Todd Lewys / Free Press
The courtyard is a spectacular haven.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
A games area with pool table is just part of a main floor offering a salon, gym, movie theatre, bistro and more.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The spacious main bathroom features a tile floor, walk-in bath with heated seat and vanity with ample storage space.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
A huge window in the bedroom (above) lets in plenty of natural light. The spacious main bathroom (right) features a walk-in bath and vanity with ample storage space.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
There’s plenty of room for a dining table and chairs next to the smartly designed peninsula kitchen.
Todd Lewys / Free Press
The use of space in the suite’s main living area (above) is second to none, while the courtyard and river view from the top-floor balcony (right) is breathtaking.
With good accommodations at a premium — especially for seniors who have lost a partner — many families are looking for a suitable landing spot for active, still-vibrant parents.
That means being selective about where a parent moves, as not every option is equal.
Ideally, the goal is to find a community where a parent can maintain their active, independent lifestyle, yet have care and conveniences close at hand.
Jennifer Phillips of Sutton Group-Kilkenny Real Estate says the Canoe Club in St. Vital is a great choice for seniors who are still looking to live life to the fullest.
“One of the first things you notice about this community is that it has so many amenities available on-site,” she says of the retirement community, which is tucked away next to the Red River on the site of the former Winnipeg Canoe Club. “There’s a movie theatre, shuffleboard area, billiard room, fireside lounge and library, plus a bistro, party room, gym and hairdresser/salon.”
As great as those amenities are to have on hand, residents also need a comfortable place to reside when they’re not out and about. In essence, single seniors need a suite that provides a high level of function and style without being too large to take care of.
Phillips says the one-bedroom suite she’s marketing is perfect for a single, on-the-go senior.
“This suite is 672-sq.-ft., but it has a great layout that makes it feel more like 750-sq.-ft.,” she says of Suite 426, which is situated on the top floor of the classy, brick-faced building. “It really does live larger than its listed square footage.”
The key to the tidy suite’s livability is its layout, which is simple, yet ingenious.
“Because there aren’t any hallways, there’s no wasted space,” notes Phillips. “When you step inside, you step right into a wide-open main living area that’s filled with light and beautiful finishes. There’s just tons of natural light.”
Thanks to a southwest exposure, huge window and oversized garden door on the suite’s rear wall, you’re immediately enveloped in light when you walk in.
At the same time, walnut-style laminate plank flooring provides a warm counterpoint with its rich brown tones.
Most importantly, all the space in the main living area has been utilized judiciously.
Tucked away to the right of the foyer, the peninsula kitchen is just the right size, offering a mid-sized counter space with prep area and breakfast bar that can seat two.
“It comes with granite countertops, a tile backsplash, lots of white cabinets and stainless-steel appliances,” she says. “It’s large enough to be functional but not so large that it takes up too much space. There’s room to put in a table and chairs next to it, a feature you don’t often see in one-bedroom suites this size.”
The clever use of space also allowed for a spacious living room that checks in at an impressive 16.6-by-13.9 feet.
“It’s a wonderful space, with room for an entertainment unit and TV, plus plenty of furniture and even a coffee table. But that isn’t all it offers.”
Exit through the garden door to the outdoors, and you find yourself on a large, covered balcony that delivers a million-dollar view.
“The door has a retractable screen to the balcony, which allows a breeze to blow in without letting in bugs in the summer,” Phillips says. “The balcony overlooks the gorgeous courtyard and looks out onto the river. There aren’t many condominiums at this price point that come with such a breathtaking view.”
Back inside, the well-conceived floor plan continues to impress.
To maximize space, the primary bedroom and bathroom were placed on the left-hand side of the suite to maximize space and utility.
At 11.9-by-11.2 feet, the bedroom is plenty big, while the bathroom — which connects to the bedroom via a door on the wall separating the two spaces — is huge.
“Again, you get that wonderful courtyard/river view through a huge window on its rear wall,” she says, adding that a tray ceiling above adds a touch of class. “The bathroom is a good size with a tile floor, walk-in tub with heated seat and vanity that offers lot of storage. The suite also comes with in-suite laundry. It has everything you need, just in the right spot.”
Phillips says the suite is a true find in more ways than one.
“You can take an elevator right up to it and enjoy the suite and the amazing view. Having all the amenities in one place in such a great location is also hard to beat. It’s a wonderful place to live.”
lewys@mymts.net
The Details
Location: 406-40 Dunkirk Dr., St. Vital
Year Built: 2009
Style: apartment-style condominium
Size: 672 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: one
Bathrooms: one
Price: $318,900
Contact: Jennifer Phillips, Sutton Group-Kilkenny Real Estate, 204-955-6163 or Melanie Vincent, Sutton Group-Kilkenny Real Estate, 204-990-4412
