The suite’s main living area is bright, inviting and richly finished.
The island kitchen is an elegant yet efficient space that’s loaded with modern style and function.
The suite’s split layout is sensible, stylish and makes the most of the available space.
A huge covered balcony with composite flooring is the perfect spot to relax.
It’s never been more challenging for first-time buyers to find an entry-level home that meets their needs and budget.
As heartening as Bank of Canada interest rate reductions have been, mortgage rates are still high.
Those high rates have in turn reduced the home buying budgets of first-time buyers, making it even harder to find a solid, move-in-ready home for under $300,000.
Not only that, but many first-time buyers — whether they be singles or young couples — have also been forced to look further afield for an affordable starter home or condo.
That can create logistical challenges such as longer commutes to work, greater distances to cover to visit with friends or a family.
Moving to a far-flung neighbourhood can even create childcare issues should you need to move halfway across the city to find a suitable place to live.
Amber Treichel of RE/MAX Performance Realty says she recently listed a beautifully designed two-bedroom condo that’s perfect for first-time buyers.
“It’s in an area of Linden Woods that tends to fly a bit under the radar,” she says. “It’s in Murano Gardens, which is on Wilkes Avenue.”
The catch — and it’s a good one — is that it’s on the north side of the Sterling Lyon Parkway.
“The great thing about being on that side is that it’s tucked away from everything is very quiet,” explains Treichel. “When you’re there, it’s incredibly quiet inside and outside the suite because there’s very little traffic.”
She adds that there’s another side benefit that comes with the smart placement of the seven-year-old complex.
“You’re also close to all kinds of amenities and conveniences on the Kenaston strip, as well as on Waverley Street and Grant Avenue. Basically, you’re getting a location that gives you the best of both worlds — you’re close to everything, yet the atmosphere is very tranquil when you get home.”
Turns out, the atmosphere is also quite upscale the instant you step inside the striking four-storey building.
A generous tiled foyer ushers you inside, providing easy access to the elevator that transports you smoothly up to the well-placed third floor suite.
The moment you step inside the efficiently designed 833 sq. ft suite, it opens magnificently in front of you.
“It features a split floor plan, which places the two bedrooms on either side of the main living area,” Treichel says. “There’s a large laundry room to the left that offers in-suite laundry, as well as ample storage space. The kitchen is directly across the way to the left.”
And what a kitchen it is — modern, functional and richly finished.
Anchored by a taupe quartz island that seats three, it comes with matching quartz countertops, white cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and a quartet of newer stainless appliances.
“The colour scheme is modern and neutral. When you combine it with the finishes in the kitchen, you get an ambiance that’s inviting, cozy, and luxurious,” she says.
Next comes the adjacent family room, which adds to the warm, contemporary feel.
“It’s a bright and beautifully appointed space, and has good width, which gives you plenty of space for a sofa, end tables – and perhaps another chair or two – with plenty of room left over for a big screen TV on the opposite wall. A sliding patio door on the rear wall leads out to a large, covered balcony that looks out onto greenspace.”
Both bedrooms are also a good size.
The secondary bedroom also comes equipped with a walk-in closet, making it an ideal office — or nursery for a new addition.
Then, there’s the primary bedroom on the opposite side of the suite.
“It enjoys proximity to the main bathroom, which offers ample storage and pristine finishes. The bedroom is quite spacious and comes with a huge window and walk-in closet with built-in storage.”
Treichel says the meticulously maintained suite also comes with other fabulous amenities.
“You also get underground parking, access to an outdoor courtyard, fitness center, and social room. This home provides all the elements for comfortable, easy — and affordable — living in an amazing location.”
lewys@mymts.net
The Details
Location: Suite 304, 1044 Wilkes Ave., Linden Woods
Year Built: 2016
Style: apartment-style condominium
Size: 833 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: two
Bathrooms: one
Price: $299,900
Contact: Amber Treichel, RE/MAX Performance Realty, 204-293-8332
