Tour a 1912 Century Residence in Alberta Featuring Sunken Great Room, Updated Kitchen, Vaulted Ceilings, and a Heated Double Garage

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

This charming century home in Calgary’s desirable West Hill Hurst neighborhood, built over 100 years ago, features classic architectural details such as a front veranda, hardwood floors, and exposed brick. Situated on a long 25 x 130 ft. lot, the residence offers 2 bedrooms, a 4-piece bathroom, and an updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The sunken great room with vaulted ceilings and wood-burning fireplace overlooks a sunny south-facing backyard with a composite deck and pergola. Recent upgrades include a heated double garage added in 2013. Priced at $639,900, this property combines historic character with modern amenities and a prime location near Kensington, the Bow River, and downtown Calgary.

Backyard Deck and Pergola

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A spacious wooden deck extends from the house, topped with a solid wooden pergola providing a rustic yet inviting outdoor seating area. Two blue Adirondack chairs sit beneath the pergola, adding a pop of color against the warm natural wood tones. The yard surrounding the deck contains a mix of grass and earth, bordered by a wooden privacy fence with lattice panels along the top. A detached garage or shed with brown siding and white trim windows stands at the back of the yard. Bare trees indicate a late fall or early spring season ambiance, under a partly cloudy sky.

Backyard Deck and Pergola

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Spacious wooden deck extends across the backyard, composed of light-toned, wide planks arranged horizontally. A sturdy wooden pergola frames the seating area, supported by four thick posts with a natural wood finish, adding rustic charm. Two blue Adirondack chairs offer a cozy spot for relaxation under the pergola. String lights are draped along the beams, providing ambient lighting for evenings. The backyard is enclosed by a tall wooden fence of natural wood, complemented by leafless trees providing a touch of nature. In the background, a small brown detached shed with white-trimmed windows and an open door completes the outdoor setting.

Backyard Patio Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A fenced backyard enclosed by a wooden privacy fence, featuring a mix of patchy grass and bare spots. On the right side, a raised wooden deck with steps leading up is shaded partially by a pergola constructed with thick wooden beams. Two blue Adirondack chairs sit on the deck, inviting relaxation. The house exterior on the left side has brown horizontal siding with a white door and window providing access to the backyard. Leafless trees line the back fence, with blue skies and scattered clouds overhead, suggesting an early spring or late autumn setting.

Backyard Deck

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A raised wooden deck sits centrally in the backyard, featuring a pergola with exposed beams that create a semi-open roof structure. Two blue Adirondack chairs are placed on the deck, offering a spot for relaxation. The deck has small steps leading down to the grass lawn, which is bordered by wooden fences on both sides. Bare trees flank the space, suggesting either early spring or late fall. The background includes parts of neighboring houses visible above and beyond the fencing, enhancing a suburban feel. The natural wood tones contrast with the light gray exterior of the main house wall.

Backyard Patio Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A wooden fence borders the backyard, providing privacy and a warm natural tone that complements the outdoor setting. A wooden pergola stands on a raised deck with simple steps leading up, under which two blue Adirondack chairs face inward, inviting relaxation. Bare deciduous trees and a patchy lawn indicate early spring or late fall. The house exterior is light-colored with a sloped roof, featuring large glass doors that open onto the deck. Along one side of the fence lies a narrow garden bed with young trees and mulch, enhancing the space’s organic and rustic charm.

Garage Storage Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Concrete flooring spans the entire space beneath a ceiling partly finished with wood panels and fluorescent lighting. One wall painted vibrant green contains several long, narrow wooden shelves supported by black metal brackets, providing practical storage. The opposite wall is white with two small windows allowing natural light in. A white door leads outside, enhancing accessibility. Exposed electrical wiring and a wall-mounted air conditioning unit suggest utility functionality. The overall design emphasizes practicality with minimal decoration, combining unfinished and painted surfaces to create a simple, functional garage space intended for storage and workspace purposes.

