Be prepared to be impressed

October 7, 2005

The North Bay Nugget

Located on Lake Camelot, this custom-built, two-story home has boat access to Trout Lake.

It has a one-acre city lot, professionally landscaped private yard and an in-ground sprinkler system. The large deck across the back of this brick and wood home is ideal for entertaining.

Enter through the bright foyer into the large formal living room with cathedral ceilings. The formal dining room is waiting to receive your guests. Enjoy the comfy main-floor family room with gas fireplace, steps from the modern kitchen. There's also a convenient two-piece main-floor washroom.

A gardener's dream comes true in the year-round sun room with hot tub.

A wide hallway on the second floor leads to three bedrooms. The 16-by-nine-foot master bedroom has a large walk-in closet. Also on the second floor is a five-piece bath.

The full finished basement has a walk-out, a guest bedroom and a four-piece bath. The L-shaped recreation room has built-in cabinets and a pool table.

The paved drive leads to an attached 20-by-22-foot double-car garage. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Birchaven, this week's Home of the Week is listed with Coldwell Banker Peter Minogue Real Estate and is priced at $409,000.

ENTRY TIPS

• Paint the front door (This can be as simple as adding an accent trim or go bolder with all-over paint) - Change the hardware
• Add plants or terra cotta pots to porch
• Change the light fixtures, house numbers and mailbox
• Try replacing blinds at front door with opaque glass
• For a fall look, try adding big urns filled with twigs or dogwood or a seasonal wreath on the door
• Fill window boxes with pine cones or Spanish moss
• Add wood chips or cedar mulch around shrubs to increase curb appeal
• You could also add paving stones or bricks to front walk

Courtesy Karyn Elliott, with Calgary's Albertine Design and Crazy House Home Staging