Property of the Week: A Charming Character Home in Historic Elbow Park

Built in the early 1900s and still boasting many of its original features, this character craftsman-style home welcomes you in with its historical charm.

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of sarazinphotography.

Where it is

3637 7 St. S.W.

 

The history

This home was built in 1912 on the edge of Calgary during a booming period of the city’s history. Natural gas had just been introduced through the Bow Island Pipeline, and electricity was more widely available thanks to the new Horseshoe Falls Dam. The CPR was also expanding, leading to a new era of industrial development and jobs. It was around this time that Charles and Maria Pohl, immigrants from Germany, moved into the new, two-storey brick home at 36th Avenue and 7th Street with their son, Ernest. Charles set up shop as the president of Der Deutsch-Canadier, a firm that published two German-language newspapers and operated a printing press. Records of the Pohl family and their newspaper end in 1914 with the Great War.

Over the years, much of the original character of the Pohls’ home has been maintained and restored. The Okotoks brickwork (popular in 1912) remains, along with the leaded windows and Paskapoo sandstone ledges. Some of the original glass light shades have also survived alongside the original egg and dart moulding. While there have been recent renovations, they have remained true to the style of the home while drawing strongly on the influence of Stickley furniture design and incorporating Mackintosh motifs typical of that period.

 

What to love

This home features a beautiful blend of historical details and modern elements. Starting outside, the original Okotoks brick and roomy front porch exude a welcoming charm that is reflected throughout the rest of the property. Inside, the cozy formal living room boasts its original leaded glass windows and original fireplace, and the dining room opens to the Stickley-style kitchen (named after designer Gustav Stickley, a proponent of Arts and Crafts mission-style furniture). The kitchen was updated in 2008 but maintains wood features and tiled backsplash that add a traditional feel to the room. The upstairs features three generously sized bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom with a clawfoot tub. The basement has a convenient home office alongside a family/games room.

 

What to consider

Minutes from downtown and close to the Glencoe Club, Stanley Park, Elbow River pathways, schools, shopping and public transit, this home offers something for everyone. It’s a great location for putting down roots while enjoying the opportunity to connect with nature via the expansive pathway systems and nearby green spaces.

 

The stats

Nearly 2,500 square feet
Three bedrooms
Three bathrooms
Original brick exterior and interior features
Oversized double-detached garage
Renovations and updates made between 2008 and 2022

 

Listed for $1,250,000 with Tanya Eklund at The Tanya Eklund Group.

 

Inside the Home

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

This charming, craftsman-style home has maintained many of its original exterior features, including the Okotoks brick, gingerbread trim, a front-facing porch and dainty metal fence.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

Take a seat on the large front porch and bask in the charm of historic Elbow Park with a cup of tea in hand.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

The front entrance features a beautiful staircase (with original newel posts) leading up to the second floor and three spacious bedrooms.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

The formal living room is the perfect spot for cozying up to the original fireplace during the winter months or gathering with family during the holidays.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

While recently renovated, the kitchen still complements the home’s historic feel with its wood cabinetry, yellow tile backsplash and striking granite countertops.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

All three upstairs bedrooms offer plenty of space for customizing their look or purpose, whether that means adding a desk for work, creating a small library or adding a kid’s play area.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

The brick wall in the basement brings a unique focal point to the room while creating the illusion of a separate space for the home office area.

 

Photograph by Cass Sarazin of Sarazin Photography.

The backyard features mature landscaping, a deck with plenty of seating for entertaining and even a tree house for the kids to enjoy.

 

Have a home for sale that you’d like to share for consideration for this column? Let us know.

Learn more about the people and organizations moving Calgary forward with Avenue's Innovation Newsletter.

Related posts

How to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers, According to Calgary Real Estate Pros

Michaela Ream

Property of the Week: A High River Home with a Walkout Basement

Michaela Ream

Property of the Week: An Elegant Home Backing onto Fish Creek Provincial Park

Michaela Ream

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Privacy Policy

Privacy & Cookies Policy
Avenue Calgary