What $525,000 buys across Canada this week, including a townhouse on Vancouver Island's coast

1. Palatial family home north-west of Montreal.

Address: 121 Rue des Tourelles
Where: Sainte-Sophie, Quebec Price: $529,000 Specs: 4 beds, 3 baths Owning your own stone castle just an hour north of Montreal has its perks. A turret with winding staircase leads to a bedroom for all your dazzled guests while the master bedroom — at over 600 square feet — features a bathtub with Roman columns in which you can relax as you look out over your ¾-acre grounds. In lieu of neighbours, you get a beautiful wooded backyard fit with a gazebo to entertain in.

2. A classic airy loft space in historic Cabbagetown, Toronto.

Address: #8-289 Sumach Street
Where: Toronto, Ontario Price: $529,000 Specs: 1 bed, 1 bath Cabbagetown’s Sumach Lofts are a perfect example of a historic conversion executed well. The beauty of old buildings is that their spaces are usually bigger and loftier than their newer counterpoints. With a footprint of 850 square feet, this condo offers ample room with all the expected classic charm: exposed beams, raw brick, soaring ceilings. But in an unexpected twist, find skylights, a terrace, a second-storey bedroom (with your own staircase!) and summer-required AC.

3. Townhouse in Qualicum Beach community, Vancouver Island

Address: #5, 5251 Island Highway
Where: Qualicum Beach, B.C. Price: $525,000 Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths Qualicum Beach is heavy on British expats, so grab some specialty lemonade at the local Quality Foods (in the Brit section) and pour yourself a Pimm's. Then, thanks to strata living (similar to a condominium arrangement), enjoy Qualicum Landing’s pool, fitness centre, hot tubs and sport courts. Or, stay home and enjoy your hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings and two patios to take in the ocean breeze.

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