365 Days Of Century Homes

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365 Days Of Century Homes

Tag Archives: old homes

51 Benton Street, Kitchener

05 Friday Feb 2016

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, Conversions of Commercial & Industrial Buildings

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51 Benton, Century Home For Sale, century homes, funeral homes, heritage homes, kitchener, kitchener ontario, kwrealestatelady, old homes, real estate, Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home, waterloo, waterloo ontario

51 Benton Collage.jpg51 Benton St.:  Formerly Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home

Fortunately I have not visited many funeral homes for their intended purpose, but I have had the opportunity of viewing many century old funeral homes across Southern Ontario in my previous career as an advertising consultant.  In no way would I be considered morbid.  Association with death does not appeal to me, but I did enjoy every funeral home appointment.  Most appointments included a tour, including historical background about the original owner, if I was lucky.  (An added bonus to these appointments….they were always quiet, peaceful and interrupted.. a sales reps dream!)  What has intrigued me about century old funeral homes is their beautiful architecture and the meticulous attention most current owners apply to the maintenance and up-keep of the original features.

I travel daily by foot (or car) past the former Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home located on the corner of Benton & Church Street at 51 Benton Street in Kitchener.  I have always admired the architecture of this beautiful Victorian Italianate, featuring a Widow’s Peak in original photos.

The Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home sold in the early part of 2015.  Over the following months, I have noticed the previous business sign gone and the windows replaced.  My imagination began to wander…..what a beautiful home this could be!  My question; “Would you live in a home that was formerly a funeral home?  After thinking about this, I would have to say Yes!”     With over 8,000 sq.ft. of useable space, I suppose it would be too large as a residential home for most of us.  With several additions the over the decades, I could still envision a beautiful family home with an additional in-law unit(s), or possibly an amazing B & B operation?  Maybe this location would become condos or apartment rentals? Possibly a restaurant and banquet facilities? Assuming zoning would be permitted.  As long as it is not torn down, I would be happy…. and on that note,  it does not look like 51 Benton St. will be a victim to the demolition ball.

Searching through the City of Kitchener website, it appears that the new owners have applied for approval to alter the current parking facilities for the business of a Medical Center.

A bit of history: Built in 1853, 51 Benton Street was family home of Edwin Perry Clement, a prominent lawyer, and his wife Jane, daughter of early Kitchener physician Dr. D.S. Bowlby, until 1924.  A.G. Schreiter bought the funeral business (and a furniture business) from the Simpson Co. in Kitchener.  The funeral business moved to this location in 1928. It became known as the Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home in 1939. Two locals, Jerome Futher and Douglas Hallman, bought the business from Sandrock in 1967.

Kitchener funeral businesses occupy (or have occupied) some of the most beautiful century old homes in the past.  More recently the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home (formerly the Kaufman House Mansion) at 621 King Street, has hit the real estate market.  Wondering what the future use will be?

 

 

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SOLD….Beautiful East Galt (Cambridge) Charmer

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, Century Homes For Sale, For Sale, Real Estate

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cambridge, Century Home, Century Home For Sale, century homes, East Galt, Galt, hardwood floors, heritage homes, old homes, real estate, Victorian era, victorian houses

How quickly summer has passed, time to get back to posting! I had to add this beautiful property to Real Estate For Sale. Old home lovers will appreciate this…..

This beautiful 1850’s Victorian is located in the heart of historical East Galt, Cambridge. Immaculate and lovingly maintained, this 2151 sq.ft. charmer features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Some of the wonderful features include; a beautiful original curved staircase plus a second back staircase, hardwood floors, two stunning arched bay windows with original trim, wood burning fireplace in the living room, a cozy functional kitchen with butcher block counters, farmers sink! and pantry, separate dining room, second floor laundry, main floor office or 4th bedroom, main floor family room with skylight. The main bathroom features a gorgeous claw foot tub and skylight.

