Property Overview: 380 Oakdale Drive
Key Characteristics & Appeal
This is a classic two-storey home on an exceptionally large, half-acre lot in the Marlton area of Winnipeg. Built in 1947, its primary appeal lies in the rare scale and privacy of its 26,503 sqft property, which ranks in the top 1% for size across the entire city. The house itself offers 1,623 sqft of living space, which is above average for its local area. It features an unfinished basement and a detached garage.
The property suits two distinct types of buyers. First, it's ideal for those seeking a long-term family home with unparalleled outdoor space for gardens, play, or future additions, valuing land over a modern, turn-key house. Second, it appeals to value-conscious visionaries who see the potential in the existing structure and are prepared to renovate or expand over time, effectively buying into one of the city's largest residential lots. A less obvious perspective is its appeal to multi-generational families, where the vast yard allows for separate outdoor living areas or the potential for a future secondary suite (subject to approvals). Its high city-wide rankings for lot size and assessed value contrast with its lower rankings for age, highlighting a trade-off: you are acquiring a generational asset in the land, not a recently built home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the "unfinished basement" mean for me?
It's a blank canvas with full headroom. While it requires investment to finish, it allows you to customize the space to your exact needs—whether as a rec room, home gym, workshop, or additional storage—without needing to undo previous work.
2. The house is from 1947. What should I be aware of?
While systems like wiring and plumbing may have been updated, a thorough inspection is essential to understand the condition of the original structure and to plan for any necessary modernizations, such as insulation or HVAC updates, to improve comfort and efficiency.
3. How can I best utilize such a large lot?
Beyond traditional gardening, the space offers room for a large patio or deck, a sport court, extensive landscaping, or even hobby gardens. It's worth investigating local zoning bylaws to understand possibilities for future structures like a shed, garage, or studio.
4. The rankings show the lot is top 1%, but the house is older. How does this affect value?
The assessment reflects this balance. The property's value is significantly anchored in the land itself. This typically means the house may appreciate in value more through strategic renovations than a newer home on a standard lot would.
5. Is the detached garage a drawback?
For some, walking to the car in winter is a consideration. However, a detached garage often provides more flexibility for use as a pure workshop or project space without concerns for fumes or noise in the main house, and it offers more options for placement on the large lot.