting. The adjacent bath is astutely designed with walk in shower, ceramics, halogen and linen closet. The large studio rec room has a bar sink. Even the laundry here shows a designer's hand.

This uniquely tasteful residence offers a rare opportunity to savor the lifestyle of Sandy Hill. Downtown, Ottawa University and the Byword market are walking close. Ottawa's best schools are nearby. Strathcona Park and the renowned Le Cordon Bleu are steps away.