It's rare, but there are times when it's difficult to distinguish a condominium from a single-family home.
That's the case with 18-460 Lindenwood Dr. West. If you hadn't passed the sign that signifies it's part of a condominium community -- in this case Forest Gate Estates, found just north of Walmart on Kenaston Boulevard -- there's little evidence that the two-storey home is actually a condominium.
"A lot of people have come here asking whether this is a house or a condominium," said Century 21 Carrie.com's Shawn Sommers. "Because of its size (2,144 sq. ft.), front yard, front porch and double garage -- and the fact it's not attached to another condominium, it looks like it's a house."
Add in a fenced backyard that contains a large two-tiered deck (accessed via a deck door off the dining area; more about that later), and it's easy to see why people might get confused; it's just not often you get a free-standing condominium that has the size and all the exterior trappings of a single-family home.
Not only does 18-460 Lindenwood look like a single-family home from the outside, it feels like one inside. That feel can be attributed to three factors: its generous square footage, intelligent layout -- and the fact it also has a full basement.
"With the lower level -- it's unfinished, and is a blank slate waiting for new owners to put their own touch on -- the unit offers a more than 2,700 sq. ft. of space spread out over three levels," said Sommers. "That's why this home should appeal to a broad spectrum of people, from empty nesters to busy families, or professional couples. It's a home that lends itself well to entertaining, family life or even hosting visitors from out of town."
The biggest difference between Unit 18 and other condominiums is the sheer amount of space it offers. There's plenty of elbow room no matter where you go, with that elbow room being made exceptionally functional courtesy of a floor plan that makes it feel like a single-family home.
Case in point is the great room, which offers not only tons of room, but light and segmentation to boot. A huge picture window on the living room's rear wall provides the light, while the big space -- its focal point is a gas fireplace set in cultured stone between four-tiered shelving units on either side -- uses carpeting to define it from the kitchen, through which dark oak hardwoods run.
The kitchen features an ergonomically sound design with a compact, angled island at its centre. A plethora of natural oak cabinets -- along with a corner pantry (something not a lot of condominiums of any stripe have) provide tons of storage space; there's also ample counter space, along with a corner double sink with a window placed over it to allow even more light into an already bright space.
Meanwhile, the dinette area, which currently houses a table for four but could hold a table for six, is divided neatly from the living room by a one-third oak-capped wall that features a wine rack placed thoughtfully in its end piece. Additional light shines in through the huge window next to it, while the deck out back can be easily accessed through the deck door to extend entertaining space in spring, summer and fall.
"It's like having your own yard out back," Sommers added. "It's fenced at the rear, so you don't see any neighbours. And even though the units aren't separated by fencing, it's not all common area out back -- people don't walk through the grounds. It's your own area to enjoy."
Head upstairs, and the theme that characterizes the main floor -- space and light, complemented by a high finishing quality -- continues, and then some. A huge bonus/flex room (a feature rarely seen in condominiums) surrounded by three oversized windows sees to that, rating as a very pleasant surprise.
"It's being used as a media area now, but could be used as a play area, office or computer/study area depending on the needs of the new owners," he said. "It's a flexible space that offers all kinds of potential."
Just down the way is another marvellous space, the master suite. Measuring in at 17 feet by 16 feet, it's larger than normal, featuring a huge picture window that not only lets morning sun flood in, but overlooks the well-groomed inner courtyard. A large walk-in closet tucked away behind a bifold door provides plenty of storage space for wardrobe, while a built-in TV niche affords the opportunity to watch a movie or late-night TV before heading off to bed.
The opportunity to relax is heightened further by an ensuite with a deep, jetted soaker tub that's tucked away at it's rear; just close the door, and you can soak your worries away in total privacy. With two more large bedrooms set well away from the master bedroom (one with a huge window that would make an ideal den), plus a four-piece bath with soaker tub, the upper level offers all kinds of function and privacy.
With no more homes being built in central Linden Woods, Sommers said 18-460 Lindenwood represents a great opportunity to acquire a like-new home in one of the city's most sought-after areas.
"It's virtually a brand-new home with an unspoiled lower level, a private backyard with deck and all kinds of space to enjoy," he said. "It's in a safe, quiet community close to schools, shopping, restaurants, lakes and all kinds of other amenities. It represents an opportunity to live very graciously in Linden Woods, an area that has so much to offer."
lewys@mts.net
