Condo of the Week: A Rare, Renovated Bachelor Suite in the West End

In a neighbourhood primarily made up of 40-plus-year-old buildings, this modern property is a veritable diamond in the rough.

The details: 1104–1221 Bidwell St. | $628,800 | 415 sq. ft. | 0 Bed, 1 Bath | Built 2013The condo: The floor-to-ceiling windows and ample natural light mean this pint-sized pied-à-terre won’t feel cramped (well, unless you’re a linebacker for the CFL or something). No need to worry about your home overheating as air conditioning comes included. Swap your standard mattress and box spring for a sleek wall bed to maximize the available space and follow the interior designer’s lead with a pale pallete and curated pops of colour to keep things airy and bright. Since the unit comes furnished, you needn’t worry about how to make the most of the ultra-efficient floor plan, they’ve thought of everything. Bonus: if you’re considering this as an investment (rentals are not a problem), you’re one step ahead of the game where furnishings are concerned. Stainless steel appliances and front-loading washer/dryer are also included.The building: Designed by the Henriquez Partners, this LEED Gold certified property is a unique combination of modern architecture and heritage revitalization, with an original 1936 facade still intact at the forefront of the 2013 tower. The building also includes Club Alexandria, a shared, on-site fitness facility and outdoor garden/patio area located on the third floor. There is also a private lounge on the sixth floor with a kitchen and dining space available for entertaining, including a cozy fireside seating area and ocean view terrace. No need to worry about the limited square footage of your home, you can bring guests to the lounge where there’s plenty of room to spread out and share a meal.The neighbourhood: With English Bay and Stanley Park steps from your front door, opportunities abound for outdoor exercise, and when you’ve finished working up a sweat (and an appetite), mosey on over to one of the myriad dining establishments. From Japanese izakayas serving traditional small plates and frosty pints to tiny Mexican cantinas with fresh tacos and tortas, this ‘hood has your diverse palate covered. There are also plenty of cozy pubs and cocktail bars to whet your whistle, plus grocery stores and every other manner of shop and service within walking distance.The drawbacks: Parking in the West End is practically non-existent—even the alleyways are for residents only—and there is none included with this listing. If you deign to take transit further than the adjacent downtown neighbourhoods, your looking at at least one transfer along the way.See the full listing here.

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