Admirers of the stately homes of Ottawa's Rockcliffe Park will consider the opportunity presented by the sale of this rare and beautiful property assiduously. One of the old Village's few south-facing lots, it is also, without doubt, one of this elite enclave's best-located estates. Given how infrequently Rockcliffe properties of this caliber go to market, it may represent this decade's best opportunity to acquire a peerless Ottawa address.

Even the drive here yields pleasures. Rockcliffe remains virtually unspoiled: its county lane-like roads paved, but never widened; its forest canopy free to flourish. Streetlights are few, and unobtrusively located. Neighbouring estate homes rise gracefully on broad and deep greens, aligning to standards of privacy long sacrificed elsewhere. And when older homes are rebuilt here, high design standards are always respected and frequently surpassed.

Approaching the front entrance, you will be met with tall cedar hedges lining a circular coach driveway. The effect is ingenious: privacy is perfectly shielded as the view unfolds to a bright open entrance. Here, the main entrance welcomes with a sheltered portico, centered on a classic side-lighted front door.

Interestingly, this unique corner double lot affords abundant space for a second family driveway located off intersecting Buchan Road. To notice: the second drive is virtually invisible from the main circular drive. Historically the "trades" entrance.

Entering this grand old Tudor-style home you realize that the scale of the lot has played a trick of perspective. From the exterior, the sizeable three story home seems almost diminutive, dwarfed by the surrounding lands and trees.

Expect to be charmed as you're met by a central reception hall, warmed by the rich glow of time-burnished oak flooring. Soft natural light fills the classically scaled hall with high ceilings and attractive detailing. Your first impression: patrician ease – an authentic quality that cannot be 'designed' into existence. Here it simply 'is', as eras and architectural styles ramble and intersect with confident indifferent to mere trends. In the tradition of great older homes you may have experienced in America or Europe, inviting rooms beckon quietly off the main hall.

To one side of the main entrance you'll notice a charming office – a room with the aura of a true working space. And no wonder: for decades it was the domain of Ottawa architect Patrick Murray, who also served as the last Mayor of Rockcliffe Park. There is history here: countless influential village politicians and diplomats have passed through these house doors.

The resident architect/owner made numerous thoughtful adjustments to the property over four decades. You'll notice the sensitively remodeled staircase with its broad landing and stairwell window. A poised parlor-scaled living room is formal yet intimate, with mullioned window, and an unobtrusive hearth – all in keeping with the Tudor spirit of the home. French doors usher guests to the dining space beyond.

Enter the substantial dining room, basking in soft Vermeer-like light, admitted through a bank of mullioned windows. There's something irresistible about this dignified and timeless social space: a room that's utterly at ease hosting regal formal gatherings, yet pleasingly central to daily life.

Through French doors at the far end of the dining room an informal family room relaxes. Here floor-to-ceiling windows surround, with views of the rear gardens and the lovely full-sized in-ground pool.

Entering the eat-in country kitchen from the dining room you're again surprised by the scale. This is a very large space with both a food preparation and formal serving area as well as a main cooking zone. All spaces are well supplied with counters, cupboards and pantries. Under sloping cedar ceilings a huge and bright breakfast area accommodates a full house of family and friends with a grand view of the pool and garden. Notice the back stairs in the kitchen: a feature dating to the days when maids managed Rockcliffe's fine homes.

Savor the craft and elegance of the main stairway as you explore upstairs. The elegant railings and banister, the perfectly positioned, beautifully side-lighted landings reveal a history of beautiful design work, sure to inspire your future plans for the property.

All the second floor bedrooms are rich in individual character. The master suite intrigues with two entrances and an elegant sitting area plus a unique reading nook, tucked inside a window bay along the hall to the large marbled ensuite. This is a true adult retreat, with a charm you might expect to encounter deep in the English countryside.

The third floor offers breathtaking views of the grand property and adjacent estates. Originally three bedrooms, the third floor was transformed to create a play area along with two bedrooms.

If the dream of a perfect residence in Rockcliffe calls to you, act decisively. With its vast sunny lot, its impeccably 'right' location and its boundlessly charming early 20th century residence, this prized property is sure to attract worldwide buyer attention. Plan to arrange your personal viewing without delay.