Winsome Wonder On Woodfield Road In Leslieville

It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood

Located just south of Gerrard Street East west of Coxwell Avenue, this handsome 2-storey 3-bedroom 1-bath Edwardian abode is nestled conveniently between Leslieville to the south and Danforth Village to the north. Situated steps from the vibrant Little India neighbourhood, this hot pocket of Toronto housing affords – for the moment – greater value for the money than many other central downtown neighbourhoods. The question is, for how long? As original dwellings are substantially renovated or replaced with new construction (one only has to look to the new build next door and the imminent tear-down four properties south from this offering), it’s fueling an escalation in prices for all freehold properties across the original City of Toronto. Inevitably, this value-added property will certainly follow suit.

Super convenient with a walk score of 86, we love how accessible this neighbourhood is. It’s just a short stroll or bike ride (Bike Score is 85!) to Monarch Park where you can relax and contemplate, throw the ball around with your pooch in its off-leash area, get fit in the outdoor swimming pool, or play hockey on the artificial ice rink. The park even hosts outdoor movie nights during the warmer months! How amazing is that?

Going places? At the top of Woodfield on Gerrard the 506 Carlton streetcar will whisk you west to Carlton and Yonge Streets in about 21 minutes, or the North 22 Coxwell bus will pop you from Gerrard up to the Coxwell Subway Station on the Bloor line in just 10 minutes. For those who have to hit the road and commute by car, driving south on Coxwell to Lake Shore Boulevard offers easy access to the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway. Running errands? Everyday necessities are right here in the ‘hood (less than a 5 minute drive away), while big box stores like Walmart and Home Depot are just west at Gerrard Square Shopping Centre, and the LCBO, Shoppers Drug Mart and No Frills Grocer are all within a 10 minute drive. Love spending a rainy day at the library like we do? The Gerrard/Ashdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library is also nearby.

We adore Gerrard India Bazaar, North America’s largest South Asian ethnic market. Located just steps north from this home, take a leisurely browse thru the textile shops full of colourful silks to make the perfect sari, or buy vibrant ready-to-wear clothing at import clothing shops. Find bargains on exotic home furnishings, jewelery, and art from South Asia. There’s plenty to keep you busy and that’s before you even get to the Bazaar’s main attraction – the food. You’ll find a mishmash of eateries featuring delicacies from North and South India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Savour fresh tandoori chicken or rich masala dosai at an authentic “chat house”. And as many traditional meals contain no meat, vegetarians will feel more than satisfied with the range of delicious options. We can’t resist recommending our longtime go-to when hunger pangs strike – the delicious vegetarian potato and pea samosas from MotiMahal Restaurant! They’re perfectly spiced and accompanied with the traditional tamarind and green chutney sauces. At just $1 each, these are perfect to serve at a last minute fete, and an ideal (and effortless) contribution for a community potluck!

If you subscribe to the Shop Local, Buy Local Movement, we assure you this neighbourhood is dotted with numerous family-run and entrepreneurial businesses. For example, The Pantry is a bespoke fromagerie with a focus on artisanal Canadian cheeses and local accompaniments. It’s the kind of place you pop by to say “Hi” to purveyors Jeremy and Kathyrn during your weekend saunter through the neighbourhood. They’ll teach you a fascinating tidbit, and pair the great bottle of wine in your satchel with some of their delectable products. Or head over to Sanagan’s Meat Locker to curate a tasty spread for any of your Summer family and friends barbecue get-togethers. Have a sweet tooth like we do? Indulge at Glory Hole Doughnuts on Gerrard Street near Coxwell, and choose from their three types of doughs (including a vegan option) and an amazing selection of seasonal flavours you may never have dreamed of!

Of neighbourhood amenities, the one that will add convenience and quality to your life, as well as go far to preserve and boost the asset value of your home is the proximity of good schools. 254 Woodfield Road is well-located to a quality selection of schools. Less than a 10 minute stroll away are Roden Public School (Grades JK-8) and Riverdale Collegiate Institute (Grades 9-12) is less than a 15 minute walk away. St. Joseph Catholic School for JK-8 and St.Patrick Catholic High School for Grades 9-12 are also within a manageable distance.

