Property Overview

This is a distinctive two-and-a-half storey home built in 1911, situated on an exceptionally large lot in Winnipeg's Central St. Boniface neighbourhood. Its primary appeal lies in the rare combination of a historic character home and a land parcel that stands out significantly in size, even within an established area. The house itself offers generous living space compared to local norms, though it presents as a project with an unrenovated basement and likely requires updates consistent with its age.

Key Characteristics & Suitability

The property's most compelling feature is its 7,092 sqft lot, which ranks in the top 2% for size on its street and the top 5% in St. Boniface. This offers immense potential for gardening, expansion, or simply enjoying substantial private outdoor space in a central location. The living area of 1,890 sqft is also notably spacious for the area. However, the 1911 build date means buyers should anticipate the maintenance and system updates typical of a century-old home. It features a detached garage and has an assessed value that places it well above average for the immediate vicinity.

This home would best suit a specific type of buyer: those who value land size and historic charm over move-in-ready condition. It's a strong candidate for a long-term property where the owner can gradually restore or renovate, or for a buyer with a vision to potentially leverage the large lot. It appeals less to those seeking modern, low-maintenance living and more to pragmatic visionaries or investors who see value in underlying assets like land and solid older construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "unrenovated basement" typically imply for a house of this age?
It generally indicates original or very old foundations, flooring, and utilities. Expect a functional but dated space that may have moisture concerns, older wiring or plumbing, and would require significant investment to modernize into finished living space.

2. The assessed value is much higher than the 2017 sale price. What does this indicate?
The higher current assessment reflects a sharp increase in the property's taxable value, likely driven by the soaring market value of land, especially a lot of this size. It suggests the municipal assessment now recognizes the premium value of the lot itself, which may not have been fully captured at the time of the last sale.

3. Is the large lot a benefit or a burden?
Primarily a benefit for privacy and potential, but it comes with considerations. Property taxes are influenced by land value, and maintenance (like lawn care or snow clearing) is more extensive. It's a significant asset, but one that carries ongoing cost and effort.

4. What are the less obvious costs of owning a 1911 home?
Beyond visible renovations, consider ongoing upkeep for original windows, plaster walls, and ancient plumbing or electrical systems. Heating costs can be higher due to older insulation standards, and securing homeowner's insurance for a very old home can sometimes require specific inspections.

5. The home ranks poorly for "Year Built." Is that a major concern?
This ranking simply means it's older than most houses in its comparison groups. For the right buyer, this is the source of its character. The concern isn't the age itself, but the condition of the major systems (roof, wiring, plumbing, foundation) and the budget required to maintain or update them authentically.