Condo living is so very different than living in a house.

When thinking of purchasing a condo it is very important to have a clear picture as to why you would like to live this lifestyle and what it entails.

Some questions to ask yourself might be:
What size or layout of a condo would suit your lifestyle? Loft (hard/ soft), Luxury condo, regular down town condo, townhouse, co-op, co-ownership, etc.                     

Is it important to be near transportation and shops? Do you need parking? Do you drive to work, or take TTC? Would you need a grocery store close by, or do you eat out often and love neighborhood coffee shops?

Do you need all the recreational facilities and 24 hour security? Let’s face it, some of us don’t work out. Others go to a gym near work. Some people really enjoy the luxury of having a face to greet their guests at the front door, others would like the privacy of letting their guest in themselves. Many lofts, repurposed buildings and small condominium complexes do not have the extra bells and whistles such as a gym, meeting room or concierge, and to some people, these things are not important or deal breakers.

What furnishings do you want to take with you to your new property? Are you going to buy all new furniture? Would you like to bring the “House Furniture” to your new condo? Often a larger open concept will work for people that want the second option… this is definitely a huge factor in your decision.

While shopping for your new condo it is extremely important to start de-cluttering your present home or condo. You will be surprised with all the “Stuff” you have accumulated over the years. My personal advice would be to take 2 large Tupperware bins (easily stored in your new condo’s locker) and fill them with any and all childhood memorabilia and keepsakes…. Everything else, goes. Clothes, if you haven’t worn them in 2 years, chances are they don’t fit, and they won’t fit, or they just aren’t “en vogue” any more. We have a number of stagers and organizers that can assist on all levels of organizing and purging if you cannot seem to get the job done all on your own.

But wouldn’t it be great if you could find a condo that felt like you were living in a house? What if that condo was situated in one of Toronto’s most sought after neighborhoods- like “The Village” in Forest Hill.

There are many different types of condo buildings in the city...one small Unique building is 317/319 Lonsdale Road. A beautiful heritage building from the 1920s totally gutted from the interior right out to the street line- converted into 12 stunning and timeless suites (6 in each building) designed to enhance distinguished lifestyle. Luxuriously appointed, secure and private- exactly what you need to feel at home, but in a condo.

There’s absolutely nothing about these Lonsdale condos that feel like an apartment. Each one is more like a spacious private home. A private elevator from the underground parking accesses each of the suites. All above ground parking spots and stairs to the building have underground heating in the winter, meaning no more shoveling! (What a treat to not have to deal with that!)

 “We were attracted to this beautiful heritage building because it reminded us of a New York Brownstone. It's right in the village and close to all the best schools. Our particular unit has all the luxury of a sophisticated condo yet we're on two floors and can walk outside without even going through the building, just like a house! Perfect urban living for a family with a dog!” Was the response one resident gave, when asked what first attracted them to purchasing a unit in the building.

 The residents seem to all have the same idea when it comes to what really caught their eye about this unique condo in the heart of a high-end neighborhood:

 “The street appeal of the buildings. They still have the elegance of the 1920's (when they were originally built) but have been completely renovated in keeping with their original charm. The location which is in the heart of Forest Hill ... within a minute walk of Forest Hill Village with all its restaurants, shops, banks and various amenities. Also the fact that it is located within a 5 minute walk of the TTC ... or a 7 minute drive of Toronto's fabulous Yorkville shopping district. Each building only offers 6 units ... all of which are different in style and size. No cookie cutter condo look here. Each unit comes with two parking spaces with sufficient daytime parking for guests on the street. The neighborhood is spectacular with it's winding streets and elegant homes.... very safe and perfect for daily strolls.”

If you think that you or anyone you know may be interested in viewing and/or purchasing a unit for sale in this building please feel free to contact Claire-Ann or Mary-Kate Today!