Downsizing in Aldershot South: Inside 112 Fairwood Place West

There's a version of downsizing that feels like a compromise, and there's a version that just feels like less work. 112 Fairwood Place West is the second kind.

This is an executive freehold townhome in a well-run private community in Aldershot South, backing onto nearly four acres of privately owned green space. The HOA takes care of the grounds, the gardens, the snow, and the grass. Sprinkler systems included, so the maintenance list that usually comes with a house simply isn't there anymore.

What the HOA fee actually covers

At $675 a month, it's worth knowing where that goes. The association cuts and waters the lawns, maintains the community gardens, and keeps walking paths cut through the four-acre forested parcel at the back, the kind of paths where you'll hear more birds than traffic. They handle snow removal, roof and shingle upkeep, skylights, leaf cleanup, and repainting of exterior doors, garage doors, and the wrought iron fencing. It's a homeowners' association, not a condo board - a small group focused on keeping things running, and by the property manager's own words, they operate on common sense rather than red tape. How refreshing!

Parking, solved

One detail that surprises people: you don't have to tandem park. Along with the garage (which does have inside access), owners have their driveway spot, and access to use the visitor parking full-time. There’s always plenty of space available. Practically, that means the garage can stay a garage (storage, workshop, whatever you need), one car sits in the driveway, and a second car uses visitor parking. No shuffling cars around before golf, groceries, or a hair appointment.

The setting

Out back, the shared green space is genuinely used. Neighbours walk their dogs and exercise. You can walk through (or around depending on your level of adventure) to Aldershot High School, home to a well-loved toboggan hill in the winter and a proper track for running or walking laps in the summer.

The neighbourhood

Aldershot South has a strong, connected community feel, and everything sits within a short walk or drive. It's about two minutes to Burlington Golf & Country Club and La Salle Park with its marina, and five minutes to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Waterdown Road and North Shore Boulevard give quick access to the highway network, and Joseph Brant Hospital and downtown Burlington are a quick and easy drive.

Closer still: the Aldershot Farmers' Market sits right at the northwest corner of Waterdown Road and Plains Road, about a ten-minute walk. J&G Meats and Fortinos cover the everyday shopping. Pilates on Plains and Gym on Plains are a 2-5 minute walk through the parking lot behind the Plains Road buildings.

The home itself

Inside, the main floor moves easily from the living and dining space through the kitchen and out to a private balcony with a ravine view. Upstairs, two suites each come with a walk-in closet and ensuite, including a primary bedroom with the same green-space outlook, plus a bedroom-level laundry room for added ease. The lower level adds a guest bedroom, full bathroom, a recreation room with nearly 11-foot ceilings, a walk-out to the patio, and a 20x10 storage room with built-in shelving, the extra storage space that eludes so many downsizers. There’s no rush to sort out and start scrapping your prized possessions.

Upgrades in the last two years include refinished hardwood floors, new broadloom with upgraded underpad throughout the upper level and basement, ductless AC/heat in the primary bedroom for added comfort, replaced windows and sliding doors in kitchen and living room, replaced the gas fireplace, new main stairs, and a full interior repaint.

If low-maintenance living in a genuinely connected Burlington neighbourhood is on your list, this one's worth a look.

Andrew Mclellan, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc. | mclellanrealestate.ca | andrew@mclellanrealestate.ca