Enjoy a staycation year round in a condo

By Barbara Lawlor
July 27, 2020

The term “staycation” has been coined to represent people staying home during their holiday time and engaging in activities that make them feel like they’re on vacation. Pandemic aside, life in a condominium offers year-round resort-style benefits, with beautiful amenities under – and usually on top of – your roof. Essentially, you can enjoy a “staycation” whatever the season. It all starts with the freedom from worrying about building maintenance, repairs and upkeep, which all contribute to the holiday “mood.”

As for the fabulous amenities within these buildings, who could ask for more? There are varying combinations of swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, outdoor terraces with lush landscaping, rooftop terraces with barbecue areas, water features, fitness facilities, seating arrangements, virtual golf, theatres, party rooms … when you live in a condominium, a mini-vacation is always just an elevator ride away! From spending time with family and friends in one of these common areas to simply lounging on the rooftop terrace drinking in the views, fun and relaxation are always close at hand.

If your condo is beside the lake, even better. And if you are fortunate enough to live on top of a 5-star hotel, you have the ultimate in vacation-style living at your fingertips, with access to housekeeping services, valet parking and room service. The amenities in condominiums really do expand your lifestyle potential far beyond the square footage of your suite.

Of course, those who have purchased new condominiums, especially first-time buyers, may find their budget does not allow for a holiday the first year or two anyway. The great news is that Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are great places to live, with a multitude of seasonal activities, events, concerts, festivals and other get-togethers on the post-pandemic calendar.

Those for whom the “dog days of summer” include taking along their dogs, Toronto features several parks with off-leash zones. And of course, being a waterfront city, Toronto has wonderful Harbourfront Centre with activities for all ages. Lake Ontario provides striking, ever-changing vistas throughout the year.

Whatever you consider fun, explore our beautiful city and its surroundings for eclectic restaurants from fast food to fine dining, live theatre, outdoor and indoor concerts, sports events, museums, art galleries and shopping, shopping, shopping. Once the pandemic is behind us, the possibilities are endless.

And when you live in a condo and choose to go away on an actual vacation, the holiday feeling begins the moment you lock the door to your condo suite and leave, knowing your home will be protected and looked after. The peace-of-mind that brings is priceless. No more worrying about the lawn getting high or snow piling up while you’re away.

Cottages are wonderful, and vacations are exciting, but in a condo, resort-style living is an everyday occurrence. Convenience, luxury and equity potential are all part of the condominium experience. Whatever your age and family configuration, there is a condo out there that will fit your personal preferences and staycation needs!

About Barbara Lawlor

Barbara Lawlor is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Incorporated, an Honoree at the 2019 BISNOW Toronto Power Women Commercial Real Estate Leaders event, a panelist at the Key Media International Conference in 2018 and winner of the pinnacle 2017 Riley Brethour Award from BILD, among other accolades. She is also an in-demand columnist and speaker who is respected for her impactful industry voice. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in Canada in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Beijing. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com

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