35 Manitou Crescent, Loyalist

I know a family connection to a property is usually buried in the small print, but this is my dad's house, and he's moved into a retirement home. He and my mum were there for the better part of forty-five years. And for good reason. In my opinion, it's a highlight of this summer's real estate scene out in Amherstview. The house - a big old side split - sits on the big curve at the eastern end of Manitou. The huge pie-shaped lot sprawls roadside like a sun-struck hound, and is studded with mature beech and lilac; the terraced gardens are abuzz with an indecent number of tiger lilies and roses. The old climbing hydrangea wrestles more successfully each summer with the deck. There is something ancient and untamed about the outdoor space, despite the well-tended lawns and flower beds. There is a fish pond, and even a little bridge over what used to be a seasonal stream until the municipality re-worked drainage in these parts a good thirty years ago. A pool would make sense and you'd still have room for some five-on-five soccer. The curb appeal is second-to-none. You've seen similar floor plans before: The oak floored formal living and dining room wrap around the kitchen and it's down a few steps to the main floor family room with a gas fireplace, and the fourth bedroom (or office) with its two-piece ensuite. There are two sets of sliding doors out to the well-built decks. There are three bedrooms upstairs and a rec room in the basement, next to the laundry. The house is bright and spotless, and people have been dropping notes in the mailbox as long as I can remember. "If you ever sell .." they mostly begin and, well, that time has come.