Rock-solid condo

The beauty — or lack thereof — of some condos runs beneath the attractive exterior.

That’s because some condominium buildings’ skeletons are wood frame, while others are made of concrete and steel. As a result, there can be a world of difference in terms of overall livability.

An 886-square-foot, two-bedroom suite in phase two of Oxbow on the Seine serves as a shining example of the benefits of concrete and steel construction, Lifestyle Real Estate’s Charlene Urbanski says.

"This building is rock solid. It’s not only a concrete and steel building, but it was also built on a piled foundation with insulated-form exterior walls, hollow-core walls and two-inch concrete topping between floors for sound suppression," she notes, adding that the building is only four years old. "With a newer build such as this, you get all the benefits of modern construction."

Those benefits start well before you actually enter your suite: available underground parking, an expansive foyer with tile floor — and extra-wide, pressurized hallways with stylish-yet-durable industrial carpet tiles that minimize annoying cooking odours.

Then there’s the impeccably maintained suite itself, which features a modern, open-concept floor plan.

"It’s a corner unit that was actually a display suite back when phase two was selling. The layout is bright, open and functional. And because it was a display suite, it’s loaded with upgrades."

While those upgrades are impressive — they include natural maple wide-plank engineered hardwoods, taupe CaesarStone quartz countertops, a smashing taupe glass-tile backsplash, Glendale white maple cabinets and high-end Frigidaire Gallerey stainless appliances — the layout is even more impressive.

Even though the suite is "only" 886 sq. ft., it feels larger, more on the order of 1,000 sq. ft. Urbanski says the spacious feel is the result of an imaginative floor plan that uses every inch of available space to the max.

"With its great room-style design, it feels a lot like a house. You have a wide-open area that holds the kitchen, dining area and living room, and a patio door at the rear of the living room that not only provides access to a huge balcony, but that also allows loads of sunlight to flow in from the south all day long. All that natural light and three good-sized spaces give the suite a bright, airy feel."

A series of subtle design tricks coalesce to create a wonderfully livable suite: a cantilevered (boxed out) area to the right of the dining room that opens up room to move and creates visual interest with its angled walls; an efficient, unobtrusive galley kitchen with breakfast bar set neatly off to the side; and a well-placed, large 14.7-foot by 14.3-foot living room ideal for entertaining or relaxing in.

"You can then take the patio door out to a huge (25-foot by 16-foot) south-facing balcony with upgraded all-weather flooring that adds to the suite’s livable space in the spring, summer and fall," Urbanski says. "There’s fenced-in green space behind it, and it’s bathed in light all day long."

Meanwhile, the remainder of the suite’s interior spaces were placed on the great room’s periphery – a clever design strategy.

There’s a good-sized den to the right of the foyer, laundry/storage room in the centre and a huge main bath with two doorways. The first doorway provides access from the great room, while the second leads through into the master suite.

"I love how the den is nestled out of the way off the dining room, and the fact that the laundry/storage room has plenty of storage room — and space left over for a full-sized (stackable) washer/dryer pair," she says. "The main bath connects directly to the master suite and features a soaker tub/shower combination, quartz/maple vanity and faux tile cork floor."

The bathroom’s placement accomplishes another purpose, Urbanski adds.

"It acts as a buffer to give the master suite an ultra-private feel. It’s a wonderful space that’s light-filled (through a large picture window), and that offers plenty of storage space."

Finally, there are the intangibles: location and additional amenities.

"Not only are you next to walking trails that wind through forest along the Seine River, but you’re also next to the Perimeter for quick access out to cottage country in the Whiteshell or Interlake," she says. "This suite also comes with one covered parking spot and a storage locker in the basement."

The amenities don’t come close to ending there.

"You’re a short drive from the U of M, just minutes from St. Vital Centre and other shops, services and restaurants in south St. Vital. You can also take the Perimeter to Kenaston Blvd. for quick access to the Kenaston strip, too," she says. "Condo fees are reasonable, utilities are low and the suite is very quiet. It offers great livability and value, and is ideal for singles, empty nesters or young families."

lewys@mymts.net