Updates include windows, electrical, plumbing, central air, central vac, and the roof has been replaced in 2008. The exterior offers a low maintenance yard with stamped concrete and triple wide parking. The unfinished basement offers ample space, waiting to be finished to suit your needs.

Interested in more information?….feel free to contact me.

Offered at: SOLD

Charming Curb Appeal

Charming Curb Appeal

Front scape with partial view of 3 car parking

Front scape with partial view of 3 car parking

Close up of beautiful original Corbels

Close up of beautiful original Corbels

Light and bright entrance

Light and bright entrance

Stunning main staircase

Stunning main staircase

Beautiful bowed window in living room

Beautiful bowed window in living room

Separate dining room featuring another beautiful bowed window

Separate dining room featuring another beautiful bowed window

Functional kitchen with farmer's sink and butcher block counters...opening up to a family room

Functional kitchen with farmer’s sink and butcher block counters…opening up to a family room

One of 3+1 bedrooms, featuring curved ceilings

One of 3+1 bedrooms, featuring curved ceilings

Clawfoot Tub in main bath

Clawfoot Tub in main bath

Maintenance free yard

Maintenance free yard

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Victoria Park Italiante

20 Saturday Apr 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Architecture, Century Homes, Heritage

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

cambridge, Century Home, century homes, Harold Russell, heritage, heritage homes, historial, Italianate Victorian, kitchener, kitchener ontario, old homes, Ontario, real estate, Rych Mills, Shannon Kyles, Tobias, Victoria Park, Victorian era, victorian houses, waterloo

It has been a while since posting, time to catch up!   During my routine walk with doggie down my former street in Victoria Park, I once again marvelled at a beautiful yellow brick Italiante Victorian. I have had several chats with the owners, a lovely couple who took over this family homestead, how fortunate to have such a beautiful home complete with historical heritage.

Tobias Shantz

Tobias Shantz

This stunning Italiante residence was built in 1888 for Tobias and Mary Shantz, which has remained in the same family for over a century.  Arched windows with surrounding brickwork and decorative wooden brackets under the eaves are a few of the many distinctive features.

The home was originally situated on two acres of land.  In 1920 the land was subdivided and sold off to develop the residential neighbourhood around it.

Tobias and Mary’s granddaughter, Dorothy Russell, and great-grandson, Harold Russell, “cleaned out the attic”, and although much textual and graphic material remains with the family, many materials have been donated which represent a significant addition to our knowledge and understanding of local history and way of life in 19th-century Ontario, particularly in Kitchener.

Dorothy Russell is a well-known name in Kitchener, especially in the Victoria Park District.  Her passion for photography and her love for Victoria Park is evident in her collection of photographs which have been published and archived.  Many of her photographs are published in a historical and photographic essay on Victoria Park by Rych Mills, who I have also had the pleasure to meet on several occasions, who is truly a ‘walking encyclopedia’, full of knowledge of the history of Victoria Park. This book is available in several book stores throughout Kitchener and Waterloo, and also available at the Victoria Park Gallery which is open mid-May to October on weekends.

A beautiful home…..full of memories which have continued through the family time-line. Very special!

Victoria Park Italiante

Victoria Park Italiante (photo courtesy of Shannon Kyles; www.ontarioarchitecture.com)

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For Sale…Open House Saturday April 6th, 2.00 – 4.00 p.m.

04 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in For Sale, Heritage, Real Estate

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

Business, Century Home, century homes, decorating, Doon Heritage Village, heritage homes, historial, kitchener, kitchener ontario, Living history, May to December, old homes, real estate, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, waterloo, waterloo ontario, Waterloo Region

Doon Heritage Village, Kitchener, Ontario

Doon Heritage Village, Kitchener, Ontario

Doon Heritage Village

Doon Heritage Village, Kitchener, Ontario

Although this particular property for sale is not a heritage home (it is a new build), it is located in the district of Doon Mills…3 kms from Doon Heritage Village, a wonderful historical village.

Doon Heritage Village is a picturesque 60 acre living history village that shows visitors what life was like in Waterloo Region in the year 1914.

