Agent Will

This advert on a bus stop just outside 1000 Beach summed up precisely what I was thinking as I left the most expensive condo in Canada. “Attracted to Awesome.” That is the answer to the question: Who would be the client who would buy the 18.2 million dollar Penthouse?

This place has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past couple of years. It was purchased in 2006 for somewhere around $3million and is now the most stunning, most gorgeous, must unique, and most designed pad in the city (possibly the country). I’ve been in a few near $10million and have seen some pretty swanky pads in my day but nothing, nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to this place. Not in price and certainly not in design.

The scene: the first ever agents open, a crowded elevator (private, I might add), a quick trip to the top and open. Shoes. Lots of shoes. This is a popular place to come and we keep our places clean by removing our shoes. Some buyers who do not do this is their homes don’t understand this practice but I like it. Maybe that comes from my time spent in Asia. Walk in and you are immediately greeted by one of the best views on earth (Please do not sue me Province of BC for hijacking the Best Place on Earth tag). 7000 Sq.ft. on 2.5 levels (including the maids quarters on the 2nd floor of the building) with 360 degree views of the whole city. And on a gorgeous day like today (Is it really January? Where’s the rain/snow? Oh, it’s coming this weekend…) it was a true treat. Snow-capped mountains, calm waters below, beautiful blue sky above. Perfection.

Some comments overheard: “Wow”, “Oh my”, “Look at this!”, “That’s gorgeous”, and my favourite “I just can’t take it all in. I’m overwhelmed.” Lots of smiles in the place. You see, as realtors we see a lot of homes and usually a place will have one or two features that are nice, be it the furniture or a paint scheme. We rarely get truly astounded. This was different.

Not a single square inch was left alone and every angle, every view was touched for maximum impression. the book case in the living room, a modern custom wrapping up and over a doorway. The chandelier, which can be seen from the Burrard Bridge, with its matching hanging tear drop lights found throughout the unit. The smooth metal staircase up to the soundproofable den with random drilled holes. The elegant carvings into each and every door. The water spigot next to the master bed for those nights when you are thirsty. The back-illuminated opaque onyx stonework which made many a wall and ceiling. Of course, I would be remiss to neglect mentioning the surprisingly not ugly lime green floors in the kitchen area. It was truly gorgeous, the best for me being the view from the living room into the unit towards the kitchen with the suspended den. Pictures do not do it justice.

It was truly a treat and if you ever get the chance to see the penthouse at 1000 Beach I suggest you do. You will not be disappointed. Now if only the Lotto 6/49 was over 18million often enough to find a buyer.

Which comes to the next question any buyer, even those with the wherewithal to purchase such a place, would ask. Is it worth it? And for that answer I got to say no. No it is not. Yes, it is gorgeous, in a great location, in a great city, with tremendous views and quality/love has been poured into it but it is no where near 18m. Maybe that is why they are throwing a $1million commission at it. Still not worth it. Not a single realtor I spoke to thought it was. The numbers most bandy about is $12million but I think they are wrong as well. As I said, I’ve been in a few and have seen what $10million buys. this is far better (and far bigger). My estimation puts it at somewhere closer to $15million. No one, not even the extremely moneyed will overpay $3million on a second (or third, fourth, even fifth) home, I imagine.

I wish them luck with the sale.

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