Garage Exterior

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A trio of garages lines a narrow alleyway, typical of urban residential back lanes. The central garage has its door open, revealing an empty concrete floor and a lime green interior wall with several hooks for storage. Its exterior is clad in light brown wood siding with shingles on the gabled roof above the entrance. To the left is a darker, modern garage with a wide black door, and to the right is a clean white garage with a paneled door, creating a contrast of styles. Blue recycling bins and trash containers mark the edge of the alley, with overhead utility cables visible against a cloudy sky. Leafless trees in the background hint at a late fall or early winter season.

Front Exterior View

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A quaint single-story house with a classic front porch, characterized by light beige siding and a brown shingled gable roof. The front door is painted black, flanked by white railings and a mailbox nearby. The porch sits slightly elevated with a few steps leading to a concrete path stretching across a well-kept lawn. To the left, an untrimmed but substantial shrub adds a natural, rustic touch. The house stands in contrast next to a larger, modern, two-story home with stark white and black accents, large windows, and dark brick detailing, suggesting a blend of historic and contemporary neighborhood styles.

Living Room Seating Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Corner seating area with a grey mid-century modern sofa and matching armchair, both accented with deep blue and white circular cushions. Large bay windows adorned with wooden blinds allow natural light to flood the space while providing views of the outside greenery and street. Light hardwood floors contrast with a dark patterned area rug beneath a round, metallic, drum-style coffee table decorated with art books, glass vases, and greenery. White walls and ceilings create a clean, fresh backdrop, complemented by a tall, textured floor vase and a sleek, neutral lamp that adds subtle ambiance to the minimalist yet cozy setting.

Dining Area and Kitchen View

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Small dining area with a modern glass table and four gray upholstered chairs sits on warm-toned hardwood flooring. The walls are painted a soft, neutral gray, complemented by two abstract blue and white paintings, which add a calming touch. A pendant light hangs above the table, while recessed ceiling lights provide additional illumination throughout the open space. The half wall separates the dining area from the adjacent kitchen, which includes stainless steel appliances, dark cabinetry, and a brick column partially visible, injecting a rustic charm. The layout encourages flow between dining and cooking spaces, blending contemporary and traditional elements.

Kitchen and Breakfast Bar

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

The kitchen area blends modern and rustic design elements with a hardwood floor running throughout. A narrow breakfast bar with two modern stools is positioned along a wall with three small windows, adding natural light. The kitchen cabinetry is rich dark wood contrasted by sleek, stainless steel appliances and a metallic range hood. A unique exposed brick column adds vintage character while forming a partial separation between the kitchen and adjoining space. Above the kitchen counter, white paneled cabinets with glass fronts provide both display and storage. The color scheme relies on warm wood tones, neutral walls, and metallic accents creating a balanced, inviting atmosphere.

Modern Kitchen Corridor

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

The kitchen is designed with a narrow, galley layout, optimizing space along a central corridor. Hardwood flooring in warm tones runs throughout, complementing the mix of cabinetry. Dark wood base cabinets contrast with white upper cabinets on one side, while the opposite wall features tall wooden cabinets and a stainless steel double-door refrigerator. The backsplash above the stove comprises small square tiles arranged in a subtle checkerboard pattern of grey and white tones. A modern stainless steel range hood tops the sleek black stove. Natural light filters through a window over a small counter space with a patterned seat tucked underneath.

Kitchen Corner with Brick Column

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A compact kitchen corner featuring a blend of rustic and modern elements. The focal point is an exposed red brick column that contrasts with smooth dark granite countertops. White upper cabinets with glass fronts display crockery, while the lower cabinets are a warm wood tone, enriching the color palette. A double stainless steel sink sits beneath a tiled backsplash with a small, checkerboard pattern in soft greys and whites, tying together the cabinetry and countertops. Stainless steel dishwasher integrates seamlessly. Hardwood floors add warmth and continuity with the adjacent living space visible beyond the breakfast bar.

