Retreat to a quiet neighbourhood - perfect for study or relaxation

Description

When friends and visitors arrive at my home, the first thing they see is the gorgeous big double lot with mature trees, a big, tending-towards-wild garden, and the wildlife - birds, squirrels, bees, butterflies - that live in it. Kids call my place a park, and the hammock, running spaces and shady sitting areas lend it an atmosphere of a country cottage, confirmed by the 5 minute walk to the Ottawa river, with a rocky shoreline inviting exploration and meandering for collectibles. Up the street and a 5 minute walk in the other direction is the walking/bike path that joins with hundreds of kilometres of trails through the national capital region, where you can find destinations to suit every interest and level of activity. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular along the river and the night sky is dark enough for stars while the lights of Ottawa light up the opposite shore. Having lived in this home for 12 years I have seen changes in the neighbourhood but there are some things in which the community takes much pride and that remain the same: the diversity and protection of the trees, and the support and kindness of neighbours. Anyone moving into Wychwood becomes part of a welcoming, friendly, diverse and inclusive community. It is much easier to move into the community than it is to leave :) Home is a 1950s bungalow with a lovely "vibe". After walking past the large garden and treed "park", up the low rise steps of the front walkway, onto the porch with its sitting area, and in through the front door, visitors invariably comment on how good it feels inside. The small front entrance and closet area opens into a large kitchen and dining room to one side and across a half-wall at the entrance, the comfortable living room on the other, giving the entrance a sense of space and light. The kitchen, recently painted in bright orange and yellow invites comfortable chats while preparing food at the central butcher block and counter, and an intimate family dining space lit throughout the morning and afternoon by large south and west facing windows. A washing machine and shelves are hidden behind the louvred doors at the far end of the kitchen providing convenient laundry access and storage. Next to them is a large pantry cupboard. On the left of the entrance is the living room with a feature brick wall and gas fireplace - a perfect spot for feet up on the hearth and a cup of something warm on cool evenings or snowy days. A favourite place to work is at the desk placed in front of the bay windows with its restful view of the front yard and artistic landscaping at the house on the opposite side of the street. Books, music, a piano for those so inclined and sitting area make this room the centre of the home. First on the left down the hallway which runs the length of the house, is the 3rd bedroom which has variously been a TV room, an office, a craft and sewing room, and a spare bedroom. Specific to this room is the large closet with plenty of deep shelving, and the window overlooking the side yard - the best view of the deciduous oak and maple trees which are spectacular in the fall. The two main bedrooms are to the left and right at the end of the hallway both furnished with comfortable double beds and double mattresses, and plenty of dresser space. Between them is the bathroom, with it's unique sky-and-clouds light fixture. Plenty of hot water and a deep tub invite you in after a winter ski or skate along the river or in the nearby Gatineau hills. Linens, pillows and towels are all included and extra bedding available for the colder nights. The house is heated by a newly installed electric furnace with forced air vents providing uniform heat throughout. Portable air filters and extra heaters can be moved as needed for extra comfort and a ceiling van adds air circulation to the dining area and kitchen. If you want proximity to universities (4 within 30 min), schools and all amenities, this could be your country home.