An Enchanting Victorian Cottage In Little Italy

Located west of Bathurst Street north of College on Clinton Street in coveted Little Italy, this classic casa is in proximity to all the amenities for urban life. Superbly situated, this residence is equidistant to the Christie subway station or the 506 streetcar serving College Street, and just around the corner from the Harbord Street bicycle lanes that run west to Ossington or east towards the University of Toronto and Queen’s Park. A block north is colourful Koreatown, and a short stroll southeast lands you in the culinary coolness of Kensington Market, regarded as Toronto’s most dynamic multicultural fresh food markets. And of course at the bottom of Clinton Street is College Street – and to the southwest is Dundas West and the Ossington strips, which are each regaled as some of the City’s Top destinations for food and culture.

To fully benefit from the urban pedestrian lifestyle, this residence is also in proximity to green space for fresh air, exercise and connecting with nature. Just around the corner is Bickford Park, with its wide open fields, baseball diamonds and off-leash dog park. One block north is Christie Pits Park, with its expansive green fields, childrens playground, splash pad and artificial ice rink.

Some of the city’s very best restaurants dot Harbord Street both east and west of the property. And within a few blocks east and west of Clinton on College Street, you’ll find several of our favourite restaurants and patios, including Kalendar Cafe and La Carnita on College St. Also a short stroll away is Saving Grace and some other of our faves: Woodlot, and Bar Raval. One thing is certain; there is ample choice for wining and dining mere steps from your front door. For something a little different, check out Dish Cooking Studio and their innovative approach to the culinary experience – you can shop, dine, or even cook! Once you’re full of delicious offerings from one of these establishments, you can explore one of the many unique shops and alternative spaces along College Street. Music lovers will revel in the live funk and grooving beats of The Orbit Room or the vintage offerings of June Records, while movie fans will delight in art indie house Royal Cinema, located west of Clinton Street on the north side! Showing a wide range of repertory cinema, the Royal is fully renovated with state-of-the-art technology and boasts an upgraded projection system that’s also used for movie editing purposes during the day. There is a small plaza with a Shoppers Drug Mart and 24-hour Metro Grocer on the south side of College between Shaw and Crawford, and the LCBO is just east of Manning on the South side. Literally, everything you require for a domestic life of bliss is within walking distance of this property. How amazing is that?

When selecting your future home, something else to consider is proximity to schools, which is a crucial part of supporting asset growth in any property. Even if you don’t have need for schools yourself, future buyers might, and the more you can offer them, the greater your chances of getting top dollar. Right near 233 Clinton is Clinton Street Public School, offering programming from JK through to Grade 6. They also have a before and afterschool care program, which is very convenient. Also serving this neighbourhood is King Edward Public School, which has programming all the way through from JK to Grade 8. This is a “triple track” school, offering Extended French, French Immersion and Gifted programs. For high school, the local school is Harbord Collegiate that houses Grade 9-12.

The sweet charm of this lovely two-bedroom Victorian ‘Gothic Revival’ cottage – built in 1880 – is evident from the street, with its iron fence, lush landscaping, stately red brick facade with yellow brick quoining, welcoming deep porch and classic gable. Substantially renovated in the 1980s, the main Entertainment Space has generous proportions, wood floors and 9-foot ceilings. To the right of the foyer, a spacious bedroom has large windows overlooking the elegant porch, and a double closet. Anchoring the main floor at the rear is a stylish functional kitchen, with large island, stainless steel appliances and lots of prep and storage space. An airy sun-drenched breakfast room connects to a courtyard garden which offers an easy-care outdoor sanctuary. Rounding out the main floor is a full 5-piece washroom.

The second level is connected to the main floor with an open riser staircase, which permits the free flow of light and air, amplifying the sense of space. Upstairs is the sun-filled Master bedroom, complete with double closet and private cityscape balcony, which I consider the perfect perch to enjoy a morning coffee. The lower level of this home is vast, with loads of storage space, laundry and a separate entrance. The lower level offers unlimited potential. Dig it down to create an additional 1000 square feet of living space, or keep it as is for all your storage and utilitarian needs.

Increasing the living space seasonally is the private courtyard garden, with a large interlocking stone patio that offers endless outdoor entertaining possibilities. And don’t miss the generous double concrete block garage with laneway access, with electronic garage door system and remote.

Do you covet charm and convenience in the centre of the city? 233 Clinton Street offers the ideal trifecta of AAA location, vintage character, and unparalleled opportunity. With some pretty sublime Victorian architectural touches which add an enchanting layer of historical texture (note this dwelling is not listed on the City’s Heritage Registry), this heart-grabbing residence is a wonderful opportunity worth consideration.

For more information or a private viewing, email Steven Fudge at steve@urbaneer.com!