Set on a massive 75’ x 120’ lot along one of Briar Hill’s most beautiful streets, this unique detached home offers timeless architecture, thoughtful modern updates, and warm, livable design—one that has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated by only three owners since the 1950s.
With over two decades of professional, detail-oriented renovations—including architectural input, environmental consciousness, and subtle European design touches—this home lives as beautifully as it looks. Offering five bedrooms plus a den, three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, and multiple family and entertaining spaces, this property is truly one-of-a-kind. And for the car/motorcycle aficionados, the oversized overheight garage is for you!
The moment you step through the front door, you're welcomed by a large tiled foyer complete with a coat closet. Just beyond, a bright and airy formal living room is filled with natural light from oversized windows that overlook the front 760 sq ft patio. The adjoining formal dining area easily accommodates a large dining set and features built-in storage, making it ideal for special gatherings.
Truly, the heart of the home is the professionally designed kitchen. Renovated in 2020 by Marvel Kitchens, this space is as beautiful as it is functional. It features a massive quartz island offering seating for six, subway tile backsplash, and extensive cabinetry and open shelving. High-end stainless steel appliances include a gas range, a built-in Bertazzoni wall oven, built-in microwave, French door fridge/freezer, and Bosch dishwasher. There's even a designated coffee bar with its own sink—perfect for slow mornings or hosting with ease. Generous windows overlook the front street, flooding the space with natural light throughout the day.
Anchoring the main floor is a spectacular addition that redefines indoor-outdoor living. With soaring 17-foot vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, a cozy gas fireplace, and a ceiling fan, this second living space is as dramatic as it is inviting. From here, step directly onto the expansive South-facing, partially covered patio or head into the mature, tiered backyard through a secondary access point.
A stylish 2-piece powder room is tucked just off the entry for convenience, completing the main floor.
Up a short set of stairs, the upper split level features two generously sized bedrooms, each with ceiling fans, large closets, and large windows overlooking the landscaped backyard. These rooms share a fully renovated 5-piece bathroom complete with dual vanities, a deep corner soaker tub, a tiled stand-up shower with a 10mm glass enclosure, private toilet area, heated towel rack, and linen closet—ideal for busy households or guests.
Above it all, the primary loft suite is a sanctuary in every sense. Grand in scale, it offers vaulted 12-foot ceilings, an extensive walk-in closet with built-in organizers, and a private sunroom and balcony that enjoy peek-a-boo city views (and mountain views on clear days!). The 5-piece ensuite rivals any boutique hotel with a dual-basin quartz vanity, a freestanding soaker tub with floor-mounted faucet, a tiled stand-up shower with 10mm glass, a private toilet room, and a heated towel rack—every detail thoughtfully considered by William Blake Construction. Originally renovated down to the studs in 2019, this space also features spray foam insulation, elegant engineered hardwood, and upgraded European-style windows.
On the lower floor, a thoughtfully designed mother-in-law suite provides even more flexible living space. The large fourth bedroom includes a closet, while the adjacent rec room fits both a comfy seating area and a small dining set. The suite’s kitchenette is equipped with a sink, microwave, and fridge, and there’s a dedicated 3-piece bathroom with a walk-in shower. This level also hosts a large laundry room with a side-by-side washer/dryer and abundant storage. The entire floor is accessible from both the main kitchen and the first living room, allowing for privacy or connection as needed.
Down a short set of stairs, the basement continues to impress with a spacious mudroom featuring custom bench seating, hooks, and built-in hanging rods—perfect for managing everyday clutter. This level also includes a fifth bedroom or home gym space, plus a versatile den ideal for a home office, craft room, playroom, or games area (even one with a bar setup).
Step out back into a peaceful, two-tiered oasis. This backyard has been thoughtfully terraced to capture southern sun exposure on the upper level. Professionally landscaped with drought-tolerant plantings and a 1000-litre rain barrel supports sustainable watering when needed. A large hot tub sits on the lower tier, and there are multiple seating areas, including a cedar platform with a BBQ gas line and a generously sized deck—perfect for dining, lounging, or entertaining guests. A designated dog run rounds out the outdoor space, making this home as pet-friendly as it is people-friendly.
A thoughtfully designed concrete pathway seamlessly connects the front and back yards, creating an easy, fluid transition between outdoor spaces, enhanced by a secondary gas line along the East side of the home.
The widened driveway and custom triple-attached tandem-style garage with double-height clearance for lifts and three off-street parking spaces (including two in the back) make this property as practical as beautiful.
Perched high on a bluff with sweeping views of downtown Calgary, the rolling foothills, and—on a clear day—the majestic Rocky Mountains, Briar Hill is one of the city’s most desirable inner-city communities. Tucked into the heart of the northwest, this prestigious neighbourhood offers natural beauty, architectural character, and urban convenience that continues to attract discerning homebuyers.
The community’s enviable location places residents just minutes from some of Calgary’s top institutions and amenities, including the University of Calgary, SAIT, the Alberta University of the Arts, and Foothills Medical Centre. Cultural and recreational destinations such as the Jubilee Auditorium, McMahon Stadium, and Foothills Athletic Park are all close at hand. Families benefit from access to a well-regarded elementary school right in the community, while commuters enjoy quick connections via Crowchild Trail, 16th Avenue, and 14th Street NW.
Everything you need is just around the corner—from the shops and services of North Hill Centre to the Lion’s Park LRT station, offering direct transit access to the downtown core. With its elevated vantage point, mature trees, quiet streets, and central location, Briar Hill remains a truly exceptional place to call home.
With its balance of historical integrity and sophisticated upgrades, this home celebrates thoughtful design and enduring quality. It's more than a home; it’s a legacy property built for the future with respect for the past.
Address
1720 12 Avenue NW
List Price
$2,299,000
Property Type
Residential
Type of Dwelling
Detached
Style of Home
1 and Half Storey
Area
Calgary CC
Sub-Area
Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill
Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
5
Floor Area
2,550 Sq. Ft.
Lot Size
8987 Sq. Ft.
Year Built
1950
MLS® Number
A2218733
Listing Brokerage
RE/MAX House of Real Estate
Basement Area
Finished, Full
Postal Code
T2N 1J2
Zoning
R-CG
Site Influences
Back Lane, Back Yard, Low Maintenance Landscape, Landscaped, Schools Nearby, Shopping Nearby, Park, Walking/Bike Paths, See Remarks, Seasonal Water, Sidewalks, Street Lights