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Bright and airy modern family home high on style, privacy

Charming Guelph home perfect for a young couple

What makes a home family-friendly?

Is it a welcoming, entertainer’s house with a really large kitchen? This charming Guelph home may look unassuming, says seller Sarah Belan, but visitors are always taken aback by the huge, light-filled kitchen. 

The 10-foot island is a natural gathering spot for family and friends.

Maybe it’s privacy, that feeling that you’re in your own world? With big windows that wrap the living room with views of the wooded backyard, this home has a unique indoor-outdoor feel. Inside there’s an abundance of natural light, outside - a palette of rich greens. Surrounded by evergreens, there is no loss of privacy, or foliage, even in the wintertime.

Sarah and husband Kris have lived at 163 Alma Street North for four years. The 4-bedroom home has, in addition to a huge renovated kitchen, a beautiful sun porch, a private back deck and a large lot.

The home was built in the 1950s and an addition made in the 80s. It was extensively remodelled five years ago with the kitchen, flooring, powder room and master bath all redone.

“It’s very green out there so we get a great view through the living room of all the trees,” says Sarah. “Indoors, it’s really bright and airy. The kitchen is very modern and as you flow into the living room, those big windows really give you that indoor-outdoor feel.”

The couple went to university in Guelph and fell in love with the city. Both got jobs in Toronto, so they spent a few years living downtown in Liberty Village. Kris played professional hockey and was travelling a lot; when he got back, they decided to return to Guelph. 

“We had a really great community of friends here and always loved the city,” says Sarah. “This was a great transition home for us coming from a condo because it wasn’t too big, it was perfect.”

Since the move, they got married and had their first child—a beautiful eight-month-old baby girl. They’ve happily hosted friends’ birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, made easy by the generously sized kitchen and the home’s open style.

The neighbourhood is a mix of young families and an established community of residents who have lived here over 30 years. “There’s just a ton of families, we see kids on the street and strollers going by all the time,” she says.

There is lots to do nearby. You’re within walking distance of Exhibition Park. Local brewery, Fixed Gear Brewing Co. is a five-minute walk down the street and has live music. You can walk to dinner downtown in 20 minutes.

The house is right on the edge of an up-and-coming area called The Junction.

“It’s a really nice, developed area with lots of big trees but easily accessible to downtown. What we were missing from our time in Toronto was being able to just go and grab a coffee or a drink without getting in your car. You can still do that here,” she says. 

“It’s a perfect transition home for anyone coming from the city, like a young couple or a young family. I just hope they enjoy it as much as we have. It’s been a great spot.”

Click here for complete details on 163 Alma St. North, including the listing and virtual tour.

If you’re looking to relocate to Guelph or for the perfect starter home, visit Nick FitzGibbon’s Let’s Talk Real Estate or call 519-821-3600.