SOLD - Empress Street
fernwood living is easy
Today is such a good day! I’m thrilled to finally reveal the finished results of our latest renovation project.
When my husband Greg and I started looking for the location of our next project, we really couldn’t get away from Fernwood - a beautiful and quaint neighbourhood located in the heart of Victoria, BC.
We’ve renovated a few properties in Fernwood this year, and have lived here for the last few years too - and it just feels like home to us. We discovered this gem of a property on Empress Street - just off Cook Street - and quickly fell in love with the potential and the possibilities.
This home is the definition of modern urban family living - and I can’t wait to meet the lovely people who will move in.
a central theme
Greg and I wanted to create an urban oasis for a busy modern family. We wanted to make living in the city as easy and streamlined as possible.
And the vibe just kind of came together from there.
This property sits on the border between Fernwood and North Park - an up-and-coming neighbourhood boasting a gorgeous collection of both older character homes and newly built apartment buildings. It is perfectly located and very central, with an elementary school and a high school each just a few blocks away.
It sits on the most peaceful, tree-lined street and you can walk to virtually anywhere. Even to the local community park and swimming pool.
During the renovations, Greg and I found ourselves enjoying new restaurants in Quadra Village and spending rainy winter evenings at our favourite local pubs in Fernwood Village.
We couldn’t get over how close this home was to everything we needed.
a convenient layout
The layout of this home is simply perfect.
We’re so pleased with how everything came together.
When we first took possession, we knew immediately that we wanted to design the layout of this home to encourage as much natural light as possible.
And boy did we ever succeed.
We knocked out a few walls to create an open floor plan with an impressive amount of usable storage space - including a fully stocked pantry and a convenient laundry closet just off the kitchen.
From there, we installed big, gorgeous countertops to create multiple eating areas and opportunities to entertain. Just imagine cooking your morning brunch while watching as the kids play in the massive backyard.
AND I MEAN MASSIVE
As the renovations began to take shape, we could literally picture a new family living in and enjoying this space. And there really is so much of it.
so much living space
With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is the perfect home to grow into. There is a powder room for guests on the main floor. There is also a customized en-suite just off the master bedroom.
The main bathroom on the second floor boasts a beautiful soaker tub - complete with two separate sinks for those extra-busy mornings when it seems everyone is getting ready at the same time!
From there, the master bedroom has two main closets, and there is even a linen closet to store your towels and sheets on the upstairs landing.
This home has all the modern touches with all of the necessary traditional must-haves - including a separate dining and living area.
And yet, it feels flexible and easy to maintain.
style and convenience
We wanted to renovate this home for someone who didn’t want to compromise their sense of style as a result of needing convenience.
We just happen to think you can have both.
AT THE SAME TIME
This home comes complete with a vintage brick fireplace that looks remarkably modern and cool. Not only that, but it offers a great display space for your family photos and art projects!
The rustic floors lend themselves to the open and airy feeling of the space. I can just imagine the summers here... They would be absolutely perfect.
room for eventual growth
Everything feels fresh and clean.
You can rest easy knowing your children are sleeping just down the hall or get creative and turn your additional upstairs bedrooms into an office or creative space.
Either way, you’ll have all the space and flexibility you need.
When you’re ready to expand, the backyard is ripe with possibilities.
It is so large, you could easily build a 300 square foot studio space and still have more than enough room for parking!
Just click here to see our artist renderings and to get a feeling for what you could do. It’s kind of insane to think about all your options.
the heart of perfection
This renovation project was a true joy to work on.
It was really fun to think about all the little changes we could make to increase convenience and help make this family home cool and calculated.
All while making life a little easier for you!
From the bright blue front door to the sheer potential of the massive back patio and living space, we saw potential absolutely everywhere.
Allow me to be official for a minute... This property is an insanely good investment.
BUT
You’ll also feel lucky living here.
You’ll be living in the heart of the city - and still with so much space all to yourself.
That’s what’s so perfect about it.