'Things were built better': Kamloops and the Okanagan's best heritage listings
Whether you’re looking for a home where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed or just like the idea of living in a house where the wooden beams were cut by hand more than a century ago, the Thompson-Okanagan region has a few heritage homes currently on the market that will take buyers back to another era.
From wrap around porches and hardwood floors to cask iron radiators and stain glass windows the region's heritage homes speak to a time when longevity and craftsmanship were the norm.
“It definitely feels like you're stepping into a bit of a different time," Century 21 realtor Bailee Allen told iNFOnews.ca.
Allen said many heritage homes were constructed with far higher quality materials than are using in today’s construction.
“Just the materials used you can tell that you're in a different time,” she said.
One of her currently listings, built in 1910, still has most of its original doors. Along with the longevity the attention to detail also stands-out – from the door knobs to the claw-foot bathtub.
“We don't have those same details on your average house anymore,” Allen said.
It’s a sentiment reiterated by RE/MAX Armstrong realtor Sherise Lacey.
“Things were built better... they didn't insulate better, but they built better,” Lacey said.
While living in a century old house isn’t for everyone, the old world charm is sought after, especially if it’s been tweaked to include new world comfort.
iNFOnews.ca found a handful of listings that will take a buyer back to a long gone area, without sacrificing modern comforts.
The Estate
Coldstream: $2,888,000
Built in 1910, and aptly named Coldstream Estate, this 4,000 square foot home sits on a four acre parcel of land nestled in mature trees. “The grand covered front porch and screened/summer room set the mood… (and) every traditional and nostalgic feature has been carefully maintained and subtly improved with modern comforts,” the real estate ad said.
It still has the original fir floors and original tiled fireplace, along with magnificent woodwork throughout. There’s a stately home elegance to the property, which also includes a clawfoot bathtub and a wine cellar. For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
The Farm House
Armstrong: $2,225,000
This 1901 log cabin also includes a certified organic farm on 67 acres. The house is built from wooden beams cut by hand almost 125 years ago. RE/MAX Armstrong realtor Sherise Lacey said when the current owners moved in 20 years ago they ripped up the linoleum flooring to discover the original hardwood flooring underneath. They’ve since spent the last two decades modernizing the place while keeping the original features that have so much charm.
“When you go downstairs and you see those hand-hewn beams, you know somebody worked hard chiseling those out… that’s no small feat,” she said.
For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
The Royal guest
Vernon: $3,200,000
This 1908 lakeside home once hosted Queen Elizabeth II and sits on a quiet cul-de-sac not far from Ellison Provincial Park. It has a classic colonial style wrap around porch where one could serve tea to future royal guests while looking at the pristine waters of Okanagan Lake.
For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
The Town Home
Merritt: $1,239,999
Located in downtown Merritt but still coming with an acre of land, the house built in 1910 was once home to the town's first solicitor. Fast forward a century when the current owner bought it the house had no heat or running water. However, the owner has brought it back to its former glory taking the time to restore the original wood detailing and vintage fixtures. It has has most of the original doors, and there cask iron radiators and fireplaces throughout. For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
The Beach House
Kelowna: $3,200,000
Built in 1917 and renovated less than a decade ago, this Kelowna waterfront home mixes the ultra modern with old world design. This 5,000 square foot home, is just stones throw from downtown, but still on the water.
For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
The fixer-upper
Spences Bridge: $189,000
Built in 1912, this heritage home surely has potential. It’s hard to know what original features might be uncovered during a renovations, and while it’s a likely to be a money pit, for this price the risk might be worth it. For more information and to see the realtor's ad go here.
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