210 Birch Street, Collingwood

This traditional red brick home is in one of Collingwood's most sought-after neighbourhoods and celebrates a town lot that stretches 166 feet deep. Living on Birch Street puts you within walking distance of so much that the town offers, a vibrant downtown full of shops and restaurants and easy access by foot or bike to trails and even beaches a short distance away. On a street with many similar early 1900s homes, the curb appeal is plain. A huge covered porch that makes you want to linger and a luxurious back door add-on mudroom that makes family comings and goings a breeze. This home celebrates its wood accents, from the stairs, floors and pocket doors, to bird's eye maple trim and built-in cabinetry. The unique floor plan offers two sets of stairs -- the main from the front hallway, and another set at the back to head to the second floor bedrooms with your cup of tea. The front of the house is home to the light-filled living room with an adorable gas fireplace, a replica of a coal-burning stove. And across the hall is another functional bonus, a cozy nook that is a charming office space. Directly above this, mirroring the main floor plan, is another such sunny, cozy nook -- we see a meditation/yoga room, nursery or his and hers offices. A really exciting part of this property is the fully private yard with a canopy of mature trees and a retractable awning. Accessed from the home's family room by French doors, it is a celebration of textures and colour. A separate gazebo/screen room is an idyllic place to read or welcome friends. A full set of stairs leads to an unfinished third floor attic space that has great potential to finish or use as storage. This gracious home is as sturdy as it is attractive, with substantial engineering done to secure the foundation for future generations.