This week, we anticipate summer with a tour of an apartment for the beach lover/pathway runner/patio partier.
Address: 370 Dominion Avenue
Neighbourhood: Westboro
Property Manager: Sleepwell Property Management
Rent: $2,200
The history
Built in 1975, the 14-storey building known as The Barclay was originally geared toward an elderly clientele but in recent years has seen an influx of younger tenants attracted by the building’s proximity to the Westboro strip on Wellington, the Ottawa River, and Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, and quick public transit to downtown jobs. And those balconies! The balconies run the length of each unit — a bonus if fantastic river views are your jam.
The place
Location is everything. If you can overlook the slightly dated decor in the kitchen and bathrooms then you’re all set. Compared to some newer downtown condos that are only just bigger than shoeboxes, this 2-bedroom has room to spare. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and oversized windows in the bedrooms ensure light flows through. Hardwood floors are a nice touch. Did we mention the giant balconies?
Social types will love the fact that residents organize a number of activities and there’s a comfy common area for hanging out:
Floor-to-ceiling windows, long balconies, and those hardwood floors boost the condo’s cool factor:
Another view of the living / dining area:
The dining area. During the summer months you can slide open the doors to let the breeze flow through:
Not the most stylin’ kitchen ever, but it’s very functional and can be closed off from the main living space:
Big selling point(s)
You’ll be smiling come summer — 10 minutes’ walk to Westboro Beach; three minutes’ walk to the city’s newest ice cream store (La Diperie at Wellington and Golden). Locavores will be giddy to learn that the Westboro branch of the Ottawa Farmers’ Market is just a three-minute saunter away at Byron Park.
The master bedroom. (And no, the artwork does not come with the unit):
The second bedroom. (Get an instant daily jolt on awakening — or maybe just paint.) On the plus side, check out that balcony through the windows:
Social life
Because there are so many long-time residents here, social types can join an instant community — think regular social events and meetings, as well as group forays to nearby coffee shops and yoga studios. Or just swim laps by yourself in the saltwater swimming pool.
The bathrooms are so retro they’re almost cool:
Possible deal breaker
Beach lovers might be tempted to grab the unit for the pure pleasure of being so close to Westboro Beach for Ottawa’s sweet, but oh-so-short summer. Be aware, you’re signing on for 12 months.
The view will be much sweeter come summer when there are leafy trees and a flowing Ottawa River. Picture the walk to Westboro Beach — just 10 minutes!
The city-side view:
By the numbers
950 square feet
14 storeys
Roomy balcony
2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
Stacked washer and dryer
Indoor and outdoor parking options
Swimming pool