Oh my, this old girl will surely charm the pants off many who are looking for a beautifully cared for character home. It’s located on the main street of Bridgetown, a quaint town situated in the Annapolis Valley. With large stately homes along its tree lined streets, shops and services, in-town schools and bordered by the Annapolis River . . . this town offers a lot for those who are seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. The historic Town of Annapolis Royal is 12 minutes west. Middleton is about 12 minutes east. And the city is within 2 hours. This substantial Queen Anne Revival home spreads over three full floors, providing 3,500 square feet of unique living space. Past and present owners have done a very nice job of upgrading and renovating while keeping the original features in place.

Highlighted by a two level wrap around verandah, the spectacular main entry opens to a huge foyer with an octagon corner sitting area. This universal design is further enhanced with fan-type stained glass in the windows.

To the right are two oversized principal rooms that open to each other. The front room has a bay window and a hand painted stenciled floor. The adjoining room is used as a family room. It has a corner fireplace that has recently been fitted with an air-tight fireplace insert. Behind the grand staircase is a formal diningroom with built-in china cabinet and sunroom with door to a deck.

The original kitchen is to the right. It’s not large, but it has more than enough cabinets, lots of counter space, fits a table for four and is sunny. Beside the kitchen is a half bath. Towards the rear, off the kitchen is a wonderful (and large) side entry with laundry and access to the basement.

Back in the main foyer, one of the finest staircases I’ve seen will take you to the second floor. Here you have another very wide open upper foyer (approximately 12’ x 22’) with a matching octagonal corner tower and stained glass windows. A side door will take you to the upper balcony. In the front part of this level are two well proportioned bedrooms each with a closet. Down the hall to the right is an original oversized bathroom. Straight ahead is a small bedroom and to the left is another cozy bedroom.

Stairs from the hallway take you to the third floor. Wow, this is one big room. It measures 20 x 40 and is vaulted 14 feet to the peak. The ceiling and walls are covered with pine and there is a tremendous amount of light coming in from the windows on 3 sides including the stained glass window facing the main street. There are skylights that open, closets and two storage areas.

Located in the corner is a modern bathroom with a clawfoot tub. In past years, Chesley House was a B & B and the owners used this top floor for their private quarters. It’s ideal for a home office or a study. It would make the best family room ever or could even be a self-contained suite for in-laws or guests. You’ll love this third floor!

The first floor has 9 foot ceilings and the second floor ceilings are at 8 feet. Most of the floors are original wood, some hardwood, while others are pine. Much of the interior trim is oak.

Now let’s go down to the basement. There is easy access from the kitchen and back entry, or you can come in at grade level from the driveway. It opens to a terrific entry room, about 12 x 14, ideal for garden tools, etc. The main foundation is approximately 20” thick, made of stone and concrete with two courses of brick above ground level. It has a concrete floor and excellent ceiling height. There’s even an octagonal cold storage room under the corner tower.

It has great systems too, including town water and sewer, 3- zone oil fired hot water on the first and second floors, electric heat on the third floor, upgraded electrical system, efficient wood burning fireplace insert, cable, high speed internet and a wide range of community services. The exterior is in fine repair. It has 25 year shingles on the roof, wood clapboard siding with patterned shingles on the front gable, original ornate spindle work and trim details.

The property itself is 90 x 90 fronting on the main street with a driveway and parking off the side street. It offers two private side yards with a high cedar hedge along the street side providing total privacy and a wood fence on the east side. The driveway is double wide concrete. It’s nicely landscaped with hedges, spruce and cedar trees, rose bushes and gardens.

This is a wonderful opportunity to own a well maintained Victorian at a remarkable price.