Property Summary: 717 Harstone Road
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a distinctive one-and-a-half storey home in Winnipeg's Eric Coy neighbourhood, built in 1950. Its primary appeal lies in its exceptionally large, half-acre lot (23,520 sqft), which places it in the top 1% of properties in Winnipeg for land size. This offers rare potential for privacy, expansion, or extensive landscaping. The home itself is of a modest size (1,386 sqft) with a finished basement and a detached garage. While the house is older and ranks lower for its age and assessed value within its immediate area, the extraordinary lot is the defining feature. This property would perfectly suit a buyer who values land over a modern or large living space—someone looking for a quiet retreat with room for gardens, workshops, or future additions, and who is comfortable with the character and potential updating needs of a mid-century home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the "one-and-a-half storey" design mean?
Typically, this style features a main floor with principal rooms and a second floor under sloping roof lines, often creating cozy bedrooms with unique ceiling angles. It's a classic design that offers more separation than a bungalow but with a different layout than a full two-storey.
2. The house ranks low for its age. Should I be concerned?
The low ranking indicates the home is older than most in its direct vicinity. This isn't unusual for a 1950s build and suggests the neighbourhood may have newer infill or developed over time. It underscores the importance of a thorough inspection to understand the condition of major systems like plumbing, electrical, and the roof.
3. Why is the assessed value ranking lower than the land size ranking?
This highlights the property's current dynamic: the municipal assessment reflects the existing older home, while the market value is significantly buoyed by the premium, development-ready lot. The right buyer will be paying largely for the land's potential.
4. Is the detached garage a drawback?
For some, yes, especially in winter. However, for others, a detached garage can be ideal for a workshop, hobby space, or isolating noise/odors, and it offers more flexibility for future lot development than an attached structure might.
5. Who is the ideal buyer for this property?
The ideal buyer is a land-first purchaser. This could be a family planning a future dream home who can live in the existing house meantime, a gardening enthusiast, someone wanting space for pets or recreation, or an investor/developer who sees long-term value in the subdividable lot (subject to city bylaws). It is less suited for someone seeking a modern, move-in-ready home without any projects.