This 1,500 square foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Cuenca penthouse (with one deeded parking space) has everything, from spectacular vistas -- including a view of Cuenca's famed blue domes -- to a garden solarium and terrace, an open floor plan, high-end GE Profile appliances, a gas fireplace and new North American construction and design. This was a “total gut and remodel” project implemented by an American contractor with an Ecuadorian architect. The contractor built the home for himself and spared no expense, so the buyer will definitely be the winner in this transaction. 

The original condo was taken down to its cement walls and totally rebuilt, with new plumbing (with p-traps and vents), new electrical, a new large fuse panel, double pane windows and over cement sheetrock which makes the condo warmer and quieter. Walls were also moved to create an open space concept. The ceilings were raised to 11-feet, a solarium was added, a master suite with walk-in closet was created, the spacious kitchen was enlarged, and a dedicated, big laundry room was added -- all making this an amazingly livable and solidly constructed home. 

The gas fireplace is the only one in the entire building and is vented directly through the roof (legally done). The flooring is the most expensive you can buy in Cuenca, as it is waterproof with 16 different patterns, and was laid American style versus the typical “zipper’ style you see in most Cuenca condos. The open kitchen offers all GE Profile appliances which include a large double-door refrigerator with a bottom-drawer freezer, a 5-burner gas cooktop that can be easily converted to electric thanks to a 220W line installed in the island, a built-in convection oven, a built-in oven, a garbage disposal and even a full-size dishwasher -- a rarity in Cuenca apartments. Beautiful custom built-in cabinets, a large island with a giant HEPA-filter lighted vent above it, white quartz countertops and backsplash, double sinks, an elegant glass skylight, and a full size, separate laundry room with a wash sink and floor drains complete the modern, fresh look. 

The laundry room also contains a hot-water heater. The living room window boasts a gorgeous view of Cuenca's historic downtown and the blue domes of the new Cathedral. The wide-open living and dining rooms flow into the solarium adding an indoor/outdoor feel that is inviting and welcoming.  This solarium “room” has two sides of sliding doors that open up to bring the outside in. And it was built so that even during a hard rain, you can use half of the space and leave the doors open.  Attention to detail in the solarium is extended to the custom tile work that is laid above a water-proof rubber membrane, eliminating the possibility of leaks. Rain falls directly down a 4-inch drainpipe in the building’s gutter system. On a nice day or starry evening, you can walk up a small raised step onto the deck to catch the stunning views of Turi and the Cajas. 

Down a hallway off the living room is the guest room with beautiful arched windows that offer the same gorgeous view of the 3 domes. And when you walk in the guest bathroom you’ll fall in love with the beautiful hand-cut marble tile flooring and walk-in shower. At the end of the hallway, behind a set of glass-paneled French-doors, is the beautiful oversized master suite. With over 12 feet of glass looking directly at the Cajas mountains, the light during the day is simply amazing. This room deserves to be seen in the daylight but is perfect and highly delightful anytime day or night. 

The master suite features a spacious sitting area and a custom walk-in closet built for two. The master bath is everything it should be for this beautiful home. With a custom sink and armoire (created from a piece of furniture), hand-cut marble tiles and the two-person walk-in shower, this bathroom stands out in the “cookie-cutter” condo master baths in Cuenca. This exceptional condo is located near the Remigio Crespo area of Cuenca, with fine restaurants and shopping right at your doorstep. A small, newly restored park is across from the condo building. The historic downtown area of Cuenca is only a 20-minute walk and is easily accessible by public transportation that goes directly in front of the condo building. 

The asking price for this modern gem is $178,000. Some furnishings are negotiable.