As appealing as the thought of living in a house is, it comes with a major downside.
That downside? In a word, maintenance. Buy a resale home, and no matter how well-maintained it is, it will inevitably require some sort of upkeep. Then, of course, there's the yard work -- cutting the grass, pulling weeds, trimming trees; the list goes on.
If you happen to be a professional who would like to do something more productive with your time -- for example, spend it having a latte with friends at the local coffee shop, or simply watching a movie on Netflix to decompress after a busy week -- then the turnkey lifestyle that condominium living provides may be more attractive than owning a house.
Especially if you can find a new, well-positioned condominium that is only steps from key amenities. Well, such an animal does exist, in the form of a 901 square foot two-bedroom condominium on the fourth floor of 55 Windmill Way in Charleswood.
While the complex, which offers covered, heated parking on its long list of amenities, is off Roblin Boulevard just east of the Perimeter Highway in Park West Shopping Centre, its location is deceptively convenient, said Realty Executives First Choice's Cheryl Thurston.
"From here, you'll be about 10 minutes from the new IKEA store on Kenaston, as well as shopping further down the road," she said. "If you prefer to stay out west, you can be at Polo Park in about 15 minutes, and shopping at Walmart and Sobeys in Unicity on Portage Avenue west is less than 10 minutes away. You can also use the Perimeter to access other areas without having to go through tons of traffic."
There are several more benefits that come with the location, she added.
"If you have a cottage out in the Interlake, the Perimeter gives you easy access out that way, as well. As far as amenities around the complex go, you're only steps away from Shoppers Drug Mart, Extra Foods and TD Bank. There's also a Shell gas station nearby where you can go for a quick, easy fill-up. The complex was positioned to make life as easy as possible for its residents."
The building and units were also designed to provide residents with a seamless lifestyle marked by convenience, quiet and practical style. Equipped with a fitness room and residents' lounge (the latter features a flat-panel TV and full kitchen ideal for family dinners or birthday parties), it's easy to stay fit or entertain large groups when the need arises.
Most importantly, when you get home after a long day, you come home to a unit that offers an appealing combination of solitude, style and utility.
"This building has been constructed of steel and concrete, so it's a very quiet, safe building," Thurston said. "And with its new windows and cement between floors, you'll hardly hear a thing. The suites also come with nine-foot ceilings, which, when you combine them with the large windows, makes for a bright, cheery interior."
In the case of suite 406, there are two bonuses: You're on the top floor above everyone else, and you get an ideal exposure.
"The suite faces south, so you get the sun all day long," Thurston said. "And while you do get the sun, it isn't overpowering because the balcony is covered and the windows have been outfitted with high-end Hunter Douglas blinds. Best of all, your hydro costs are low. The outgoing owner didn't have to turn her furnace on all winter due to all the sunlight and the suite's energy-efficient design."
Thanks to a well-conceived open-concept floor plan, the suite also rates high for ergonomics. The main living area's open-concept design offers excellent flow, along with plenty of room for furniture in the living room and a large dining room table (if it's required).
"You can do a lot with this open plan -- you can configure the space exactly how you want it," Thurston said. "And the maple laminate floors are not only gorgeous but durable."
Meanwhile, the kitchen -- which comes with a double sink, loads of oak cabinets, tons of counter space, a large pantry and black Whirlpool appliances -- is highly functional and nicely finished. The master suite features a large window, big walk-in closet and quick access to the four-piece bath (with deep soaker tub) right across the way.
Thurston said the second bedroom could serve two purposes.
"It's been designed to serve as a big den, but, because it's such a good size, could be a second bedroom, if needed; there's plenty of room to put a computer desk off the living room."
Unlike many condominiums, there's no shortage of storage space.
"There's a huge laundry room to the right of the foyer that offers lot of storage space, plus you get a storage locker right on the floor that you live on," Thurston said. "This is a well-designed complex in a quiet location that's close to a host of amenities, offering a turnkey lifestyle in a complex and suite that's literally brand new. It's a combination that's hard to beat."
DETAILS
Location: 406-55 Windmill Way, Charleswood
Year built: 2011
Style: Apartment-style condominium
Size: 901 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Taxes: $1,800 (estimated gross 2012)
Condominium fees: $209.24
Price: $264,900
Contact: Cheryl Thurston, Realty Executives First Choice, at 885-8999
