Dear reader, If you can believe it, my maternal ancestors—immigrants from Guangdong, China—could afford to buy a heritage home on Rosedale’s Roxborough Street in the 1950s. Yes, they were slightly wealthier than the average new Torontonian, and sure, they had to squish multiple families into the one home, but the property was theirs—it was affordable, and it was beautiful. Like many immigrants of that era, they would eventually move to the suburbs in search of space and friends from the homeland. But they always spoke about that house fondly. It’s because of my family history that, against my below-Bloor impulses, I’ve always loved Rosedale. I love its ravines, its architecture, its restaurants and its walkability. All the good things that drew my ancestors to the neighbourhood are still there for the taking—though you now need a lot more dough.
Case in point: Curb Appeal’s top post this week is a $9-million mid-century marvel overlooking the Don. It’s half charming farmhouse, half smart home and a perfect representative of a changing Rosedale. Also in today’s newsletter: $8,500 a month to live in a fancy barn with a trampoline. And a Lawrence Park fort with a closet inspired by Coco Chanel. For all our real estate coverage and more, visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition. |
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| —Barry Jordan Chong, city and real estate editor |
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This four-bedroom, five-bathroom green sanctuary in Rosedale has a U-shaped design enclosing a private courtyard with a heated in-ground pool. It also comes with a built-in garage and smart tech that regulates surveillance, lighting and audio-visual equipment. The property is located on a ravine lot, backing onto the abandoned rail line that towers over the Evergreen Brick Works. |
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| Here’s a 2,000-square-foot retreat in the heart of ski country. For $8,500 a month, guests get a basement sauna, tons of reclaimed wood, two wine fridges, a patio with a TV and a private freshwater lake for swimming. |
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| How about a $11.9-million limestone block in North York? The property is equipped with a car lift, a caterers’ corner, a conference centre, a closet inspired by Coco Chanel and four waterfalls in the backyard. |
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