17 Mariposa Avenue : Sezlik.com

17 Mariposa Avenue, Rockcliffe Park

$1,690,000

Perhaps you've spent time in a great vintage home and fallen in love with its ease and character. Or maybe you've gone all in on modern utilitarianism, only to find yourself wondering if there isn't something more. There is. And however you've come to seek it out, it's here. »cont'd

History often sets the stage for greatness. And this home's history was underwritten by the fortune of legendary Ottawa city father Thomas MacKay. Two unmarried granddaughters - Annie and Jessie McLeod Clarke - were destined to inherit a substantial estate. Some say the illustrious engineer Thomas Keefer - Mackay's son in law - built this home for his nieces Annie and Jessie. Though clearly no expense was spared, the design marks an epochal shift in Rockcliffe society's taste. Gone is the grandiosity and ostentation of the Victorian- era. Dark formal interiors are banished. In their place is a new aesthetic emphasizing comfort and relaxed Edwardian-cottage style. Plus light. Most rooms here feature windows on two sides. Throughout, light is abundant, yet softened by diamond leaded glass. It's a strategy aimed at maximizing privacy without obstructing views. And it's one of many signposts of the deep intelligence expressed by this great home. Adjacent to the dining room, a butler's kitchen is discretely connected to the upstairs rooms via a historic maid's staircase. This 'serving' kitchen adjoins a main kitchen - unchanged since a dash of modernization a few decades ago. A half-bathroom is nearby. You'll see opportunities to reimagine this working space without losing the home's period charm -perhaps by incorporating a nearby back bedroom. Take the central stairs to the upper bedrooms, to discover the unique split stair feature. From an upper landing stairways head in two separate directions. One stairway accesses children's and guest rooms. The other reaches a refined primary bedroom, with full- sized dressing room. Edwardians were attentive to their wardrobes. Despite the 1930's Great Depression, when acres of surrounding estate lands were sold to Rockcliffe builders, the grounds remain substantial and deserving of exploration. Huge mature trees surround you with nature. Perennial flowers thrive. A sizeable double garage is set away from the house. Garden space awaits only loving attention to flourish anew. There are so many good reasons this home is fondly remembered as a children's paradise. With porches to play on, multiple entryways and a castle-like balcony, the magic is irresistible. Steps away is Rockcliffe's famed Pine Hill -parkland for play, winter and summer. Is it daring to embrace the best of the past? Without a doubt. But the individual who is ready will be rewarded with a real and authentic home that has a way of becoming part of the family. And a favorite destination of friends and relatives too. Luckily there's room for everyone. But be ready. You may never want to move again. Plan your appointment today.