HOME OF THE WEEK
552 WELLINGTON ST. W., SUITE 1206, Toronto
ASKING PRICE: $1.475-MILLION
TAXES: NOT AVAILABLE
AGENT: CAROL ANNE WARRINGTON (HARVEY KALLES REAL ESTATE LTD.)
The Building
The Thompson Hotel Residences share the amenities and cool vibe of the boutique hotel in Toronto's King West neighbourhood.
"Yorkville doesn't have the same bustle at night," says real estate agent Carol Anne Warrington of the cross-town rival in the luxury condominium market. "Since Peter Freed has been down there building condos, it has just taken off."
On a steamy afternoon, film trailers line the street outside the Thompson as Wellington stands in for a stretch of Chicago; separately a gang of teenagers advance on the angular granite forms of the reflecting pool with their skateboards.
Inside the hotel lobby, the atmosphere is tranquil in comparison but only for a while. Every night the hotel is buzzing. Restaurants include Scarpetta for upscale Italian, and the Counter, open around the clock, for reinvented diner fare. Condo residents can head downstairs for dinner or order room service. They also have access to the hotel gym and, in winter, the reflecting pool freezes to become a slender skating rink.
Ms. Warrington says the Thompson has drawn owners and tenants from the international business set.
"The hotel amenities make it great for a second home," she says. "It's surprising how many people who are in Toronto don't live in their places full-time."
The Unit
On the 12th floor, this 1,730-square-foot unit has views facing east and north. The open plan combines living, dining and cooking in one large room with a wall of windows. The streamlined kitchen has European appliances and an island. Doors lead to a 60-foot-wide balcony that stretches across to the master bedroom.
The master bedroom has a dressing room and an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and floor-to-ceiling windows. There's a second bedroom and a second bathroom, while a home office could serve as a third bedroom.
Ms. Warrington says the plan, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows, brings lots of sunlight into the space.
"It's got that long lay-out and so much exposure to the outside."
The Best Feature
The rooftop pool bar and lounge sizzles day and night with the marquee names such as Drake and Richard Branson; just try getting a spot on one of the cushy loungers during TIFF. On a languid summer afternoon, business magnates are striking deals next to sun bathers grazing on Thai shrimp. Condo residents and hotel guests are among the few invited to take in a view of the city skyline while they bob around the infinity pool.
"They are great amenities and it's a funky lifestyle," says Ms. Warrington.
Carolyn Ireland