154 Acacia Avenue, Ottawa, ON

Welcome home to the perfect marriage of past and present. 154 Acacia sits at the top of the hill, a block from Ashbury, on one of the village's most coveted streets. Built in 1930, it was completely reimagined in 2015 by Jane Thompson Architect and a design team with one brief: transform this generous space to make it work for modern family life and pull in as much light as possible. The envelope was renewed and expanded with all new windows, doors, cladding and roof, and every mechanical system was upgraded with efficiency in mind. The result is 4,014 square feet over three levels, plus a finished lower level, with four proper bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Maple hardwood runs throughout, and a rebuilt staircase climbs beneath exposed beams to the third floor, forming a vertical light well that brightens the heart of the house. The main floor flows beautifully, anchored by a gas fireplace with custom cabinetry. Oversized formal living and dining rooms add real flexibility. The kitchen is finished in warm maple with quartz counters, wall ovens, stainless appliances, with ample storage and a clever pantry. French doors open to a tiered cedar deck built to make the most of a remarkably private yard with no direct rear neighbours.Upstairs, the primary suite offers built in cabinetry and a large ensuite, joined by two more bedrooms and a main bath. The third floor holds the fourth bedroom with built ins, an expansive family room with sweeping views, a full bath, laundry and storage. The lower level adds a rec room, full bath, sauna and still more storage. Then there is the address. Rockcliffe Park is Ottawa's most prestigious neighbourhood, a place of diplomatic residences, heritage homes and tree lined streets. Walk the kids to Ashbury, Elmwood or Rockcliffe Park Public School, swim at the pond in summer, and stroll to the shops on Beechwood. This home has a historic soul with a forward-thinking design that stands out and deserves to be seen.