Condo of the Week: $825,000 for a penthouse suite above Toronto’s first post office

Address: 105 George Street, Penthouse 6 Neighbourhood: Moss Park Agent: James Lapointe, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage Price: $825,000

The place: A never-lived-in penthouse in a mid-sized tower, with windows that face south, towards St. Lawrence Market and Lake Ontario.

The history: This building was squeezed onto a chunk of land behind two of Toronto’s oldest edifices, including the 1827 Bank of Upper Canada (now offices) and the city’s original 1834 post office, which is now part postal museum and part working post office. A retiring couple bought this penthouse from plans in late 2011, but have since decided to move to the Azores.

Big selling point: The view is hard to beat. Residents can see sailboats on the lake, Toronto landmarks like St. Lawrence Hall and St. James Cathedral, and modern towers in the distance. Best of all, the heritage buildings directly south aren’t going anywhere, so the view will likely never be blocked.

Possible deal breaker: Space is at a premium here, and that means European-sized appliances and no dining room. The current owners had the foresight to upgrade the kitchen island with a long overhang that allows it to seat up to six. There’s also a big dining table that can be reserved in the second-floor party room.

By the numbers:

• $825,000 • 850 square feet • $590 in monthly maintenance fees • 160-square-foot terrace • 10-foot ceilings • 2 bathrooms • 2 bedrooms • 1 den • 1 parking space • 1 separate storage locker

The condo’s interior is about 850 square feet, but a skillful staging job makes it look a bit bigger.

The kitchen is combined with the living area. There’s no room for a giant gas stove, but all the appliances are new, and clad in stainless steel.

The unit has a small den area.

The main bathroom has a glass shower stall.

The second bedroom is next to the kitchen. It doesn’t have a window.

And here’s the master bedroom, with a view of the balcony.

The master bedroom’s en suite bathroom.

And here’s the balcony. It has a hookup for a gas barbecue.