The Waterloo Region Museum is the entrance to Doon Heritage Village. The living history village is open seasonally from May to December. The village comes to life with knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic 1914 clothing and features historic buildings, farm animals and fun activities the whole family will enjoy.

A short walk or drive will welcome you to 20 Woodsmere Drive, Kitchener.

Enjoy privacy and a low-maintenance lifestyle in this spectacular executive end unit townhouse, located in Upscale Doon Mills.

Spend quiet evenings on the private covered balcony or enjoy the large stone patio in the spacious fenced backyard overlooking an abundance of green space.

This striking townhouse features over 2,000 sq. feet of casually elegant living. The design of this home is ingenious – open concept entertaining space; private master bedroom with master bath/spa, two additional bedrooms, three bathrooms, two family rooms (one with dramatic vaulted ceilings), recroom/games room, and a beautifully appointed kitchen featuring maple cabinetry, island and breakfast bar.

Walls of windows allow natural sunlight inside and offer a spectacular view. Walk out to the stone patio from the games room/recroom….billiards anyone?

Perfectly suited for a quiet lifestyle but ready to host family get-togethers or fabulous soirees.
Quality finishes are evident.

Features include a double garage with inside entry, gas fireplace, lawn sprinkler system, 9’ ceilings, French door walk-out to balcony, hardwood floors, main floor laundry, central air and high end kitchen appliances incl. dual-drawer dishwasher and custom window treatments.

2nd Floor Family Room Backyard Covered Balcony Exterior Family Room Kitchen 2 Kitchen Master Bath Spa Master Bedroom Recroom

Open House:     Saturday, April 6th, 2013 2.00 – 4.00 p.m.

20 Woodsmere Drive, Kitchener, Ontario

Offered at: $449,900
Barbara Niemann
Royal Lepage Grand Valley Realty
519-588-5010

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Decor….Painting Over Wallpaper

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, Décor, Wallpaper

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Century Home, century homes, decorating, Heers Decorating, heritage homes, historial, kitchener, old homes, real estate, Renovations, waterloo

Upper Foyer Wallpaper Before

Upper Foyer Wallpaper Before

Upper Foyer Painted Wallpaper After

Upper Foyer Painted Wallpaper After

Yes you can paint over wallpaper….. Whether you are a century home owner or buyer, you may have inherited wallpaper which is not to your liking.

I do like wallpaper, however, I find it very dating to a home. If you are considering adding wallpaper a good idea is to apply it on one wall in a room, using it as a feature wall. Once it becomes dated, very easily removed. The only wallpaper I personally have used over the years is a textured-paintable paper, it adds texture and can be painted over and over again.

During showings of older homes to potential buyers, the question always arises “how do I get rid of all of this wallpaper?”. My answer is, “you can remove it….but other options are available; such as painting over it”; at this point I usually have a ‘gasp’ for a response.

Should you decide to strip off the old stuff, do be aware that some damage can occur when stripping off old wallpaper from plaster walls. Are you up for the task?… here is one recommended way to do it: fill a pump sprayer with five ounces of wallpaper stripper diluted with a gallon of water. Wet down the wall and scrape off the paper with a scraper blade. If this method is not producing quick results try renting a propane powered wallpaper steamer at your local home improvement center. Electric steamers are available but are not as fast as the gas powered models. When the paper is gone, spray the walls again and scrape off all paste residue with the scraper blade. Rinse with clean water and wipe down with a wet sponge until no paste remains. Give the walls 24 to 48 hours to dry before painting. Roll on an oil-based stain killing primer and finish with a latex top coat.

Is this too time consuming?…then do consider the following:

If the wallpaper was recently installed , it may be strippable and easily removed (a quick spray of water and a scraper could remove the wallpaper quickly).

If the wallpaper is in good condition without signs of adhesion failure, there is no reason to invest a lot of time and effort in removing it before painting your walls. If the wallpaper was installed in decades past, where adhesive wallpaper paste was used and it has adhered to the wall over time…you could be lucky to have the option of painting over it.