Living Room Corner

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A modern living room corner with a vaulted ceiling painted in soft neutral tones brightens the space. A black tufted sectional sofa adorned with beige and white cushions offers a cozy seating arrangement. Two abstract art pieces in shades of blue and white hang on the wall above the couch. The room’s layout centers around a glass coffee table that adds an airy feel. A tile fireplace runs along one wall beneath a mounted flat-screen TV, blending traditional elements with modern technology. Three large windows with simple striped valances flood the room with natural light, while two plush ottomans near the windows create a quiet nook for relaxation.

Fireplace and Media Wall

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A simple, neutral-toned fireplace serves as the focal point, framed by large square beige tiles extending to the raised hearth. The white mantel contrasts lightly with the soft gray wall, creating a clean, modern aesthetic. Mounted above the mantel is a flat-screen TV with visible cables, blending tech functionality with classic warmth. To each side of the fireplace, black metal wall sconces add a touch of minimalist style. A large window on the left invites natural light, partially covered by a beige roman shade. Dark wood flooring anchors the space with rich contrast and warmth.

Living Room Seating Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A spacious corner of the living room with vaulted ceilings painted in soft off-white, creating an airy and bright environment. A large, deep charcoal gray tufted sectional chaise lounge stretches along two walls, adorned with a mix of light beige, white, and cream throw pillows that add contrast and comfort. A plush blue fur throw adds texture and warmth on one side. Two abstract art pieces in calming blue tones hang neatly on the adjacent wall above the couch. Below, a sleek glass coffee table holds decorative orbs and a sculptural piece, sitting on rich dark wood floors, balancing modern and cozy sophistication.

Cozy Bedroom

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Neutral light gray walls create a calm atmosphere surrounding a neatly made bed adorned with a white bedspread and a deep blue throw blanket. Several pillows in white and navy blue add texture and contrast. Two matching side tables flank the bed, each topped with a turquoise ceramic lamp with beige shades, casting soft light upward. Above the bed hangs a simple window, providing natural light. A large bold artwork of a coastal landscape in shades of blue and green adds a splash of color and visual interest to the minimalist decor. The natural wood floor adds warmth and complements the understated style.

Small Bedroom Corner

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A compact bedroom with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The walls are painted light gray above white, beadboard wainscoting, creating a subtle two-tone effect. The ceiling displays delicate crown molding and a rectangular framing detail adding architectural interest. A single twin bed is dressed in crisp white linens accented with two black pillows. Next to the bed stands a small glass and metal bedside table holding a modern lamp with a translucent blue shade and a small potted succulent. A wooden shelf with decorative black brackets holds a few books and an abstract sculpture, adding character without clutter.

Bathroom Interior

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

A compact bathroom with a neutral color scheme dominated by beige tiles around the bathtub area and light walls. The bathtub is fitted with a showerhead and bordered by a white shower curtain. Floor tiles in a matching beige tone create a cohesive look. A wooden vanity with a reddish-brown countertop and a white sink is adjacent to a white toilet. Above the vanity, a large rectangular mirror framed in silver reflects the room, with pendant lighting hanging nearby. A glass block window provides natural light, while a dark blue towel hangs on a hook on the door, adding a pop of color.

Basement Laundry Area

Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd.

Concrete walls and floors define the basement with a utilitarian ambiance. The ceiling is an exposed wood beam design with visible wiring and ductwork, enhancing the raw, unfinished character. Two modern laundry machines—a front-loading dryer and a top-loading washer—stand side-by-side on colorful interlocking foam mats, adding a pop of brightness to the otherwise industrial space. On the back wall, open wooden shelving runs horizontally, providing ample storage. Functional plumbing pipes and duct vents accentuate the practicality of the room. The lighting consists of a single exposed bulb encased in a protective cage, highlighting the basement’s workroom feel.

Listing Agent: Mike Dreger, Associate of Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. via Zillow 

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