Rare riverside find

When people think about two-bedroom condominiums on Wellington Crescent, they typically think of three things.

First, they visualize a fancy high-rise building that comes with amenities like a 24-hour concierge, luxurious foyer, a gym and more.

Second, they think the condo will be unattainable due to high condo fees, ridiculous property taxes, and of course, a price tag that resides somewhere in the stratosphere.

And third, there’s the chance (and a pretty good one at that) a condo on Wellington Crescent will feel dated.

Glen MacAngus says a two-bedroom, 945-square-foot suite found at 375 Wellington Cres. is a rare gem in a sea of high rises.

“This building, the Welgrove, which was built in 1955, is a quaint three-storey walk-up that’s loaded with character,” he says. “It has a lot going for it.”

He says the building’s construction is a huge plus.

“While many three-storey condo buildings are wood-frame, this one isn’t — it’s concrete and steel. That makes for a building that’s very solid, and quiet. Not only that, but this building is on the river side of Wellington Crescent, which is the preferred side.”

Likewise, the tidy suite faces away from the road — and toward the Assiniboine River.

“You’re on the quiet side of the building with panoramic river views,” MacAngus says, adding that the large windows also let in tons of natural light. “So, you’re getting what is basically a million-dollar river view. The views from the living room and the bedrooms are awesome. And you’re getting them for just $324,900. This suite is very affordable for first-time buyers or down-sizers.”

As good as that sounds, one burning question remains: is the suite a relic from a bygone era? As it turns out, it’s a thoroughly modern riverside marvel.

“Unlike many suites in the area, this unit isn’t dated in the least,” MacAngus says. “The whole unit has been renovated, giving it a fresh, modern feel. It does a beautiful job of balancing modern and traditional finishes.”

Because the spacious suite is so naturally bright, it was essential the flooring choice was in the proper hue.

Too light, and the interior would be too bright; too dark, and too much light would be absorbed.

“The flooring choice was perfect — engineered oak hardwoods that split the difference perfectly,” MacAngus says. “They add warmth without taking in too much light, and the texture of the engineered oak adds a nice touch of character.”

MacAngus says the suite’s main living area — which features a living room at one end a dining area at the other — is something to behold.

“First, it’s huge,” he notes. “There’s just a ton of room to configure it just as you want it. The dining area is in a perfect spot next to the kitchen with a tray ceiling, gorgeous new light fixture and two windows on the side wall that let in more natural light.”

Then, there’s the living room.

“You can see the trees and river perfectly through a rear wall of glass. The view is simply spectacular, especially in the summer. It’s something you can enjoy while you’re reading a book or visiting with guests after dinner.”

Making dinner in the delightfully contemporary — and highly functional — galley kitchen will never be a chore, he says.

“It’s absolutely stunning,” says MacAngus. “The finishes — stone countertops, white cabinets with brushed-nickel handles, a textured tile backsplash — go perfectly with newer stainless-steel appliances. It perfectly splits the difference between style and function.”

Finally, there’s the bedroom wing, which holds a remodelled main bath, second bedroom with a fabulous river view and the primary bedroom.

“The bathroom is a very nice space that was also updated with a tile floor, soaker tub with tile surround and mod, circular sink. I love the primary bedroom for all its natural light and amazing river view that’s showcased by two large windows on its rear wall,” MacAngus says.

He says the turnkey suite is truly unique, and special.

“These types of suites don’t come up often on Wellington Crescent. It’s move-in-ready, completely updated, affordable and in an incredible location. It’s a rare find.”

lewys@mymts.net