By leaving the wallpaper in place, your walls will stay in their current condition, and you will be able to start painting without delay.

It is vital to prepare your walls carefully before painting. Follow these simple steps to ensure the best results:

• Start by replacing any damaged sections and adding adhesive to loose pieces, such as curling corners and peeling edges, to minimize the chance the paper will fall.

• Add a thin line of clear caulk around the perimeter of the walls, at the joint seams where the paper meets the floor and ceiling. (I have used poly-filla, which worked just fine). This will help seal the edges and keep the paper from peeling after you’ve painted. Gently sand caulk or filler and wipe off residue before painting.

• For a heavily textured paper apply
a thin coat of joint compound (spackle). This material will help smooth out the surface so that the texture won’t show through the paint.

• Gently sand down the seams of the wallpaper so they’re not too noticeable.

• Apply a coat of oil-based primer , very important to use a oil base/alkyd primer, to the entire surface of the walls before painting. I have used BM Fresh Start® All-Purpose Alkyd Primer with great results.

• The wallpaper is now ready for painting. Latex can now be used.

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Décor – General

08 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, Décor

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

century homes, decorating, old homes, real estate

Decor French CountryDecor Traditional 2Decor TraditionalDecor EclecticDecor CountryEmbracing the past and the current is a fool-proof way to decorate a century home. Although you may be partial to using your century home to show-case treasured antiques, marrying your décor with current pieces can soften the look and make it more inviting. “In with the old and In with the new”.

My personal opinion is that decorating a century home is less challenging than decorating a mid-priced new build. The century home, most likely has architectural elements and good bones, giving instant ambiance before the decorating process begins. With high ceilings (possibly with original beams or embossed tin), generous sized molding, thick carved wooden doors, stained glass or leaded glass windows, deep window sills, original wooden floors, possibly stone or brick has been exposed over the years, or the lucky owner has inherited lovely century old built-ins (cabinets or shelving); the palette is there….waiting to be finished by you (or your decorator/designer).

The style you choose can vary from Traditional, Country (French and English included), Contemporary, Eclectic, Retro and World Flair. I have included photos of some of the various styles and will go in to more detail of each style as my blogs progress.

The choice is yours….keep your rooms true to their period; if renovations have occurred over the decades you can bring your rooms back to what they looked like before they were modernized; continue with a modernized look adding back some of the original features; or go with contemporary if this is your preference. Everyone has their own tastes and styles…..choose what you feel comfortable with, that is the first step in decorating your century home.

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Heating a Century Home….. Radiator Heating

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, Heating

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cambridge, century homes, heating, heritage, heritage homes, historial, homes, hot water heating, houses, kitchener, old homes, plaques, radiators, real estate, victorian houses, waterloo

Radiator covershot water radiator

(Photo courtesy of Turnbull & Scott Heating: http://www.turnbull-scott.co.uk)

Before and in the early 1800’s homes were heated with wood burning stoves. By the mid-1800s central coal-burning furnaces were being installed. Furnaces were placed in the cellars to provide heat through a system of ducts and vents that went through the entire house.
By the end of the 19th century the invention of cast iron radiators would bring central heating to homes with a boiler in the basement delivering hot water or steam to radiators in every room. This method would dominate home central heating until 1935, when the introduction of the first forced air furnace was introduced using the power of an electric fan to distribute the heated air through ductwork within the home, which is the most common heating system in our homes today.
Many of our century homes today are still heated with radiators (hot water heat) with a boiler in the basement. Have them removed?….no !!! Hot Water Radiators are a great source of heat and perfect for those prone to allergies. Without a ducting system, dust is minimal. There are many sources on the net on how to get optimal use from your radiators. Some do not like the look of radiators, but great covers can be made or purchased making the radiator become a “piece of furniture” in the room. The downfall is the ability to install central air (since there is no ducting system). There are alternatives which I will address in future blogs.

