A Sun-Kissed Vintage Charmer In The Upper Beach

All Is Within Reach In The Upper Beach

Living well has as much to do with what lies beyond the walls of your home, as it does with what is within them. This engaging community has a laid back vibe, where there is an inherent serenity being beneath the mature canopy of the lush tree-lined streets and enchanting surrounding ravines which make this neighbourhood so compelling. In fact, it’s particularly well-suited to those who need to decompress away from the urban fray daily. Are you a nature enthusiast, or someone who embraces walking or cycling as part of your everyday routine? When it comes to amenities, opportunities, and experiences, 249 Gainsborough Road is a desirable location indeed!

Need some of life’s essentials? Not to worry. Sobey’s, the LCBO, and Shoppers Drug Mart are a hop, a skip, and a jump away. The neighbourhood also has an excellent selection of eateries, bars, and bistros. We at Urbaneer love delicious weekend brunch, and one of the most notable brunch spots in the city can be found at Maha’s Egyptian Brunch. Looking to grab a snack between errands? Super cute Lazy Daisy’s Café and General Store is a sweet spot to nab a treat; they offer a selection of delectable baked goods as well as an array of pantry items at their General Store. For lager lovers, get your craft beer fix at Left Field Brewery, and coffee connoisseurs will appreciate Pilot Roasters Coffee on Wagstaff when in need of a sublime cuppa. To the south, Queen Street East and all of its dining and drinking options are just a stroll away. In fact, the Urbaneer Team have been enjoying breakfast at The Sunset Grill for decades!

When is the last time you visited vibrant Little India and the Gerrard India Bazaar? Living here, chances are you’d pop by frequently as it’s a quick jaunt away for amazing take-out and shopping. This colourful enclave is one of Toronto’s most unique – and delicious – destinations with multiple family businesses offering apparel, jewelry, home furnishings, and incredible South Asian fare. The sights, sounds, and smells are delightful! My go-to? I’ve long been savoring the samosas at MotiMahal Restaurant On Gerrard Street East, though you should definitely check out the indigenous restaurant Tea N Bannock or sample the incredible artisanal Canadian cheeses at The Pantry Fine Cheese.

We adore the history of unique neighbourhood staples that have become long-admired favourites of a community. The Shamrock Bowl and Restobar is exactly one of those. A hidden gem within walking distance, this vintage bowling alley has been fully restored to its circa 1950 roots, offering authentic décor, entertainment, and a savoury menu worth sampling.

We all know having quick easy access to nature is mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually grounding for all our senses. Fortunately, this property is brilliantly situated! Williamson Park Ravine has magical trails surrounded by unique flora and fauna, as does Merrill Bridge Road Park with its forest habitat, large green space, and generous dog park. For year-round leisure opportunities, wander over to Monarch Park that expands over 5 hectares.  At this location, there is a swimming pool with waterslide, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an off-leash dog park, plus an artificial ice rink! Even closer, Cassels Avenue Park offers yet another off-leash dog park, a splash pad, and children’s playground. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, spending time in any of these destinations is a great way to get some fresh air, soak up some much-needed Vitamin D, and engage with your community!

Having access to good schools in the neighbourhood will help lure future buyers, so owning a home that is close to reputable schools is always a good buy.  Elementary school from JK all the way through to Grade 8 is offered nearby at Bowmore Road Jr and Sr School and is under a 10-minute walk from your front door. For High School, Monarch Park CI is also about a 10-minute walk away as well. If French schooling is a priority, you’ll be pleased to know that École élémentaire catholique Georges-Étienne-Cartier is situated directly across the street.

Take Toronto Transit? While this home is removed from the hustle and bustle of the Danforth, transit is easily accessible. The Coxwell Subway station is within walking distance, while Gerrard Street has both the 306 and 506 bus routes and 306 streetcars operating on Gerrard Street East consistently. Without question, this is a super accessible location while still being leafy and low-key!

A Character Home Brimming With Love

One block north of Gerrard, up a quiet tree-lined road, you’ll find this enchanting oasis of domestic bliss. This well-loved and well-maintained detached residence constructed in 1926 embraces its history but has been intelligently upgraded with modern building components, fresh contemporary touches, and plenty of style. Fronted by a sun-dappled lawn and a mutual drive, this darling bespoke home is nestled under the canopy of mature trees. Its welcoming front porch runs the width of the home, offering a languid perch to watch passersby, including the local laughing barking brood of neighbourhood kids and dogs.

The classic charm of this residence is evident from top to bottom. The formal living room is bathed in light from a large front window that offers views of the pretty streetscape. Its wood-burning fireplace, vintage hearth, and original wood trim and floors provide a dynamic contrast to the classic contemporary fixtures. I adore how this house is a series of articulated living spaces, including the transition to the well-proportioned formal dining room. Here, the rich original patina of this house blooms with its original etched glass doors and plate rails. Well-preserved throughout the home, it’s important to note that character details such as these are increasingly rare to find in Toronto’s original housing stock!

The recently refreshed kitchen offers the perfect balance between old and new.  I love the original cabinets, the scalloped trim and built-in shelves, while the modern stainless steel appliances and crisp quartz countertops complement these features. This efficient zone of culinary creation connects to an exquisite courtyard garden through a new glass door, transitioning into a peaceful tranquil respite. Lush, landscaped, and shaded by trees, this private outdoor space is perfect for iced tea on lazy summer days, or dining al fresco at night with friends – not to mention an appealing opportunity for those who love to garden and grow!

The first of two bedrooms, a bright ground floor sanctuary of domestic bliss is steps to the full three-piece washroom. It’s a great sleeping space or a fantastic ‘Work From Home’ office. Up the stairs, a surprisingly spacious master bedroom unfolds under sloped skylit ceilings. Flooded with natural light from two windows and two skylights, the bed is located in a recessed alcove and flanked by the skylights, creating a dreamy tableau of rest and relaxation. And no Master would be complete without an impressive closet – of which this space has two! Wouldn’t you love this lofty hideaway as your relaxing retreat from urban life?

Descending to the lower level, you’ll find a laundry zone with side by side washer and dryer, laundry tub, and convenient shelving, as well as a handyman zone with a large workbench, pegboard for tools, and hanging cabinets – perfect for those amongst us who love building, crafting and DIY projects! This level is unfinished as of yet, but features new above-grade windows and holds plenty of potential!

In a sought-after thriving Upper Beach location, ideal for putting down roots, this detached 1.5-storey dynamic vintage home- complete with mutual drive and one parking space – offers the perfect fusion of yesteryear and today!

Want to explore further? Take a virtual tour through the home right here!

For more information, answers to your questions, or a private viewing, contact James Ormston at james@urbaneer.com!