Can a home contain the quality of happiness? The answer here begins with the beauty of a large hedged Rockcliffe lot surrounded by space and grandeur of mature trees. The layout of this tranquil mid-century home is practical, born of a design ethos aimed at meeting real-world needs and matching family rhythms of work and school. Notice though, the subtle luxury of natural light - the way rooms are deliberately illuminated from two sides. Smart additions soften and extend the original floor plan. The east - west orientation welcomes the sunrise and revels in summer sunsets.

From the driveway the profile is vintage 'home': a two story design with siding, accent shutters, single car garage with projecting front entrance, rooted in a landscape of mature hedges and trees. Pass through the side-lighted entrance hall to discover a large reception area, with natural light from two sides and two coat closets for the coats and boots of winter.

The living room is a welcoming space where simple elements combine to achieve comfort. Floors are original maple hardwood. A wood-burning brick hearth is framed with an understated mantel. Corner windows bring in light from two sides. More comfortable than formal, this is a room that works for family life and entertaining.

The formal dining room bathes in natural light from a large mullioned window. This everyday family dinner space has ample room to host larger get-togethers.

Elegant and space saving French door bi-folds close off the large sun/family room. Windows on three sides bring in views of the surrounding trees along with natural light, while a wall-to-wall built-in book shelves add character and warmth. The door to the backyard adds to the sense of easy going flexibility.

The kitchen is a large efficient space with well-placed windows and hardwood floors. Warm halogens illuminate. Ceramic tile backsplash is newer. A side door accesses the backyard and sheltered barbeque porch. The kitchen's older cabinetry works now, will welcome a design update when you're ready.

Off the second half landing upstairs you'll find the master suite. The aesthetic is cozy and charming with hardwood floors under sloping dormer ceilings. There's a walk in closet with window here, plus diminuitive three piece ensuite with window and retro hexagon ceramic floor tiles with subway tile ceramic walls, plus pedestal sink and shower.

Up one landing the square hall has proportion and a large centrally located linen closet. The main bath is classic for homes of this era: you'll like the vintage hex-tile floors, subway tile walls with black ceramic edging, and the window for natural light.

Three children's bedrooms were designed with distinctive individual character plus an emphasis on light space to study and play. One bedroom has new vintage-style mullioned casement windows on two sides with abundant room for a study desk while a second has built in drawers, twin closets plus window-ledge love seat. A third would also make a terrific home office. All have hardwood floors tree-filled green views.

A versatile basement rec-room is a time tested play space for children. There's a powder room here, a rec room and a second room that could be an extra bedroom or office. A practical full laundry with sink fits just-so. Treading lightly on this fragile planet? Insulation, and upgrades make this right-sized house remarkably efficient.

Access to the city's best public and private schools assure confident school-successful children - a key benefit of a Rockcliffe location. Adults will savor the walking-close connection to the cafes and restaurants of lively Beechwood Village.

This down-to-earth family-friendly home with a charmed Rockliffe location has proportion, balance, character plus the everyday beauty to encourage every member of your family to flourish. If that sounds like happiness, call soon to arrange your appointment.