Contemporary classic

As condominium complexes go, it’s something of a revelation. Which is to say if you didn’t know Castle on the Seine was there — it’s tucked away rather unobtrusively near a footbridge that spans the Seine River — you could possibly miss it.

Built in 1986, the six-storey building is a distinctive, structure with a Tyndall stone exterior and elegant turrets that adorn each end of the building. While it’s only 30 years old, it looks as if it’s been situated next to the natural, richly-forested river setting adjacent to the Niakwa Country Club for a much longer period of time.

Owing to its secluded location and unique styling, suites at Castle on the Seine don’t come up for sale very often. However, one is now available, said Alan Reiss of RE/MAX Performance Realty. "Most importantly, it’s no relic of the 1980s," he said of the 1,700 square-foot suite. "While many of the suites in the building need to be updated, this one doesn’t — it has been beautifully updated throughout. The outgoing owners did a wonderful job of combining modern features with contemporary features."

Reiss said no expense was spared in bringing the sprawling unit up to contemporary standards. "Approximately $200,000 was spent to bring the suite up to speed," he said. "The quality of the materials and finishes is exceptional."

No overstatement there, as the first thing you notice upon entering the suite is its light-taupe tile flooring and stylish closet doors (there’s tons of in-suite storage space).

"The tile flooring actually runs through the entire suite," said Reiss. "It’s rich, elegant, and very easy to maintain. There’s no need to vacuum — all that’s required is a broom and/or dust mop to keep the floors clean. All the doors (sourced from Europe) are high-quality, as well. The sliding doors work beautifully, and other doors (bedrooms, closets) come with levered, lockable handles."

While the suite’s finishes are undeniably exceptional, so too is its floor plan. Not only is there plenty of space, but the lay out is exceptionally logical. To the left of the foyer is a door that leads to a large (eight-foot by eight-foot) laundry room with a sink, overhead cabinets, coat nook, huge storage cabinet and front-loading Miele washer/dryer.

A door on the laundry room’s far wall then provides access to the kitchen — and an absolutely monstrous great room area that features three distinct areas. "The kitchen is not only gorgeous, but extremely functional," said Reiss. "Glossy red cabinets give it some punch, while grey quartz countertops and high-end stainless appliances combine with the tile flooring to give the area a classy, contemporary look. Because it’s huge (17 feet by 12 feet), there’s all kinds of room to create, and a bay window with serving area not only adds utility and light, but gives you a view of the trees and river below."

From there, there’s so much space, the great room can be used in a variety of ways. In the suite’s current layout, the adjacent dining room (a 15-foot by 10-foot area) has been left open, with a desk placed on the far wall to create an open-concept home office.

A circular table for six — which is surrounded by five oversized, vertical windows — is positioned in the turret on the room’s far left-hand side. The remainder of the great room features a living/media room situated next to a six-foot patio door.

Reiss said views from the kitchen and great room are spectacular. "The whole area is literally surrounded by large windows. That not only makes for a naturally bright area, but for incredible vistas of the forest, river and of the golf course below. The suite faces southeast, so you get sunlight all day long."

Meanwhile, the suite’s bedroom wing is just as stylish as its main living area. The secondary bedroom is a good size and has a large window and huge closet, while the master suite is exceptionally expansive, measuring in at an impressive 15 feet by 13 feet.

Then there’s the elegant ensuite, said Reiss. "It’s spacious and well-appointed with a (deep) six-foot soaker tub set in (medium-hued) taupe tile, a long rectangular (grey) cement sink and the gorgeous tile flooring. There’s all kinds of storage space, too — a big walk-in closet with built-in drawers and shelving, and a double closet with sliding doors."

He added the spacious, beautifully-finished suite — which includes two indoor parking spots in the purchase price — is perfect for empty nesters looking to make a seamless transition from a home to a condo.

"With 1,700 sq. ft. of livable space, you can downsize in style and comfort. Everything in the suite has been re-done, the location is quiet and as prime as you’ll find with the nature and golf course views. And you’re not only close to stores and a host of other amenities, you also have quick, seamless access to cottage country in the Whiteshell via Fermor. In short, it’s an amazing suite in an incredible spot."

lewys@ms.net