Otherworldly masterpiece in The Oaks

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This article was published 07/10/2022 (713 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Back in 2011, Travis Zajac — a Winnipeg native who played 15 distinguished seasons in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders — built a home in The Oaks.

It wasn’t just any home; it was supposed to be his family’s dream home, says Brett Castelane of Century 21 Bachman & Associates.

“In their mind, it was intended to be their forever home,” he says of the 3,584 sq. ft., two-storey residence, which was built by Irwin Homes. “He and his wife were intimately involved in its design, and were often on site making sure every detail of the home was just right when it was being built.”

Over the years, the Zajacs spent off-seasons enjoying their dream home. However, as much as they enjoyed coming back to Winnipeg, they had established themselves in New Jersey.

Today, Travis, now retired from the NHL after a successful career, is coaching hockey there, and pursuing other interests.

With New Jersey now being their full time home the family have reluctantly put their painstakingly crafted masterpiece up for sale.

“Basically, it’s a home that was ahead of its time,” says Castelane. “It has a Control4 home automation system and was built on piles with a structural wood floor in the lower level. The home was built to last and has been impeccably maintained. You can see pride in ownership throughout.”

The moment you step into the spotless home, you find yourself surrounded by space and quiet, understated luxury.

“You’re greeted by a grand, curved open riser maple staircase that sweeps up magnificently to the home’s upper level,” he says. “It’s a real focal point to be sure.”

Turns out, the stunning staircase is just the appetizer, as each of the three spaces that occupy the voluminous main living area possess their own special bit of wow factor.

“The kitchen is incredible,” Castelane says. “It’s preceded by a wet bar that seats six, and then transitions into the kitchen itself, which offers a huge island, tons of country white cabinets, quartz countertops, high-end appliances and a farmhouse sink beneath a window that looks out onto the professionally landscaped backyard and river.”

He adds that the space to the rear of the kitchen — a huge dining area — takes the wow factor up another notch.

“It’s surrounded by five windows and is next to a patio door that leads out to a two-tiered deck that overlooks the backyard and river. There’s also a patio area, hot tub and custom brick outdoor wood burning fireplace.”

The main living area’s third space, a spectacular family room, then completes the main living area, literally taking its wow factor to otherworldly heights.

“It would be an understatement to say its vaulted ceiling is impressive, it angles up to a height of 20 feet from several sides, and just looks incredible,” says Castelane. “Add in its gorgeous, tiled entertainment unit and a wall of windows that gives you a wonderful view of the treed backyard and river, and you have one amazing space.”

From there, the sweeping staircase leads up to a beautifully-laid-out upper level with a bedroom wing to the left that holds a four-piece bath and three huge kids’ bedrooms with huge windows.

Then, there’s the primary bedroom, which was placed down its own private hallway to the right next to a large laundry room.

“Parents will love its privacy,” he says. “A huge, angled bay window on the rear wall looks down onto the backyard and river to start things off. There’s also a pair of walk-in closets and a luxurious ensuite with hexagonal tile floor, tiled walk-in shower, air jet soaker tub and a cappuccino vanity with quartz countertop and dual sinks.”

Take the sublime staircase downstairs, and you find more than 1,800 square-feet of well-appointed livable space.

“There’s a wet bar with dual wine fridges, a media area with a gas fireplace and dry bar next to three huge windows, an exercise room and a three-piece bath with an awesome steam shower that can seat six,” says Castelane. “In total, the home offers over 5,400 sq. ft. of total living space.”

The spotless, beautifully designed home, which also comes with an attached, 1,350 sq. ft. four-car garage, offers the best of both worlds, he concludes.

“You’re on a huge, amazing riverfront lot in a home that was engineered to perfection. Not only that, but you get a quiet, rural feel, yet you’re just minutes from city conveniences. It has everything that you could ever want or need.”

lewys@mymts.net