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• WHAT: A rare two-storey penthouse in the Candy Factory Lofts, complete with a private rooftop terrace.
• LIVING SPACE: about 2,000 square feet
• ASKING PRICE: $949,900
• TAXES: $6,072 (2007)
• AGENT: Harman Atkins, Homelife/Cimerman Real Estate Ltd.

AMENITIES: This authentic, two-storey loft has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-concept den and a sitting room on the main floor.

There is a three-sided gas fireplace in the combined living and dining area, which opens to a kitchen with a granite breakfast bar and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas stove.

There is hardwood flooring throughout.

Behind the kitchen is a raised master bedroom, while the second bedroom is on the upper level, and has a wet bar and a walkout to a south-facing, rooftop terrace that is more than 500 square feet.

There is a bathroom on each level, ensuite laundry facilities and storage closet.

A locker is situated downstairs near the underground parking spot.

Water and heating are covered by the monthly fee of $644.

Residents have access to a gym, recreation room and guest suites within the building. In addition, there is a car-wash bay, 24-hour concierge and visitor parking on site. Pets are permitted.

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The former Ce De Candy Factory, located on Queen Street West between Shaw and Crawford streets, was converted into the Candy Factory Lofts about eight years ago.

The more than 100-year-old, six-storey building contains 121 authentic lofts. Its brick facade was restored, and its already large warehouse windows were enlarged. The original posts and beams, exposed brick walls, wood ceilings up to 13 feet and hardwood floors are showcased within the individual suites.

"This particular building is probably the premiere, vintage loft conversion in the city," agent Herman Atkins says. "Anyone in the loft market is aware of this building."

The penthouse lofts are special, Mr. Atkins adds, because, for the most part, they have two levels, and are larger in size than most of the loft properties across the city.

"There are not a lot of them, but there's a large demand for them. And that always bodes well for market value."

This loft measures about 2,000 square feet and has a terrace with more than 500 square feet. Just inside the unit, a den opens to the right, while a hallway leads to a large, open principal room that includes a living and dining area with tall, wood columns; the kitchen; and a sitting area below the main staircase.

Tucked behind the kitchen is a raised master bedroom overlooking the principal room; a second bedroom is upstairs.

"They've managed to keep private areas, while still having that wide, open loft feeling," Mr. Atkins says.

And unlike most penthouses in the building, there is room for a standard staircase, rather than a spiral one.

"There are only a few of the large ones here with regular stairs, which is much easier to navigate, and it looks much better as well," says Mr. Atkins.

The bathrooms are also separated so there is one on each level. "In some loft properties, they have two levels and two washrooms, [yet] sometimes the washrooms are on the same level," says Mr. Atkins.

The interiors are flooded with natural light from two massive arched windows in the principal room. A south-facing terrace off the second bedroom offers a sunny space, with fresh air and unobstructed sightlines over rooftops and treed streets, right across to the CN Tower.

"A lot of [lofts] have either more traditional balcony-size spaces, but this is a huge, deep terrace," says Mr. Atkins. "It's almost like having a backyard in the sky."

Other perks include extra storage in an ensuite closet and an exterior locker near the parking space.

Less apparent, but equally important is the unit's gas hookup.

"There are only a small percentage of suites [in the building] that have gas appliances," says Mr. Atkins, referring to this loft's gas stove and three-way gas fireplace.

While modern touches and amenities have been added throughout, the original finishes - such as the 13-foot exposed wood ceilings and the wood beams and posts, are really the highlight of the space. They give it a timeless charm that can't be replicated, Mr. Atkins says.

"You just can't get any of that in the new so-called, loft condo projects."

The building has a 24-hour concierge in the lobby, a gym and party room, while the vibrant neighbourhood is well known for its eclectic mix of urban attractions.

"You just have to walk out your front door, and you're literally steps away from some of the best restaurants, bars, art galleries and Trinity Bellwood Park," the agent says.

Special to The Globe and Mail