Own a piece of history in Old Strathcona
There are few houses that have been as meticulously restored as the George Durrand Residence on Saskatchewan Drive.
If Mr. Durrand appeared on the steps of the porch today, he’d swear nothing has changed—and that’s a compliment to the current owner who spent three years restoring the 2.5-storey Edwardian-style home, from the mortar between the bricks, to new cornices, to the period glass in the newly refurbished rope-and-pulley windows, and to the maple hardwood floors, cherry wood-covered walls, and radiators stripped of multiple layers of paint that revealed beautiful designs in the iron works.
he building is currently used for commercial purposes with professional tenants occupying a portion of the rooms designated as offices. The option to remain commercial or revert back to residential is for the next owner to decide. There are seven offices on the main and second floor, with four more in an immaculately finished basement; every room has fibre optic connectivity for modern day working and living. The top floor is an open space that feels like a hideaway and would be perfect for meditation or yoga classes.
From inside the front rooms, the views to the north are of the spectacular River Valley and the city skyline, with the wide steps of the front 6-pillar porch offering the perfect place to sit and take it all in.
The landscaping and curb appeal of this beautiful property is without fault. If you are a fan of Old Strathcona and its festivals, restaurants, shops and community atmosphere, the house at 10417 Saskatchewan Drive is a few minutes’ walk away from it all. The rear parking lot can accommodate 14 vehicles which means you’ll never have to look for a parking spot while attending the Fringe or the farmers’ market, ever again.
Behind the house and next to the parking lot is an additional lot on which a structure with income earning potential could be built.
George Durrand made his name in construction and carpentry. This is the house he built for his family. Later, the house was purchased by another prominent businessman, Harold Gould MacDonald, who lived there until 1923. His firm, H.G. MacDonald, was a company of contractors that grew into Christensen and MacDonald, who, in 1957, built the Milner Building at 104 Street and Jasper Avenue, among others.
Built with pride and precision, and restored with love and integrity. The Durrand House is listed on the Alberta Register of Historic Places and now waits for its next owner.
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