Home Sweet Home

Nestled on a leafy tree-lined street home to a dynamic synergy of urban residents, this detached 2-storey heart-grabbing Edwardian residence is situated on a generous 25′ x 120′ lush landscaped lot. Having two levels of finished living space, plus an unfinished basement, this jewel of domesticity features several intelligent modern improvements including a smartly-executed visually-arresting light-filled communal kitchen with family room addition while also respecting, and preserving, the architectural integrity of the original layout. Featuring generous proportions, excellent flow, and an understated sensibility that is simple, honest and easy, we appreciate the artful balance between old and new. In fact, in a city where so many vintage dwellings have been gutted into ubiquitous open concept space plans, we believe it’s only a matter of time when homes like this – thoughtfully modernized, yet with their formal rooms intact – become increasingly in demand and coveted.

From the welcoming front porch across the threshold into the entry hall with original staircase, one can instantly relate to the insouciant charm of this home’s original patina. Featuring ‘rooms that just feel right’, the gracious living and semi-formal dining rooms feature high baseboards, original wood floors, and generous windows. The expansive renovated kitchen is ideal for the resident chef with quality marmoleum flooring, a custom breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas cooking and an undercounter wine fridge. Plus there’s a bonus bijou ‘Work From Home’ office thoughtfully tucked into the custom storage cabinet, adding great utility. Of particular merit to light-lovers and nature-seekers, the bright breezy family room extension connecting to a raised partially-covered terrace overlooking a garden oasis provides an ideal spot for the family to gather, rejuvenate and unwind. Collectively perfect for entertaining groups large or small, this well-executed series of articulated progressive spaces are cohesive, comfortable, and artfully composed.

The second level has three well-proportioned bedrooms and a renovated bath. Of generous size, these private spaces for domestic bliss have that cozy get-away-from-it-all ambience, yet enough square footage to accommodate all the multi-function uses we require as we spend more time at home. Full points in our books for the flex room overlooking the rear garden with its murphy bed, built-in storage and study area. This space also affords an opportunity for future value (contingent on planning and permit approvals), by utilizing the current roof of the main floor family room for a roof terrace accessed by this room, or increasing the dwelling’s total square footage by constructing a second floor extension over the family room addition. In fact, the configuration and construction of the home lends itself quite brilliantly to the future creation of a tranquil master suite with ensuite washroom (the existing bathroom plumbing abuts this room) having a similar footprint as the kitchen and family room. This private sanctuary would enjoy a south-west exposure, a pretty garden vista, and the opportunity for vaulted ceilings to enhance the volume of space. For those seeking a residence with an eye to a future upside, the potential to grow is invaluable.

On the lower level, a full basement comprising storage room (currently used by the owners as bike storage and exercise area), utility/furnace room and laundry area provide the household plenty of functional space for hobbies or crafts, while offering the opportunity to unlock greater future utility and value by finishing it into additional living space, such as a nanny (or moody teen!) suite.

Having an expansive landscaped garden with spacious cedar deck, newly finished fencing on the south side lot line, a convenient outdoor tool storage shed and an included natural gas barbeque (outdoor gas line already installed and ready to go!) this unique urban home presents an intelligent opportunity for those seeking turn-key living with a future potential upside.

Take a VIRTUAL TOUR of the dwelling here!

Want to know more? Contact james@urbaneer.com for more info!

Are you familiar with this location? Here’s our Neighbourhood Page on Leslieville / Riverside / South Riverdale, including our flavour video, the city census data on the area, plus several past blogs on area amenities!

Interested in how former working class neighbourhoods like Leslieville have evolved? Here’s our past HomeWatch newsletter called Gentrification In The City: Understanding Rejuvenation of Inner City Neighbourhoods, providing more insight on Toronto real estate.