"Green Gables" - Your Dream House

It’s hard to imagine that this large property is actually inside the Town of Kentville. It looks and feels more like you are in the country. The circa 1860 two-story home sits proudly on a gentle knoll way back off the road in this quiet west end neighbourhood. As I drive up the paved laneway towards the house, I catch a glimpse of the carriage house tucked in behind. It’s a beauty. The property is known as “Green Gables”. I suspect the name came from the gabled style of architecture. The house is big and well maintained. The roof shingles will soon need replacing, but other than that . . . its outside appearance is above average for a home of this age.

Inside it’s drop dead gorgeous. The covered front entry shields a fantastic door system with transom windows and side lights. It opens to a long wide foyer. Straight ahead is one of the nicest staircases I’ve seen in a long time. To the right is a family room with working fireplace. To the left is a spectacular livingroom, 29 feet in length with another working fireplace in the centre of the outside wall. Across the hall, in behind the family room is a formal diningroom. It is nicely proportioned and also has a working fireplace.

Under the stairs is a handy storage closet and across the hall is a convenient three piece bathroom. Behind these large principle rooms is the kitchen annex. The kitchen is filled with many original cabinets. It’s an L-shaped room with windows on three sides and space for a table and chairs.

On the driveway side is a small entry. On the west side is a stunning sunroom with lots of opening windows and a door to the outside. I love this space. It’s perfect for all four of our seasons.

The staircase has a landing at the top. Towards the back of the house is a well appointed four piece bathroom, a walk-through linen storage area and a master bedroom with built-ins and closets. Off the landing, there are four stairs that lead to the upper foyer. It too is wide and long with a big gable window overlooking the front lawn.

There are four bedrooms, two on either side of the foyer, all with wood floors, built-in cabinets and plenty of charm. The lower level also has wood floors, nine foot ceilings, wide trims and original details. This home has been well maintained and upgraded in recent years. It sits on a fantastic, dry stone foundation and has municipal sewer and water. It has oil fired hot water baseboard heating throughout. Other features I love about this home include the panel doors, six over six windows, lots of built-ins, original wood clapboard siding and the sweeping lawns.

The two story carriage house measures approximately 26’ x 40’. It’s a neat structure with interesting main floor spaces and a full second floor loft area. The roof was recently re-shingled. With some imagination and renovations, this building would be ideal for a home based business, garage, workshop or studio.

The property itself is a knock-out. Big gardens, total privacy, mature trees, shrubs, and lush lawn spread over two acres. Sports facilities and the downtown core are all within a few minutes walk, yet you are tucked away in a dream-like setting.

“Green Gables” is one of those rare finds that are few and far between. This property offers an exciting place to live, loaded with character and upgraded to a high standard.