This luxury, North American-style, furnished, 2-bedroom riverside condo in downtown Cuenca is located in one of the most sought-after buildings in the city ... Casas del Cipres. The six-year-old, exclusive and secure building is situated between the famed street, Calle Larga and the Tomebamba River. This 1,324 sq. ft condo has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two terraces and features top upgrades including travertine floors throughout the unit, restored brick accent walls, artisinal brick on the terraces, high-end cabinetry, a stainless steel island, top-of-the-line appliances, custom lighting and window treatments, and a six-foot gas fireplace in the living room, with a fire pit table on the terrace. All appliances are included in the sales price. The custom-made furniture -- the majority of which will stay -- is also included.

This is a 3-story walk-up without an elevator, but the building has a dumb waiter that carries your groceries, suit cases, and heavy items right to your floor.

Located in the center of the historic district — with its top restaurants, museums, shops, coffee houses, and cultural institutions — the building itself is an oasis of calm and serenity. Close the main entrance on Calle Larga and the noise of the city virtually disappears. You are greeted by a soothing water feature, beautiful plantings, and a private, shared garden and park with stone benches and beautiful ancient preserved trees, including an avocado tree. 

A second, private gated entrance in the rear of the building leads to the walking and bike paths along the river, making this an ideal combination of city excitement and nature-enhanced beauty. There is also a shared rooftop with views of the famed blue domes of the Cathedral … Cuenca’s landmark.  The apartment has a bodega in the basement of the building, and there is a community bike rack for bike enthusiasts.

The condo features a good size terrace with city and mountain views, a small grill, a fire pit table for four and lounge chairs for gazing at the sunset. The primary bedroom opens up to a second plant-filled patio, which provides a beautiful view on those lazy mornings. Add a couple of chairs and enjoy your morning coffee right outside your bedroom.

As you enter the unit, you are stuck by the light, bright and airy feeling the apartment has thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows along the living area and the open-concept living arrangement. At night, you will feel cozy and warm lounging in front of the fireplace and watching the sparkling city lights outside or snuggling up for a good movie.

This is an ideal entertaining home, with a table for six for formal meals, and an eat-at bar and island, for more casual meals. Enjoy a glass of wine while the cook prepares a gourmet meal in the chef's kitchen which is designed by the owners (both incredible cooks) with everything a chef (or want-to-be cook) would desire. From a five-burner gas stove, to a large, 2-door refrigerator, microwave, stove, a grand range hood, tons of cupboard and countertop space, and a secondary countertop with glass-fronted shelving. The cupboards have under mount lighting, making it easy to see as the evening meal progresses. 

The spacious living room has a couch, side chairs, a credenza, and built-ins on either side of the fireplace --- one of which has been turned into a lovely and handy bar area. The adjacent dining room is next to the kitchen and the entire apartment has views.and cityscapes.

Down a small hall is the social, full bathroom that also serves as the bathroom for the guest room. Walk a little further and you'll find the primary suite which is large enough to accommodate a king-size bed, bedside tables, a comfy chair, and dressers should you want them. The en-suite bedroom has a lovely, flower-filled patio with a sliding glass door adjoining the bedroom, and is the perfect place to enjoy, and watch hummingbirds and ever-changing nature scapes.

This exceptional condo is a perfect home, Airbnb or long-term rental apartment. Casa del Cipres has garnered top prices for rentals in the city due to its great location (a five minute walk to Parque Calderon, the main city square), its easy riverside access, and its modern amenities and design. Built by Cuenca's most celebrated downtown development company, ISAM --- who has created 7 unique buildings in El Centro -- these are great investments that increase in value across the board. 

Casas del Ciprés features 24 residential apartments and three commercial stores and received the prestigious Fray Jose Maria Vargas Architectural Award for excellence in architecture from the Cuenca Municipality. In 2019 Casas del Ciprés also won first prize for “Best Design” in Ecuador at the XXI Pan American Architecture Biennial in Quito and received second prize in the International category.

Designed for quiet livability behind the hustle and bustle of old town Cuenca, the building is also directly across the river is the “New” Cuenca with tons of restaurants, banks, hospitals, grocery stores and a mall -- all within walking distance from the apartment. Gas and water for the condo are managed by the HOA so you’ll never run out of gas or have to worry about lugging around gas tanks or being out of hot water. The building is equipped with Fiberoptic internet, central hot water, and a Rainwater recycling system for garden sprinklers. The HOA is $120 a month and includes gas.

This luxury, North American-style, furnished, 2-bedroom riverside condo in downtown Cuenca is listed at $299,900.