Ravishing In Roncesvalles Village
offered at $859,000If you’ve been looking for a place to call Home, you know how challenging it is to find a character property in a dynamite family-friendly location. You’d like the space a century home offers, but who has the time to gut it to the studs? Finding a place that doesn’t need a contracting crew seems like a tall order, but look no further!
Welcome to 218 Garden Avenue.
Centrally located, 218 Garden Avenue is a short drive to the QEW highway and just north of the Queen Street West streetcar that whisks you east directly into the central core. It’s a short stroll to magnificent High Park, and just steps to vibrant Roncesvalles Avenue with its charming mix of grocers, butchers and bakers, cafes, gift shops, and the much-loved revue cinema.
Roncesvalles Village is a wonderful amenity-laden neighbourhood. Originally developed in the late 1880’s for the Scottish and Irish merchant class, the neighbourhood transitioned into the cultural centre for the Polish community through the 1940’s. By the 1990’s, the aging population resulted in the decline of commercial activity catering to this particular community, which in turn created the opportunity for a new cycle of revitalization in the neighbourhood. As the long-time residents sold their homes, a younger creative community moved in. Attracted to the well-constructed, well-proportioned, good-value-for-dollar housing stock; a downtown location that wasn’t ‘too urban’; and proximity to the lake and green space, the rapid influx of new homeowners fueled gentrification. Such synergy created the impetus for a residential rebirth, including the conversion of the warehouses and factories that line Sorauren Avenue, the transition of the brownfield site that would become Sorauren Park and an entrepreneurial spirit that revived the commercial strip.
Today, Roncesvalles Village has blossomed into a liberal progressive family-friendly neighbourhood. It’s evolution is a testament to how neighbourhoods can retain their roots while enjoying a renewed celebration for urban life.
This elegant understated 2-storey solid brick Edwardian is great value! Constructed in the early 1900s, this well-proportioned residence has been lovingly occupied top to bottom by a growing family. Offering generous room sizes, character details and loads of upgrades, this home offers turn-key living for the next fortunate buyer.
From the moment you enter the front door, you know you’re somewhere special! Beyond the functional enclosed porch for all your family gear, the property unfolds with an elegant drawing room with an open concept space plan, gas fireplace and wood floors. An unusually generous dining room with tin ceiling and wainscotting connects to the garden, with a generous renovated family kitchen taking centre stage. Featuring gas cooking, ample cabinetry with breakfast bar, granite counters and stainless steel appliances, this is culinary heaven. This floor also contains a two-piece powder room.
On the second level are three bedrooms with a den area, plus a 4-piece washroom with heated floors and luxe Kohler fixtures. Sun-drenched with expansive windows (we love the bay window in the master bedroom) and generous closets in the master, this sleeping level is a heart-grabber. In the lower level a family media room with cork floors, a renovated 3-piece washroom, storage room and an additional bedroom for visitors or your moody teen gives a third level of family living space. How amazing is that?
This special property has been upgraded with loving care. Recent improvements include spray foam insulation, a 97% efficient tankless hot water heater, a high-efficiency condensing furnace (95%
efficient), new air conditioning, up sized 6” diameter HVAC vents through out plus energy efficient windows and sliders. There’s also upgraded plumbing throughout with a 3/4″ water supply, PEX piping with
water shut off at each fixture, a new water meter with master shut off plus a 4” diameter PVC sewer cleanout at the front of house. It doesn’t stop there! This dwelling also features a new flat roof (2010), 3/4″ hardwood throughout, an upgraded 100 amp electrical panel + full house wiring, cable/telephone/CAT5 Internet wiring to each room, and exterior GFCI outlets and hose bib.
We love the garden at Garden! Boasting a recent 15′ x 18′ cedar deck with storage underneath, new topsoil / seeded grass back yard with flower garden, and a natural gas line for the barbecue, this yard is all about family fun. Not to diminish the value of the 2 car concrete block garage with electrical, lighting and an automatic garage door opener! Plus there’s a third parking space in the laneway. How brilliant is that?
Gracious and well-loved, this magical Roncesvalles residence is ready for immediate occupancy.
Is Roncesvalles Village the neighbourhood for you? Check out our Neighbourhood Page on Roncesvalles Village including a great flavour video, the city census profiles, plus several of our blogs on local amenities! Or check out our other Neighbourhood Pages!
Want to learn more? Contact steve@urbaneer.com for more info!