525 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa

Ottawa residents know the corner of King Edward and Laurier Ave. is lined with some of the city's most iconic heritage homes, but only a rare few get to experience living in them. Now it's your turn.

525 King Edward offers perks that its neighboring Victorian townhomes don't; an end unit vantage with plenty of light, and a tower boasting architectural interest and that elusive "je ne sais quoi" that every discerning home owner seeks.

Make your way in through a front garden bursting with life; lush perennials greet you with every step. Beyond the vestibule, a great main hall features turn of the century hallmarks: 10 foot ceilings, a curved banister for the staircase, decorative archways and original plaster cove mouldings, original millwork and stained glass windows, too. Don't let these original features deter you - 21st century creature comforts are all here. A fine hand has updated electrical, plumbing and environmental controls, as well as the roof, while maintaining historic integrity and charm. That's no easy feat.

Best suited for large gatherings of all kinds, families with frequent visitors or diplomats wanting to entertain with Canadian charm; the living room inspires good conversation in a convivial setting. A bay window and marble-faced gas fireplace are the stuff good memories are made of. Another set of stained glass ushers you into the adjacent music room, but the intimate proportions could serve as a personal library or cocktail lounge … we'll let you decide.

A stained glass bay window, brass plated fireplace and generous proportions signal elegant dining: why eat out when your dining room stuns this much? Seasoned hosts and catering staff are grateful for separation from the kitchen. There's nothing that says "sit, eat, forget about the world" like a dinner free of the mess behind the scenes. A discreet door into the kitchen makes clean up and service easy.

Continue through the main hall past an ingeniously placed powder room, through the butlers pantry (storage and meal prep handled), and into the kitchen. Butcher block counters and updated appliances make meal prep a breeze, but access to a sun porch and beautifully landscaped deck and back garden are what make the kitchen special. Pour your morning coffee and enjoy the sound of a bespoke rock water fountain - mornings feel special.

Back inside, take the curved staircase with original banister and millwork to the second floor. Look up: smart newel post placement punctuates the open to above stairwell for that heritage appeal you're looking for. Three bedrooms, two full baths and a laundry room- are found on the second floor and full of character and natural light. The first features a large reading or lounging area and private balcony over the front garden, while the second boasts a large window and spacious footprint. Private access to a deck overlooking the back yard and a sweet alcove make the third bedroom on this floor extra special. Two large four piece bathrooms service them all, and laundry on this floor is a smart addition. Note the second set of stairs at the end of the hall which access the kitchen - a lovely reference to days past!

On the third level landing, take a moment to look down; the view of the curved staircase from here feels magazine-worthy. The primary suite beckons; loft walls and dormer windows introduce a cozy seating area, but the true gem is the private terrace amongst the treetops. This is tranquility like you've never experienced it in an urban center. A second bedroom nearby is breezy and large, but the office or third bedroom of this level is what you've been waiting for. What's inside the tower? A bright and airy room - circulatory with rafters and big windows, plus an adjacent zone either for a bedroom or home office. No matter how you choose to spend time here, every moment feels a bit like magic. A three piece bathroom serves this level well.

For seasonal storage and utilities, the basement is dry, well maintained, and ready for cold storage and work room hobbies. A rare and welcome benefit in a home of this vintage - the dividends will pay off for years to come.

An incomparable central location with so much indoor and outdoor space feels unreal, but it's the surface level parking via a back entrance from Wilbrod Street that solidifies this property's status as a unicorn on the market. Minutes from the University of Ottawa, Parliament, and the central business district, your commute is dynamic and pleasant. Bike to Gatineau Park, along the Rideau Canal or by the Ottawa River. Museums, shopping and the city's best restaurants are at your fingertips.