Owners open the doors of their exceptional homes to us, offered on the resale market.
After working outside of Quebec for five years, Pier-Olivier Perron returned to Montreal in the hope of starting a family with his partner, Clara Durocher-Cloutier. During the 2019 holiday break, in the middle of a snowstorm, they roamed the streets of Plateau Mont-Royal and visited this warm house with the feeling of reconnecting with their Quebecness and the conviction of having found the right one.
A glance is enough to feel the enveloping character of the place: the majestic wooden doors, the beams visible on the ceiling, the paneled walls testifying to the advanced age of the house, the light emanating from the windows, the open area which invites gatherings, without forgetting the fireplace near which it is good to warm up.
The house had what it took to comfort the couple as the snow fell. “As soon as we entered, we were charmed by the warmth of the house, with the wood everywhere, its size and its open space,” recalls Mr. Perron.
It must be said that both dreamed of a space with personality in which to build the nest of their future family. “We were looking for something with experience, which is not like what everyone else has. »
The lovers discovered the house thanks to their broker, but Pier-Olivier had already seen it before. “While visiting it, I remembered that, a few years earlier, again during a snowstorm, I had stopped at the café Le Moineau masque, on the corner of the street. The sector had left its mark on me. Many of our favorite restaurants are located there. »
A place steeped in history
When they learned that the sellers had lived on the property for four decades, they felt the stars align. “They had built their family here, raised their two children and married their daughter in the backyard. The history of the house really charmed us. »
Speaking of history, the ad says the house was built in 1900, but they believe it is even older. “We wrote what the previous sellers’ statement said, but it is between 130 and 140 years old. Previously, it was a duplex with two apartments. It was converted into a single family a few years before the previous owners lived there. »
There is therefore no shortage of experience in this centenary, renovated over time.
“After purchasing it, I often wondered about its condition, so I ordered an engineering report to make sure everything was correct. The engineer told us there were no current issues, but he made recommendations to avoid future problems with the foundations, and we followed them. »
In addition to preventative work in the crawl space, the couple renovated the kitchen so that it feels like a marriage between the past and the present. “The counters are marble and everything else is made of wood. My cabinetmaker uncle made the custom cabinets for us. »
Furthermore, the second floor has been completely renovated. “We added a third bedroom and increased the size of the new bathroom, making it much more user-friendly for a family with young children. »
Each step has been thought out to preserve the look of yesteryear. “It would have been easier to put gypsum walls everywhere, but we preferred to install paneling on the second floor, to maintain the look of the ground floor. »
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE BROKER
The outdoor courtyard is perfect for entertaining.
Now let’s talk about the exterior jewel: the backyard which benefits from a combination of textures of wood, bricks and nature. “We feel really good there! The neighbor has a tree that provides shade in our yard, without making everything dark. The walls allow climbing plants to spread out and attract birds. »
Without forgetting the space to bring together loved ones. “We organized a few parties in the courtyard,” says Mr. Perron. I’m a big fan of barbecue. » It is also the capacity of the places to receive that they will miss the most. “We received guests often during our five years here. With the open concept and charm of the house, it was ideal. »
Now a new professional adventure has pushed them to Toronto. “In 2019, we thought we would imitate the owners and settle down for good, but life decided otherwise. That said, in Toronto, we looked for the same kind of very family-friendly neighborhood where everything is within walking distance. It pains us to leave the Plateau house, but we are excited for the future. »
Consult the property file
The property in brief
Asking price: $1,350,000
Municipal assessment: $1,151,400
Year of construction: 1900
Description: ancestral property on the Plateau Mont-Royal which includes 12 rooms, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, as well as an intimate backyard
Living area: 1756 ft2
Land area: 1292 ft2
Property taxes: $7,461
School tax: $937
Broker: Marie-Pier Bourdon, Groupe Sutton-Actuel