The townhome, located in the southwest community of Richmond, was ideal for Sue. It’s close to all the amenities she needs, with Westhills only minutes away. Plus, it’s close to her parents’ home, which was important because she “was still quite young when [she] moved in here.”

As a single gal for most of her time in the home, Sue loves not having to deal with the upkeep of her home. “It’s a maintenance-free lifestyle — as everyone says!” she affirms. “It is great because I’m often too busy to do any of the lawn or outdoor work. It’s perfect for busy people, particularly singles or older people.”

Now that she’s engaged, Sue is grateful for the free time to spend with her fiancé, Richard, since the management of her property is all taken care of. As well, in between running to her downtown job at a law firm and taking courses at the University of Calgary, she’s glad she doesn’t ever have to deal with a long commute. Her home has easy access to both the university and downtown. And because she’s frequently dashing to and from her home or away altogether, having shared walls gives her peace of mind. “I’m never home, so this is perfect for my lifestyle. I can go away without worrying.”

Having owned a house prior to the townhome, Sue definitely sees firsthand the advantages of shared residences. First and foremost, she could afford to build something new and to her specifications. And again, she no longer had to worry about all the home maintenance. “My house in Tuxedo — the casa — was old; it had no closet space and a really small bathroom. It was just a lot more work, especially in the yard. The basement was also a little creepy, just because the house was so old. In the casa, I had to deal with many more critters than I do here,” she laughs. “This place is way bigger, probably twice the size of the house even though it’s a townhouse, plus I can make good use of all the space.”  And because she selected everything in the townhome, she was able to make sure that it was built to her liking and to her requirements. Small bathrooms be gone!

Enter plenty of closet space instead.

Sue’s spacious 1600 square foot home, complete with separate living, dining and casual dining areas, is modern and neutral, equipped with a gas fireplace, natural maple cabinetry and lofty ceilings that give it a light airy feeling. “I love the openness; the ceilings are so high,” she says. “It’s close to everything, and it’s really quiet here too. To tell you the truth, I love everything about this place.” And it shows. The modern home is furnished with classy furniture and décor, and the living room showcases a stunning antique gramophone along with Sue’s harp that she’s been playing for years. That was another constraint for her — not many townhomes are set up to accommodate such a large instrument.

The townhouse also boasts two large master bedrooms, both complete with ensuites and walk-in closets, and an upstairs laundry. “That’s a bonus. I love the location of the laundry on the top level,” she affirms. In addition, there is a developed walkout basement onto a small patio. “It doesn’t even feel like a basement with its high ceilings.”

Just off the kitchen, she has a small dining nook with double doors opening onto a generous and semi-private balcony. She has also set up a computer area tucked into a corner of the nook. “It’s perfect because it’s easy to get to and out of the way.”

Sue’s townhome is connected to one other, and the windows are positioned so she’s not staring right into other people’s homes or vice versa. The development is set up with a section of townhouses, villas and apartment-style condos.

Overall, the townhouse is the perfect fit for Sue’s busy lifestyle. No longer having to bother with the burdens of a standalone home, Sue finds condo living is just much better suited to her needs and wants. And it gives her the freedom to spend time cruising in her car, or looking for her next one.