Small-Town Serenity In Niagara-on-the-Lake
offered at $828,000It’s no secret that the Urbaneer team loves, loves, loves living in Toronto, but we can certainly appreciate that the pace, crowds, and din of urban density might eventually lose its appeal for some. This is one reason why more and more savvy buyers are strategically planning for their retirement by looking outside of the GTA; smaller cities and towns hold a multitude of opportunities to capitalize on the gains realized from selling the family home. After all, downsizing is about more than escaping cumbersome home maintenance and giving up unused space; the next chapter of home ownership can be about a elevating and enriching your lifestyle!
The Niagara region is a particularly attractive destination for those who desire a quieter atmosphere or more intimate community, but still crave the amenities that the ‘big city’ provides. Here, you’ll find a vibrant arts and culture scene, innovative restaurants, a multitude of wineries and breweries, and convenient access to outdoor recreation, like golf and boating!
Welcome to 16 Aberdeen Lane South!
St. Andrew’s Glen is a residential community situated just over the border of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). The location is superb! Located between historic downtown and the wine trail, residents can easily walk or bike to some of the best amenities of this celebrated region! Driving along Niagara Stone Road you will pass by several award-winning wineries including Trius, Stratus, and George Marquis as well as the impressive new tasting room and whisky bar at Wayne Gretzky Estates. Craft breweries are a relatively new feature to the area but they are quickly emerging as a dominant force in the thriving Ontario beer community. Local favourites Oast House and Silversmith are just a few minutes away from St. Andrew’s Glen in the neighbouring community of Virgil. (Be sure to stop by Oast House on a Friday night for a pint of Farmhouse Saison and live music on the patio!) If you’re in the mood for something more active then continue down the road to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club (the oldest course in North America!). Set directly on the shores of Lake Ontario, this nine hole golf course is open to the public. It’s no surprise Niagara-on-the-Lake is among the best places to retire in Ontario according to Comfort Life, a publication for Zoomers.
While St. Andrew’s Glen is close enough to these unique amenities to give you the full ‘Niagara-on-the-Lake experience’, it’s also tucked away from the central areas and thoroughfares that draw crowds during peak season. The community is nestled alongside the Two Mile Creek conservation area, which is a bastion of the natural scenic beauty. In fact, all of Niagara-on-the-Lake is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque areas in Canada; much of the region is blanketed in rows upon rows of grape vines and blossoming fruit trees, and is an incredible sight, particularly during the Autumn harvest season. The aesthetics of the housing is similarly pleasing, having been carefully developed with exteriors designed to reflect the historic charm of the area. Both the freehold homes and condo townhouses of St. Andrew’s Glen offer thoughtful floor plans designed to maximize your engagement with the natural surroundings, a mindfulness that is exemplified by 16 Aberdeen Lane South and its coveted ravine-facing lot!
16 Aberdeen Lane South may be a condo townhome in name, but it’s a far cry from Toronto’s typical stacked towne with stairs upon stairs upon stairs …upon stairs. This townhome boasts over 2000 square feet of living space over just two floors, offering the feeling of a detached house… without any of the pesky home maintenance tying up your weekend!
One enters 16 Aberdeen Lane South at ground level, from either the private front porch or the built-in single car garage. (There is an additional reserved parking space on the front driveway or your guests can utilize the visitor parking lot directly opposite the home.) The primary living space is situated on the main floor of the home, comprised of a spectacular kitchen, a flexible living/dining area, a Master suite, and laundry. The placement of the Master celebrates the ‘single floor lifestyle’ without sacrificing privacy. The bedroom itself is spacious and bright, and can easily accommodate a king size bed and full set of bedroom furniture. It’s complimented by a gorgeous ensuite bathroom, and a large walk in closet that is one of many, many upgrades in the home. We can’t decide if our favourite feature of the luxurious ensuite bath is the free-standing soaker tub or the etched mirror cupboards on the vanity – stunning! There is a second three-piece bathroom on the main level allowing you to keep your sanctuary completely private, as well as a second bedroom for friends and family (who are most certainly going to want to visit you in Niagara on the Lake!) This bedroom also has a walk-in closet, perfect for those guests who don’t exactly travel light, or for additional storage.
The kitchen is the real showstopper in the home. The first thing you will notice is the an extra-large, quartz topped kitchen island with seating for four and room to spare! Sure to please any level of chef, the sparkling stainless steel appliances include a counter-depth refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and an extra deep sink. Sliding glass doors exit off the kitchen onto a balcony overlooking the ravine, perfect for those who prefer to observe/supervise rather than to cook! The kitchen flows into a flexible living and dining space that can be customized to suit the owner’s needs. Currently, the space is configured to include a full-size dining room table, but much of that space could be re-purposed if the kitchen island serves one’s dining needs.
Wide hardwood stairs lead down into the family room and a walk out toward the scenic ravine. This is not your average ‘basement’; this is a fully-finished lower living area with rare eight foot ceilings and loads of potential! It is currently a comfortable family room – perfect for entertaining – with a gas fireplace and custom built-in wet bar. (Unfortunately, the “Bob’s Neighbourhood Bar” sign is not included in the sale – you’ll have to get your own!) The lower level also includes a bonus room that is well-suited to a home office, art studio, or an extra guest room, and is rounded out by the home’s third 3-piece bathroom. The standout feature of the lower level is undeniably the the sliding glass door walk-out to a private stone patio situated alongside the gorgeous, protected ravine. We love the tranquility of the rear yard, surrounded by mature trees and the sounds of a nearby bubbling creek. Doesn’t that peacefulness sound like it would pair well with a well-chilled local Riesling? We do!
Did we forget to mention upgrades? The current owners left no detail to spare when they planned the townhouse and the list of additional upgrades include:
• 7″ baseboards throughout the home
• Dark hardwood floors on the main level
• Freestanding soaker tub, custom square sink and etched mirror cupboards in the master bath
• Main floor laundry
• Expanded walk in closets in both the master and the second bedroom
• Extra-large kitchen island with seating for four
• Counter depth refrigerator with water/ice dispenser (and a water lock for curious grandkids!)
• Miele appliances in the kitchen
• Two additional pantry cupboards in the kitchen
• Custom Elite window coverings
• Fully finished lower level
• Custom wet bar with beverage fridge
• Gas fireplace in lower level
• Direct lower level walkout to Two Mile Creek Conservation area
Are you ready to say Goodbye to the city slicker life, and Hello to Sauvignon-soaked serenity? You’ve earned it!
Have questions? Contact Kellye at kellye@urbaneer.com!
*Urbaneer brings this property to your attention courtesy of our colleagues at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada