Neighbourly Ottawa – Sandy is Dandy

Posted on February 25, 2008 
Filed Under Ottawa Neighbourhoods, Valerie Zinger

Ottawa Real Estate Neighbourhoods: Sandy Hill

If you are looking to buy a house in Ottawa, Sandy Hill might be just what you are looking for.

The Neighbourhood.  This neighbourhood is bounded by the Rideau River on the east, the Rideau Canal on the west, Rideau Street on the north and the Queensway / 417 on the south.  This is a very eclectic neighbourhood.  The hilly and sandy soil means buildings are low.  The variety of housing is huge. 

Approximately 12,000 people and 30 embassies.  Many of the large estate homes, built in the early part of the 20th century, have been converted for use as Embassies.  It is interesting to walk in the area and see the flags of these countries flying.  One conversion, that I like, is the  facility now used for the Cordon Bleu Cooking School .  The house construction began in 1874 by Scottish lumberman James Mather. It has gone through many uses and conversions and continues to be a beautiful building. 

Sandy Hill for higher education.  The University of Ottawa, sitting on the west side of Sandy Hill, is the draw for student housing.  Faculty live in the area as do people wanting the ability to walk downtown or to the Byward Market for work and pleasure.  The more expensive housing is generally located on the east side, near the Rideau River.  House hunting here is fun because every type of housing is available with many wonderful and sometimes quirky features behind those closed doors.  Be ready of surprises.

Valerie Zinger ~ Ph. 613-723-5300 ~ vzinger@royallepage.ca

 

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