35 Dennistoun – A Rare Opportunity

The Perfect Peterborough Property, The Perfect Peterborough Location

Those of us who grew up in Peterborough have fond memories of Inverlea Park. It was and remains a very special treasure located in the heart of Peterborough. Having recently won it’s bid to reaffirm it’s heritage as a protected space, Inverlea’s future is again safe, ensuring it’s available for generations to follow.

My memories of Inverlea Park are magical, having grown up in this neighbourhood. It was a wonderfully vibrant waterfront park, complete with a busy swimming beach. Residents from all over Peterborough came to Inverlea to swim under the watchful eyes of lifeguards. On hot afternoons, as young boys, we’d ride our bikes down to the Inverlea, and swim in the Otonabee River. The park was an exciting Peterborough destination where you’d find all your friends.

There was a well-equipped playground that included one of those crazy turnstiles, steel ‘merry-go-rounds’ rides. The ones you would run along and wind up while friends hung on, with the main intent to spin them off or make them so dizzy they wobbled for minutes afterwards. And who could forget the Chip Truck? Parked alongside the South edge of the park near Parkhill Road, a trip to Inverlea often presented an opportunity to spend some paper route money on french fries or ice cream. While people no longer flock to Inverlea to swim and the lifeguards are long gone, it remains a great place where green space meets the waterfront.

In winter, the park became the neighbourhood ice rink. You’d always be able to join into a game of shinny. Young and old would battle for puck possession…a few future NHL’ers included. No slapshots or ‘raisers’ allowed. ‘You shot – you get it’ was shouted to anyone missing the net and firing wide over the snowbanks… It’s great to see the rink today as the tradition carries on.

It’s obvious to see that the Inverlea Park area is a very special place – one can perhaps make the association to the ‘beaches’ district in Toronto. Both areas feature homes with character galore, and as such, investors and savvy home buyers are looking to this area in Peterborough with interest.

And so it’s this magical 7-acre location that makes 35 Dennistoun very unique indeed. It represents an amazing real estate opportunity. A beautiful, yellow brick home that’s overlooked this park for over 100 years. It’s stood the test of time, and its character is something that only a century home can provide. From the exceptionally solid brickwork and well-maintained stone foundation to the beautiful veranda including period woodwork, it’s obvious upon arrival that this is a special place. Located on this quiet little avenue, a summer evening sitting on the porch overlooking the park and river has been the favoured pastime for past and current generations alike.

The home itself features 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen/living room with a formal dining room. The original wood floors gleam, augmented by high baseboards and solid wood trim. The custom kitchen has been remodelled and includes loads of beautiful, custom cabinetry. Good-sized bedrooms, 9’+ ceilings and many large bright windows make this a warm and inviting home. (Windows were updated in 2007)

The basement was extensively renovated including underpinning, providing 7’+ ceiling height in much of the space. This work included the addition of a 3 pc. bathroom. It’s wonderfully usable space and perfect for a rec room, home gym or home theatre room. For those not familiar with underpinning, it’s a labour-intensive process whereby the basement area is dug down by hand, the original foundation supported and a thick, strong concrete base is poured under the walls, creating more headroom. A new floor is then poured as well. Most homes of this vintage have limited ceiling heights, making them storage spaces at best. But in this home, the extensive underpinning work has been completed, creating this amazing, functional room. It even includes a functional gas fireplace!

Parking is on the street, although some neighbours park in the front yards of their homes. The back yard includes a wood deck and custom storage shed with wood siding. The yard is fenced and private.

Having owned and restored a Century Home, I can attest to the challenges of the ‘unknowns’ when undertaking renovations. However, this home has been extensively updated including plumbing and electrical. It was re-insulated (walls and attic) and the gas furnace replaced in 2007. It even features a tankless hot water system. The foundation pointing and chimney are in excellent condition. The roof was re-shingled in 2012, Maintenance is key and this home shows pride of ownership.

It’s rare that homes come up for sale on this street and it’s indeed a special place that few other real estate properties can match. Within close walking distance to Downtown Peterborough and the Cafe District, as well as close proximity to transit, the main Greenway bike trail and the Trent University bus route, this home is perfect for investors, single families or even parents seeking a location for students going to Trent.

But best of all, let’s not forget the wonderful Inverlea Park. One might consider this home the next best thing to a waterfront property in the city! It’s certainly an interesting and unique real estate investment.

If you’d like to view this special property, feel free to reach out to me at 705.933.9191. I would be thrilled to assist.

Of course, this is in no way intended to solicit those under contract.