We are moving on up!  To the east side…

Things are going to get a little more upscale and relaxed around here in the GCC household.  We just signed a 1-year lease on a 1-bedroom apartment in Taipei, 1 block from Times Square and 2 blocks from Central Park.

We are now residents of one of the finer neighborhoods in the very heart of the city.  (One of our neighbors has a Bentley, which I enjoy riding past on my bike as he is stuck in traffic.)

My new commute to Chinese class is a joyful 10 minute bike ride down tree lined streets, and the hospital where we plan to welcome GCCjr into the world is just across the main street.  There is even a 7-11 10 steps from our front door.

Posh living does come at a price, however.  Our rent is now $1,400 a month (40,000 TWD + 2,000 TWD management fee)

But enough talk, let’s get to the tour

As we pass through the front entrance, the open floor plan warmly welcomes us with the kitchen on one side and a floor to ceiling glass wall on the other.

A Dream Kitchen

A Dream Kitchen

This kitchen has everything one could ask for… all high-end stainless steel appliances, plenty of counter space and an open range, a wine cooler, a dishwasher(!) and even an oven (rare for Taipei.) It looks like we’ll be able to make bread again

The bar top doubles as a dining table, great for entertaining and sharing with guests in the living space

Sit Back and Relax

Sit Back and Relax

The full room floor to ceiling glass wall opens completely, providing an indoor outdoor living space with great natural lighting and air flow.

Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living

The outdoor plants are taken care of by an automatic sprinkler system, and provide plenty of oxygen and noise reduction. Even in the heart of the city our home is quiet and relaxed.

Bedroom

Bedroom

The bedroom is also wide and open and has closet space that would even satisfy Paris Hilton. I even have a dedicated space for storing ties… now if only I owned one

The master bath is a nice oasis, with a large shower with a rainfall shower head, a large bath, and the world’s smartest toilet.  Even here the storage is massive, with storage space hidden in the mirrors

Day Spa

Day Spa

Throne Fit for a King

Throne Fit for a King

There is also a half bath for guest use, as well as a large storage space where the washer/dryer is located

Overall the apartment is slightly smaller than our previous Taipei apartment, but it feels larger. The space is much more open with incredible natural lighting

While our monthly rent has increased significantly, we will save some money in other areas.  Because of the natural air flow we are already using the air conditioner less.  I’m now biking to and from school even on the hottest days, as opposed to taking the bus one way to avoid sweating like a pig in class.  The more central location will reduce our taxi and Uber expenses, and a kitchen like this one just begs you to eat at home

While all of that is great, overall our expenses will still increase.  Such is life in a deluxe apartment in the sky

In addition to the rent, we had other costs and fees.  Because this apartment was listed through an agent, we had to pay a fee equivalent to 1/2 months rent.  The apartment was also not completely furnished, and we purchased a sofa,coffee table, two bar stools, and some small kitchen appliances.  Our intent is to sell these when we move on, much like how we had free high-end furniture when we lived in Seattle