The four seasons of condo living

By NextHome Staff
July 28, 2019
How does the song go? "Summertime, and the living is easy" – in a condo, that is! When exterior chores such as lawn mowing and weeding are left to the professionals, suite owners have more time to spend with family and friends. They also have the opportunity to enjoy a lifestyle of ease, convenience and activity year round.Whether you live in the city or the Greater Toronto Area, if you are in a condominium, your summer includes basking in the fresh air on your balcony, rooftop garden or in the courtyard your building might feature. Some condos offer an outdoor pool with loungers for soaking up glorious sunshine. Landscaping is in full bloom, and the views of your building's surroundings are incredible. Entertaining on the rooftop brings a whole new level of elegance and fun to any gathering. Those who indulge in container gardening can walk out to the balcony and harvest fresh herbs for dinner. Of course, summer is a time of festivals in most every section of the city and in the suburbs. The possibilities are endless and exciting, and when you live in a condo, you are likely within a quick stroll, bike ride or public transit ride away.Come fall when the air turns crisper, urban views transform to autumn colours, and well-placed landscaping around condominiums morph to take on the new season. We always still have some beautiful weather in the fall, so condo residents will make the most of outdoor barbecue and dining while they can. Sitting on the balcony watching the stars and city lights may require a light jacket, but it is well worth the effort. Of course, as thoughts turn to interior activities, condo residents are fortunate to have wonderful amenities under their roof. School gets underway again, and families appreciate the time condo living frees up as their hectic lifestyles resume.Winter in a condo is akin to living in a resort, with opportunities for swimming, playing pool, watching the big game in the theatre, hosting a party in the chic multi-purpose room, working out in the exercise facilities, and/or reading the latest bestseller in the cosy library. Today's condo developers spend time and effort working with landscape architects to ensure that plant material is attractive all year long. Some ornamental grasses and other choices remain attractive during the winter. And for those suite owners who opt to go down south to escape some of the wintry weather, it's simply a matter of locking their suite doors and leaving worry free, as snow clearing and maintenance of common areas are handled for them.As spring approaches, there is the refreshing metamorphosis from snow to colour as the world wakes up to longer days and warmer temperatures. Green thumbs ready their balcony containers, and plants go in with the promise of another lush summer. The cycle continues, as condo residents revel in their day-to-day lifestyles. A condo is truly a home for all seasons.BARBARA LAWLOR is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc., winner of the pinnacle 2017 Riley Brethour Award from BILD, and an indemand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com

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