Centretown Queen Anne

One of the most memorable properties I’ve had the opportunity to live in and then sell was 404 Maclaren Street in Ottawa — a Queen Anne style Victorian home originally built in the mid 1890s. Nestled among Centretown’s heritage streets, this residence was a stunning example of craftsmanship that had been carefully preserved while thoughtfully updated for modern living.

From the outside, the house radiated charm. Its hand-carved fascia, painted in the original gold, ochre, green, and russet, carried a star motif that echoed through the front porch and even into the deck detailing. Paired with deep hunter green columns and warm brick, the exterior was a work of art in itself.

Inside, the home offered generous proportions and incredible original detail: soaring ceilings, plasterwork crown molding and medallions, and wainscoting that had stood the test of time. The formal living and dining rooms showcased Victorian elegance, while the family room and kitchen opened to the deck and yard, creating a balance between formality and comfort.

Five bedrooms, including a main suite with walk-in closet and ensuite, made the house as functional as it was beautiful. Recent bathroom renovations added modern luxury, and even the wiring was updated to support today’s technology — proof that history and contemporary needs can coexist seamlessly.

The landscaped yard, with its limestone patios, ginkgo tree, and clematis climbing the façade, provided a private oasis in the heart of the city.

For me, 404 Maclaren represented what I love most in real estate: helping clients to understand and appreciate a home’s history while seeing the opportunity to make it their own.