The condominium market has really taken off in the last decade or so. One of the largest segments buying condominiums these days is the baby boomer generation or empty nesters. Their children have moved out, they may own a vacation home or two and they are looking to downsize.
But while the concept of condominium living may not deter them from considering condo properties, having enough room is one of the biggest concerns that often deters people from making the leap from home to condo.
"It's not a concern about condo living, but space," says Ronda Erenberg, a realtor with Royal LePage Dynamic Real Estate, who specializes in home to condo relocations. "I hear from a lot of people -- where am I going to put all of my stuff?'"
Builders have addressed those concerns in the design and layout of newer condominiums. An example of that is the building at 380 Wellington Crescent. Located at the corner of Grosvenor and Wellington Crescent, the four-storey, 25-unit building was built in 2005.
From the marble entryway to the video surveillance system and heated underground parking, the building appeals to those looking for a condo at the higher end of the market.
Erenberg has just listed the largest suite in the building -- a 2,165-square-foot condo -- at $525,000.
"The thing that's really nice about it is that it doesn't feel like an apartment," she says. "It has all of the upper end features."
When the owner originally bought the condo, she had all of the doors upgraded to oak French doors with either solid or frosted glass to add a touch of class. Most touches in the condo were upgraded from the original design, which includes architectural details such as crown moldings, rounded walls and bulkheads. Niches with recessed pot lighting are spread throughout the spacious condo, from the front door to the master suite.
"People don't want a box in the sky," says Erenberg. "They want something with comfort and class."
At 2,165 square feet, the condo feels more like a roomy bungalow than a suite in a large building. The foyer features two front hall closets with ample storage. Bevelled glass French doors open up to reveal a roomy office or den. The kitchen is top of the line, fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, a large granite island with built-in cook top and cinnamon-coloured, shaker maple cabinets. The kitchen overlooks the open concept dining area and the suite's great room, which features a corner fireplace.
"It's got a very welcoming feel to it," Erenberg says of the condo.
The master bedroom is enormous. Filled with the owner's large furniture, including a king-sized bed, oversized night tables, a large arm chair and other big pieces, the room still feels very spacious. A bay window provides the perfect reading area.
The piece de resistance, however, is the huge walk-in closet. The size of a bedroom, the closet offers tremendous storage. Closet organizers surround the perimeter of the room, with a built-in shoe rack and bench seat in the middle of the space. A jut in the wall was cleverly turned into a jewelry nook with a door to keep it all tucked away.
The condo's master suite rivals that of a luxury home. High-end features set this space apart, from the large, all-glass shower to the adjacent deep, Jacuzzi soaker tub. There's a huge counter space with double sinks as well as a separate, built-in vanity area in another area. The toilet is neatly tucked away in a private water closet. Corner decorative niches with recessed lighting add a nice touch to the room.
The second bedroom is also spacious and provides ample storage. A set of frosted glass French doors open up to reveal a large closet with a series of built-in organizers. There's also a full main bathroom and a large laundry and utility room.
"For an apartment or condominium, this is a fabulous space," notes Erenberg.
Adding to the appeal of the condo itself are the common areas in the building. The party room that can be booked and used free of charge for any function such as a dinner party, book club or board meeting. It offers a nice living room area complete with fireplace, a full kitchen and eating area, as well as an outdoor patio with a gas bbq.
The gym features a selection of new fitness equipment, from treadmills and elliptical trainers to exercise bicycles and weights. There's a separate change room area with lockers for storage, a bathroom and a steam shower.
"When it's 40 below and you don't want to go to the gym, you don't have to," Erenberg says.
There is also a guest suite, which can be booked free of charge for visiting guests. It's essentially a studio apartment that has its own little kitchenette, where visitors can have their own private space for the duration of their stay. Each condo also has two parking spaces in the bright, spotless underground parking garage.
With a luxury feel, tremendous space and ample storage, as well as all the features of the building itself, Erenberg says the condo is a perfect solution for people who want to move out of their large home but don't want to feel like they are losing anything.
"It's not a compromise," she says. "If anything, it's more luxurious than what most people are used to."