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Is a Heritage Home the same as a Century Home?

02 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, General, Heritage

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Tags

cambridge, century homes, heritage, heritage homes, historial, homes, houses, kitchener, old homes, plaques, real estate, victorian houses, waterloo

Heritage Plaque WaterlooNo, although most heritage homes are century old homes. In Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge you may have noticed plaques on century homes from various historical committees. These plaques state that the home has it been designated as a heritage home. Some consider the plaques a very prestigious award and many of these homes are located in prestigious areas of the city. Do plaques increase the value of a home? There is, as yet, no firm evidence that plaques add to the value of your property, though they certainly increase its interest. Houses bearing historical plaques stand out. To some extent, it depends on the person who resided in the building.
Kitchener has four Heritage Districts: St. Mary’s, Upper Doon, Victoria Park and Civic Centre.
Waterloo has designated the MacGregor Alberta Neigbourhood, located in Uptown Waterloo as a heritage district.
Cambridge is very active with preservation initiatives. Currently the Main Street District, Blair Village and Dickson Hill are heritage districts. Hespeler Heritage Centre also plays an active role in preservation.
There are restrictions for owners of heritage homes. Home modification is not allowed at their own whim or solely without approval from the committee. If renovations are on your “to do list” this needs to be considered if purchasing either a heritage property or a property located in a heritage conservation district.
A Heritage Permit is required to “alter” your property in any way that affects the reasons why your property was designated. On the plus side heritage grants and heritage tax refunds are available to help maintain, renovate and upgrade a heritage home within guidelines established by the heritage committee. The Act defines the term “alteration” as meaning to change in any manner and includes: to restore, to renovate, to repair or to disturb. A heritage permit is also required for the erection or demolition of a building or structure on a designated property that is likely to affect the reasons for designation.
Protecting heritage buildings, properties and neighbourhoods contribute to the beauty, culture and quality of life in our region.

For further information on various Heritage Committees, please visit:
http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/heritage.asp
http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=724
http://www.cambridge.ca/article.php?ssid=147

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The Allure…..

01 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Barbara Niemann - KWrealestatelady.com in Century Homes, General

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cambridge, century homes, heritage, heritage homes, historial, homes, houses, kitchener, old homes, plaques, real estate, victorian houses, waterloo

487Happy New Year and welcome to my blog. With a new year and a new beginning, I have decided to start a blog concentrating on the pros and cons of old home ownership as well as include information on the wonderful heritage areas of our region, including photos and descriptions of heritage and century homes.

The appeal of a century home is the charm that is felt as soon as you enter. Beautiful heavy wooden doors, some with transoms, leaded or stained glass windows, beautiful trim and molding, lovely staircases – many with detail, cozy fireplace(s) and if you are lucky….original wooden floors. The neighbourhoods of these homes are usually a quick walk to downtown, on tree-lined streets with lovely front porches where it is easy to chat and visit with neighbours. Making ownership of an older home even more interesting is researching the history of the previous owners.

One advantage an older home is the fact that they are typically well made, built with good, sturdy materials and strong craftsmanship, and have stood the test of time.

I refer to three categories of old home owners as: The “Diehards”: everything should remain original with furnishings and decor also be of the period. The “Gutters”….walls, windows, doors, plaster, it all goes, to be replaced with drywall, open concept living and modern amenities. The “In-betweeners”…. keeping as many of the original features as possible with modern updates, usually an eclectic mix is the end result. I fall in the last category.

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Recent Posts

  • 51 Benton Street, Kitchener February 5, 2016
  • Welcome to my blog devoted to Century Homes! November 6, 2015
  • 116 Cedar Street S, Kitchener Ontario….SOLD! May 7, 2015
  • #8 of Ten Tips ….Buying A Century Home: Home Insurance March 9, 2015
  • ELECTRICAL…..60-amp Electrical Service March 7, 2015

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Barbara Niemann - ReMax Twin City Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Kitchener, Ontario
Canada
519-579-4110
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