“We also love the idea of the 24-hour security, and I don’t miss the yard work!” Fay counters, “I’d still like to able to walk out onto our own green space and have a small garden to call my own.”

This very active couple had been living in a 3,200-square-foot executive home next door to The Hampton’s Golf Club also in the same northwest quadrant of the city. “An opportunity came up and we sold our house. We saw this unit and decided to give the condo lifestyle a try!”

The Ostafichuk’s purchased their condo in November 2006. “We looked at other units in Riverside. Some were renovated, but not what we were looking for. When we saw this unit, it was still in its original state from the early 1980s, suiting us perfectly. We had the intention to renovate from the beginning.”

 “First we had to have the layout approved by the Condo Board, as well as our flooring choices. We also required building permits.” Once this was done, Mike and Fay were ready to start with the renovations. Mike, having a background in the housing industry, was the designer, contractor and renovator, doing most everything, with the exception of the carpeting and the countertops. Fay describes herself as the ‘go-fer’, running errands for Mike when needed. “We saw the insides of this place while renovating and could tell it was really well built. The windows, still original, are high quality commercial grade. The building is brick and concrete making it very sound proof.”

They lived in the unit throughout the renovation. “At the end of the day, we’d set the table by the window with candles and a tablecloth, enjoying a nice dinner and a glass of wine,” says Fay. Mike adds, “You can add a little atmosphere and create a nice mood anywhere.”

During the six month renovation, Mike and Fay knocked out walls, moved others, repurposed spaces, and added extra lighting, transforming the 1982 space into one that is contemporary, yet exudes warmth.
Stepping into the beautiful foyer with its black granite tiled floor, it is evident a great deal of thought went into the planning and décor. “When it comes to decorating,” Mike explains, “we kept the palette neutral. The accessories can be varied and in turn, the look is changed easily.” They used a Ralph Lauren metallic paint (Silver Cufflinks) on the doors to give them extra sheen. The tile in the kitchen is also black granite, contrasting beautifully with the grey-taupe walls, tumbled marble backsplash, and carpet.

What once was the front closet is now their bar area with wine fridge. The mirrored backsplash brings in additional light to the transitional area between the living spaces and the bedrooms. “Our hallway is our art gallery.” Throughout the entire unit, fine art graces every wall, with the focus on Canadian artists. “You can always find space for more art.”

Having to adjust to almost 2,000 square-feet less of living space, they had to downsize. “We sold or gave away much of our furniture and started from scratch, with the exception of our bed and lamps, plus one coffee table. We took the idea: if we didn’t just ‘love, love, love it’, we would part with it,” explains Fay. “It’s very liberating.” They even downsized their television from a 42-inch to 32-inch screen. “It’s the right size for the space.”

On their wish list, an extra 200 square-feet of living space would be wonderful. “It would be very nice to have this space when the grandchildren visit from Ontario.” However, Mike and Fay have maximized the usage in their den, making it a multipurpose room; it is an office, library and guest room. It offers extra storage for Mike’s clothes, as well. The desk folds into itself and a queen air bed comes into use when the girls stay over. A custom built cabinet replaced the closet where bedding, as well as Mike’s shoe collection, ties and other fashion accessories are kept. Fay stores her clothes in the master bedroom’s closet, along with the rest of Mike’s clothing. Again, she took the adage, if she did not love it, she did not keep it, allowing her to streamline her wardrobe with a fabulous fashion sense and sensibility.

“The buildings are going through a transition”, says Mike. “This tends to be an older community. Seniors, many who are original owners, are now moving into assisted living situations.” Executives and young professionals are moving in, including those who work at the hospitals close by, as well as at the university.

“The location exceeded our expectations. We love to go to the mountains and it is so quick to get onto the highway and out of town. Downtown, too, is only a short drive away, as is the golf course. We are in a location convenient to so many things.”

“We are now looking at finding another condo to renovate. This unit is just a little small for us. If we can sell this one, we would do it and consider selling the furniture with it, too!” The challenge for The Ostafichuk’s might be: will they find another one with such a fantastic view?