318 Queen Street

I'm very fond of the well-restored cottages in Kingston's downtown core. They sit well with me, feel like small, perfect treasures sewn into the city's tapestry. I enjoy their proving that a modest square footage is more than enough for most of us. And that limited resources were used to create some of the most durable homes. I like that people really live together in these places, rather than retreating to separate wings of some lookalike suburban mansion. A small house is cheaper to run and maintain too, and its diminutive footprint leaves room for others to set up shop. They speak eloquently, in other words, of hard work and a sense of community. 318 Queen St is a fine example, a star pupil. The renovations here are extensive and impressive. It was run for a while as a high-end Airbnb and I suppose that's a possible future once more. It's set up with two bedrooms, and works well that way, but you could also use the ground floor bedroom as a sitting room. With pine floors and barn board trim, a good modern kitchen with a gas stove and island, the effect is of a luxurious condominium, only without the monthly maintenance fee (all utilities have averaged only $190 over the last twelve months). The second floor loft and four-piece ensuite have exposed rafters and twin skylights, an old clawfoot tub, and laundry sulking in the corner. You are right downtown, which means all your favourite shops and restaurants are right around the corner, and the university and hospitals are only a short walk. There is even covered parking behind the house, and if you don't need it yourself you'd be wise to rent out a spot or two.